UAE Visa Restricted Countries List in 2026

Updated Immigration Rules, Pre-Approval Countries & Legal Guidance

Introduc tion: UAE Visa Restrictions in 2026 – What You Need to Know

The United Arab Emirates continues to maintain one of the most structured and security-focused immigration systems in the world. While the UAE remains open to global talent, investors, tourists, and entrepreneurs, certain nationalities are subject to visa restrictions, pre-approvals, or additional immigration scrutiny.

In 2026, UAE visa restrictions are not blanket bans in most cases. Instead, they take the form of:

• Mandatory pre-approval before visa issuance
• Conditional approvals based on visa type
• Nationality-specific requirements set by immigration authorities such as the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)

This article provides a clear, legally accurate overview of:

• UAE visa restricted and pre-approval countries (2026)
• Employment and business visa implications
• Nationality-specific limitations
• What applicants can still do to obtain approval lawfully

⚠️ Important Note: UAE visa policies may change without public notice. Always verify with authorized immigration channels before applying.

What Does “Visa Restricted” Mean in the UAE?

In UAE immigration practice, a restricted nationality does not automatically mean a visa ban.

Instead, it usually means:

• Immigration pre-approval is mandatory
• Additional documents or conditions apply
• Approval is assessed case by case

This distinction is critical, as many applicants wrongly assume restriction equals refusal.

Countries Requiring Pre-Approval to Set Up a Company With Visa Allocation (2026)

According to the official document used by immigration and free zone authorities, the following nationalities require pre-approval before they can:

• Establish a company with visa allocation
• Act as shareholders or partners linked to residency visas

List of Countries Requiring Pre-Approval

these include:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Iraq
• Iran
• Kenya
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Libya
• Palestine
• Sierra Leone
• Syria
• Somalia
• Turkey
• Yemen

Special Status Notes

• Israel: Visa processing stopped until further notice
• Nigeria: Immigration stopped accepting applications until further notice

These measures primarily affect business setup with visa quotas, not all visa categories universally.

Nationalities With Special Limitations Set by GDRFA (Dubai Immigration)

Certain nationalities are subject to specific procedural limitations, rather than outright restriction. These conditions are enforced by GDRFA Dubai and must be strictly complied with.

Afghanistan

• Applicant must be inside the UAE
• Must already hold a UAE residence visa
• Eye Scanning Report from Immigration is mandatory

Algeria / Tunisia / Morocco

• Only one female shareholder allowed (must be over 21 years old)
• If two female shareholders:
  1. Second shareholder must submit a 6-month bank statement
  2. Must already be a partner or investor on current visa

Bangladesh

• Only one shareholder
• Must have old UAE residence as Partner/Investor

Kenya

• Applicant must be inside the UAE
• Must be on a valid or cancelled UAE residence visa

These are administrative controls, not refusals, but non-compliance leads to automatic rejection

Nationalities Requiring Immigration Approval for Employment Visas (2026)

Some nationalities require special immigration approval when applying for employment visas, particularly if the applicant is:

• Outside the UAE, or
• On a tourist visa

Employment Visa Pre-Approval Required For:

According to the document:

• Bangladesh (if outside UAE or on tourist visa)
• Guinea
• Iran
• Liberia
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Yemen
• Nigeria
• Zimbabwe (if outside UAE)
• South Africa (if outside UAE)

Approval depends on:

• Employer profile
• Job title and salary
• Applicant’s immigration history

Are These Countries “Banned” From UAE Visas?

No.
In 2026, most of these countries are not banned, but rather:

• Subject to heightened screening
• Restricted for certain visa categories
• Dependent on sponsor credibility and compliance

Mislabeling them as “banned” is inaccurate and legally misleading.

Which UAE Visa Types Are Most Affected?

Most Impacted:

• Company partner visas
• Employment visas
• Certain tourist visas

Less Impacted:

• Investor visas
• Golden Visas (subject to enhanced due diligence)
• Government or semi-government sponsorships

Common Reasons UAE Visas Are Restricted for Certain Nationalities

The UAE applies restrictions based on:

• Immigration compliance history (overstays, absconding)
• Document verification challenges
• Security and geopolitical assessments
• Labor market regulation and protection

These policies are administrative, not discriminatory, and are periodically reviewed.

Can Applicants From Restricted Countries Still Get UAE Visas in 2026?

Yes — many do.

Approval is possible if:

• Conditions are met precisely
• Documentation is complete and verifiable
• Application is routed through the correct visa category

Professional legal or immigration guidance significantly improves approval chances.

What to Do Before Applying if Your Country Is on the Restricted List

1. Confirm your visa category (employment, partner, investor, etc.)

2. Check whether pre-approval is required

3. Prepare supporting documents in advance

4. Avoid multiple rejections (this worsens immigration records)

5. Seek professional assessment if unsure

Frequently Asked Questions (2026)