UAE Eases Entry for Indonesian Nationals with New Pre-Approved Visit Scheme
Good news for Indonesian citizens (WNI) planning a holiday or business trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE immigration authorities have officially expanded the 14-day pre-approved visit permit programme for Emirates airline passengers, which now includes Indonesian passport holders.
The policy, announced on Wednesday (1/7/2026), allows eligible travellers to obtain entry permits more easily before departure. In addition to Indonesia, the programme also applies to citizens of South Africa, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and Vietnam.
However, not all Indonesian citizens can utilise this facility. The programme is only available to passengers flying to Dubai using Emirates and who possess confirmed round-trip or onward Emirates tickets.
Furthermore, applicants must meet several requirements, including:
A stay in the UAE of more than 48 hours and a maximum of 14 days.
An arrival date in the UAE no later than 30 days from the date of the permit application.
A valid residence permit (with at least six months validity remaining) from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, EU member states, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or the United States. For US citizens, applicants must hold a valid Green Card, as student visas do not qualify.
The entry permit application process will be facilitated by VFS Global through the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) platform. This online system is designed to accelerate and simplify the visa application process for eligible tourists.
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global, stated that this policy is expected to enhance the travel experience for tourists heading to the UAE.
“This initiative is a significant step in improving the travel experience for visitors to the UAE. Through our long-term partnership with Emirates and the digital capabilities of VFS Global, we are providing a faster and smoother application process,” Vyas said in a statement quoted in Jakarta on Wednesday.
VFS Global noted that the policy is part of the UAE’s efforts to simplify entry procedures for tourists while strengthening its position as a global tourism and business hub. The collaboration between Emirates and VFS Global is also expected to facilitate short trips to the UAE for tourism, business, or transit purposes.