Business Desk 
Oct 23, 2025
The list of countries that have been banned from obtaining a UAE visa in 2026 has become a popular subject on social media and in regional news reports.
Although the UAE government has not released an official statement on the matter, several rumours surfacing claim that citizens of nine countries cannot currently obtain new tourist or work visas.
The visa ban over a country suggests that applicants from those countries cannot apply for a new visa, i.e. work visa or a visit visa application. It is different from an outright travel ban, which means entry into the UAE is prohibited, even if a traveller has a valid visa.
This kind of situation typically arises from legal or immigration considerations such as unpaid debts, overstays, etc.
Reportedly, the UAE’s visa limitations are likely administrative and temporary measures to tighten immigration control and security and address visa misuse among the visitors.
UAE visa ban list for 2026
The list of countries facing UAE visa ban includes:
- Uganda
- Sudan
- Somalia
- Cameroon
- Libya
- Afghanistan
- Yemen
- Lebanon
- Bangladesh
However, this list remains unofficial, and local authorities in the UAE have not released any verified statement confirming it.
It is important to note that such measures taken by a country are periodic and policy-driven, influenced by factors like security concerns, labour market compliance, and immigration documentation issues.
