UAE suspends tourist and work visa applications for nine countries: Full breakdown of the 2026 visa ban
Introduction: What’s the Scoop? In September 2025 , multiple media outlets published that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued an internal circular suspending the issuance of tourist visas and work permits for citizens of nine countries starting in 2026 . The suspension reportedly covers new visa applications only; individuals with existing valid visas would not be affected. However, as of now, there is no official confirmation from UAE authorities (e.g. immigration ministry) publicly validating the ban. This mixture of media reporting, internal circular leaks, and diplomatic denials makes the situation fluid and uncertain. Which Countries Are Reportedly Affected? According to multiple reports, the nine countries are (in no strict confirmed order) : Afghanistan Bangladesh Cameroon Lebanon Libya Somalia Sudan Uganda Yemen These lists stem from media citing an “internal immig...