UAE suspends tourist and work visa applications for nine countries: Full breakdown of the 2026 visa ban

In a sweeping immigration update, the United Arab Emirates has temporarily halted the issuance of tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries spanning Africa and Asia. Though no official confirmation has been publicly released, an internal immigration circular signals a significant policy shift — one with far-reaching economic, diplomatic, and humanitarian consequences. The 2026 UAE visa ban reflects evolving concerns over security, health, and migration governance .

Who is affected: The countries on the UAE visa ban list

According to a confidential immigration circular accessed by multiple outlets, the UAE has imposed a temporary suspension on new visa applications from the following countries:

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

Citizens of these nine nations are barred from applying for both tourist visas and work permits in the UAE as of 2026. The policy remains in effect until further notice, with no announced timeline for reassessment or reversal.

It's important to emphasize that this is a visa ban, not a travel ban. Nationals of the listed countries who already hold valid UAE visas are not affected and can continue residing or working in the UAE legally.

Understanding the reasons: Why has the UAE imposed the ban?

While the UAE government has not released an official explanation, sources and analysts have pointed to several contributing factors behind this decision:

A. Security concerns

The most cited rationale in unofficial reports is national security. The UAE has previously enacted similar measures in response to concerns about:

• Document fraud
• Terror-related risks
• Unlawful migration
• Identity theft and forged paperwork
  

The suspension is described by insiders as a preventive measure to shield the country from potential risks associated with fraudulent or unverified entries.

B. Diplomatic and geopolitical tensions

Tense or complex bilateral relations between the UAE and some of the affected nations may also be influencing the visa policy. Past instances suggest that immigration policies are sometimes used to manage or reflect broader diplomatic positions.

C. Public health and pandemic protocols

Residual COVID-19 protocols appear to remain part of the UAE’s visa review process. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in cross-border health management. Analysts point to concerns over:

• Incomplete health screening
• Underequipped healthcare systems in some countries
• The risk of virus variants from less monitored regions

These health considerations may continue to shape immigration policy well into the post-pandemic era.

D. Migration management and digital reform

The visa freeze also aligns with efforts to streamline documentation, improve identity verification, and digitize the visa process. The UAE is reportedly working to overhaul its immigration systems to reduce paperwork inconsistencies and identity fraud.

Consequences: Economic, social, and operational impacts of the UAE visa ban

The UAE’s visa ban has triggered a chain reaction across multiple sectors:


A. Expatriate workforce disruption

• Jobseekers from affected countries , especially in sectors like construction, domestic work, and retail, now face a blocked pathway.
• Renewal issues have also been reported among existing residents attempting to extend or modify their work permits.
• Companies relying on skilled or semi-skilled labor from these countries are facing delays in recruitment.
  

B. Remittance and economic fallout

• Many workers from Bangladesh, Sudan, and Cameroon, among others, send critical remittances home to support families.
• The visa suspension disrupts this income flow, impacting local economies in already vulnerable regions.
  

C. Tourism sector slowdown

• Tour operators, airlines, and hospitality providers targeting African and South Asian tourists have had to adjust itineraries and marketing strategies.
• Prospective visitors now face indefinite delays, adding uncertainty to travel planning.
  
  

Next steps: What happens when the UAE visa ban is lifted?

Though indefinite, the UAE visa ban is not permanent. Once lifted, nationals from the listed countries will regain access to the UAE visa application process via:

• UAE online visa portals
• Embassy and consulate services
• Authorized immigration offices

The standard visa requirements will then apply, including:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
• A negative COVID-19 test result (RT-PCR)
• Vaccination certificate
• Proof of compliance with UAE health and quarantine regulations

Authorities and businesses across affected countries are awaiting further clarification from the UAE. There has been no public timeline or detailed policy announcement as of now.