UAE Visa Ban Countries 2026 – Full Details and Pakistan’s Status
The UAE has officially announced a new visa ban starting in 2026. This ban impacts nine countries across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. However, Pakistan is not included in the restricted list. This comes as a relief for thousands of Pakistani workers and families who rely on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah for jobs, business, and travel.
UAE Visa Ban Countries 2026 – Affected Countries
According to the latest immigration circular, the following nine countries face restrictions on new tourist and work visas:
- Uganda
- Sudan
- Somalia
- Cameroon
- Libya
- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
⚠️ Note: The ban only applies to new applications. People who already hold valid UAE visas are not affected. Check CM Maryam Nawaz Announces Special Education Package for Flood-Affected Students.
Is Pakistan Affected by the UAE Visa Ban?
No, Pakistan is not on the list. Citizens of Pakistan can still apply for:
- Tourist visas
- Work visas (with employer sponsorship)
- Residence permits (family and employment)
- Transit visas (issued by airlines)
This means normal immigration rules remain unchanged for Pakistanis.
Why Did the UAE Impose Visa Restrictions?
The UAE government has not released a detailed explanation, but reports suggest possible reasons:
- Security and immigration concerns linked to certain countries.
- Diplomatic tensions with affected nations.
- Post-COVID health and safety protocols still shaping immigration policy.
- Past patterns – such as temporary bans on Nigeria in earlier years.
Impact on Expatriates
- Workers from Bangladesh and several African countries are the most affected, as many rely on UAE jobs.
- Contract signings and renewals are facing hurdles.
- Pakistani workers and travellers remain unaffected, but experts advise staying alert, as UAE policies can shift quickly.
Travel Guidelines for Pakistani Citizens
If you are planning to travel or work in the UAE:
- Always check the latest immigration requirements before applying.
- Keep medical tests, insurance, and documents ready.
- Confirm that your job contract and employer are genuine.
- Follow airport and health protocols strictly.
Visa Options Available for Pakistanis in 2025
| Visa Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Open | Apply via UAE portals or authorized agents |
| Work Visa | Open | Requires valid employer sponsorship |
| Residence Permit | Open | For families or employees settling in UAE |
| Transit Visa | Open | Short stay, issued through airlines |
Why Pakistanis Should Stay Updated
Since UAE visa rules can change quickly:
- Depend only on official UAE immigration sources.
- Avoid fake news or unverified social media posts.
- Prepare applications in advance.
- Stay updated with Dubai and UAE travel alerts.
Conclusion
The UAE visa ban 2026 affects nine nations, but Pakistan is not included. For Pakistanis, all visa types remain open under current rules. While this is good news for workers, families, and businesses, it’s important to keep checking updates from official UAE sources to avoid any surprises.
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