UAE imposes visa ban on Bangladesh from January 2026
Last Updated on September 20, 2025 3:10 pm
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a ban on citizens of Bangladesh, stopping them from applying for tourist and work visas starting January 2026.
According to an article published on the UAEVisaOnline website, which cited an immigration circular, the restriction is part of a broader visa suspension affecting Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.
Applications from these countries are not being accepted temporarily, said UAEVisaOnline, a travel agency that provides online visa services and keeps travellers updated on rules and the application process, citing the circular.
The UAE government has not officially stated detailed reasons for the ban, but reports suggest it is linked to security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and Covid-19 precautionary measures. Nationals already residing in the UAE with valid visas are not affected and can continue living and working legally.
The ban prevents new visa applications but does not constitute a travel or entry ban.
Common reasons for a UAE travel ban include entering the country with an invalid or fake visa, using a false identity or forged passport, overstaying beyond visa validity, having a criminal history or pending cases, working without a valid UAE work permit, and failing to meet Covid-19 testing or vaccination requirements, according to UAEVisaOnline.
After the UAE lifts the ban, nationals of affected countries, including Bangladesh, will be able to apply for tourist visas and work permits through official channels such as UAE embassies or the UAEVisaOnline portal.
Current entry requirements for all foreign nationals (2026 update) include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and at least two blank pages, an approved UAE visa, negative Covid-19 test results, a Covid-19 vaccination certificate, and compliance with UAE health, quarantine, and travel regulations.
According to UAEVisaOnline, the restrictions will remain in place until the UAE reviews security and health conditions.