UAE Visa Ban: Which Countries Are Affected?

UAE Visa Ban — Who’s Affected, What It Means for Indians & Nepalis, and Emirates ID Renewal Updates (Sept 2025)

Breaking: multiple news outlets reported the UAE has **temporarily suspended new visa issuance for nine countries** — a move affecting some African and Asian nations — while at the same time official denials and clarifications have appeared for certain cases. For residents, the UAE has also rolled out **simpler Emirates ID renewal** options. Read this explainer for who is affected, what the official guidance says, and practical steps travellers and residents must take next.

Quick summary — what you need to know

• Several outlets report a **temporary halt on new visas** for nine countries: **Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan and Uganda**. This was reported by LiveMint and other outlets citing an internal circular.
• At the same time, some governments and diplomats have called some social-media claims **false** or **unconfirmed** — for example Bangladesh’s ambassador publicly termed some viral reports “fake news.” Always check official UAE portals.
• **India is not listed** in the reported list — current reports do not indicate a ban on Indian nationals. If you’re Indian, check the UAE embassy / airline and the official ICP portal before travel.
• For **Nepali nationals**, recent local reports indicate the UAE has tightened visit/work visa rules and in some reports temporarily suspended new work/visit visas — Nepalese authorities and travel agents are advising caution. This is evolving.
• On Emirates ID: the UAE government has simplified renewal/replacement into a faster one-step process for citizens and continues to offer clear renewal guidance on the official u.ae and ICP portals.

How reliable is this — and why are reports conflicting?

Newsrooms are working from a mix of sources: internal immigration circulars (reported by some national media), statements from foreign missions, and official UAE portals. That mix produces **fast but sometimes conflicting headlines**. For example, LiveMint and other Indian outlets published a nine-country list; at the same time Bangladesh’s envoy publicly pushed back on social-media claims in certain reports — a sign the situation is still being clarified.

Reported list: Which countries were named in coverage?

Country (reported)	Reported status	Source
Afghanistan	Temporary suspension of new visas (reported)	LiveMint. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Libya	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.
Yemen	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.
Somalia	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.
Lebanon	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.
Bangladesh	Temporary suspension (reported) — but diplomatic refutation noted	LiveMint; Bangladesh envoy denial reported by Times of India / Khaleej Times.
Cameroon	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.
Sudan	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.
Uganda	Temporary suspension (reported)	LiveMint.

What this means for Indian nationals

**Short answer:** current major reports do **not** include India in the list of countries facing a new visa suspension. Indians planning travel to the UAE should:

• Confirm trip status with airlines and sponsors (employers/hosts) before travelling.
• Check the UAE official portals (u.ae / ICP) and the UAE embassy/consulate page for your city for any new directives.
• If you have a pending visa application, contact the visa-issuing authority or the visa service provider to confirm processing status.

Note: media reports are evolving; if you have an urgent visa/flight, get in touch with your airline and the UAE embassy.

What this means for Nepali nationals

Local Nepali news outlets and immigration briefs indicate the UAE has tightened visit and work visa issuance for Nepali citizens, with some reports of temporary halts on new visas. Nepal’s authorities and travel agencies are actively advising caution and checking ticketing/processing before departure. This is an ongoing situation — confirm with the Nepali Embassy and your employer/agent.

Practical next steps for travellers & employers

• **If you hold a valid UAE visa or residence permit:** these reports do not indicate immediate deportation or invalidation of existing visas — but confirm with the issuing authority / sponsor.
• **If you’ve applied for a new visa:** contact the visa sponsor or the UAE visa service used (airline / GDRFA / ICP) to check status.
• **If you’re an employer:** delay hiring travel until your visa channel confirms clearance and consider alternatives where appropriate.
• **Always check official sources first:** UAE government portal (u.ae) and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP).

Emirates ID renewal — key updates & how to renew

The UAE has recently streamlined Emirates ID renewal and replacement procedures — citizens can now use a simplified one-step process and validity rules have been clarified for different age groups. Residency holders must continue to renew Emirates ID in conjunction with residence/visa renewal. Full, official instructions and the e-service channels are on the UAE government portal.

Emirates ID Task	What to do
Renewal (UAE nationals)	Apply 6 to 1 month before expiry via u.ae or ICP app; new one-step renewal available.
Renewal (Residence visa holders)	Renew residence visa first; Emirates ID renewal is tied to visa reissue. Check ICP portal for steps and fees.
Urgent/express service	Available for additional fee — processing can be 24–72 hours depending on channel.

Official contacts & where to check (must-bookmarks)

• UAE Government – u.ae (Emirates ID & visa services).
• Federal Authority (ICP) – icp.gov.ae — identity, entry/exit and residency services.
• Your local UAE embassy or consulate — contact details on uae or your country’s ministry of foreign affairs website.

Editor’s note: This story is developing. Several reputable outlets reported a temporary suspension for a number of countries, but diplomatic sources and government portals are still issuing clarifications. If you are planning travel or have visa applications pending, contact your sponsor/airline and the UAE embassy immediately and check the official portals above.

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FAQs — UAE visa ban & Emirates ID

Q: Which countries are banned from getting new UAE visas?

A: Several outlets reported nine countries — Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan and Uganda — as subject to temporary suspension of new visa issuance. These reports are based on leaked/quoted immigration guidance; check official UAE portals for confirmation.

Q: Is India on the UAE visa ban list?

A: No. The widely circulated lists do not include India. Indian nationals should still confirm with airline/sponsor and official channels before travel.

Q: Has the UAE stopped issuing visas to Nepalis?

A: Local Nepali reports indicate stricter rules and in some cases a halt on new visit/work visas; this is evolving — Nepalis should contact the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi/Dubai and visa sponsors for the latest position. }

Q: How do I renew my Emirates ID?

A: Use the UAE government portal (u.ae) or ICP app/typing centres. UAE nationals can renew 6–1 months before expiry; residents renew in line with visa renewal. A one-step renewal/replacement process has been publicised for citizens.

Sources & further reading:

• LiveMint — report on temporary suspension and reported country list.
• Times of India / Khaleej Times — diplomatic clarification / Bangladesh ambassador response.
• Onlinekhabar / Annapurna Express — reporting on stricter visa rules for Nepali nationals.
• UAE Official Portal (u.ae) — Emirates ID & visa services.
• Khaleej Times / Zawya — one-step Emirates ID renewal reporting.