UAE Suspends Tourist and Work Visas for Nine Countries

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known as a global hub for tourism, business, and work opportunities. But recently, the UAE has made a surprising move. Suspending tourist and work visas for citizens from nine countries. This decision is part of the UAE’s new 2026 visa strategy, which aims to strengthen national security and adapt to changing global conditions.

If you’re from one of the affected countries, or planning travel or investment in the UAE, this update is important. Here’s a clear breakdown of what this visa suspension means, who it affects, and what comes next.

The UAE has temporarily stopped issuing tourist and work visas to citizens from the following countries:

• Afghanistan
• Libya
• Yemen
• Somalia
• Lebanon
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Sudan
• Uganda

This means people from these countries can no longer apply for a tourist or employment visa at the moment.

While the UAE has not officially given a full explanation, experts and media reports suggest several possible reasons:

1. National Security Concerns
   The region is experiencing rising tensions, and the UAE wants to ensure its borders are secure from terrorism and other threats.
2. Diplomatic Issues
   Some countries on the list are currently facing unstable governments, conflicts, or strained relations with other nations.
3. Visa Strategy 2026
   This long-term plan focuses on making the visa process more efficient and aligned with the UAE’s economic and security goals. The suspension may be part of a broader plan to redesign who and how people enter the country.

• People from these countries who already hold valid UAE visas (either tourist, work, or residency) are not impacted. They can continue to stay or work in the UAE as usual.
• Transit passengers passing through UAE airports are also unaffected.

So if you already have a valid visa or residency, you do not need to worry.

For Workers:

People who planned to move to the UAE for jobs from these nine countries will now face delays. Employers will also need to look for other solutions or candidates until the suspension is lifted.

For Tourists:

Travel plans for visiting family, friends, or tourism in the UAE are now on hold for many.

For Students and Investors:

The article doesn’t mention any restrictions on student or investor visas, so those might still be available depending on case-by-case approval. However, rules can change quickly.

Yes. If you’re from one of the banned countries, you might consider these options:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries like Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of Africa and Asia are now becoming popular alternatives.
• Caribbean countries like Dominica, St. Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda offer citizenship by investment programs that allow visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area.
• Some European countries also offer residency by investment programs that provide long-term security and global mobility.

At this time, there is no timeline for when the visa suspension will be lifted. The situation is likely to depend on:

• Improvements in political stability in the affected countries
• Progress in regional security
• UAE’s review of the visa suspension’s impact under their 2026 strategy

Travelers and businesses are advised to keep checking with UAE immigration or their local embassy for updates.

• If you’re affected, avoid making new travel or job plans to the UAE until the suspension is lifted.
• If you already have a visa, continue to follow local rules and make sure your visa status is in order.
• If you’re looking for global travel freedom or better job opportunities, consider alternative countries that offer citizenship or residency through investment.