The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will stop issuing tourist and work visas to Bangladeshi citizens starting January 2026 as part of a broader visa suspension affecting several countries.

An article published on the UAEVisaOnline website, citing an immigration circular, said the suspension applies not only to Bangladesh but also to Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Cameroon, Sudan, and Uganda.

The circular noted that visa applications from these countries are not being accepted temporarily. UAEVisaOnline, a travel agency providing online visa services and updates on rules and applications, reported the decision.

While the UAE authorities have not issued an official statement explaining the reasons behind the ban, international reports have linked it to security concerns, geopolitical tensions, and precautionary measures related to Covid-19.

The suspension affects only new visa applications and does not amount to a full travel or entry ban. Nationals from the affected countries already residing in the UAE with valid visas will not be impacted and can continue living and working legally.

According to UAEVisaOnline, common grounds for visa or travel bans in the UAE include entering the country with fake or invalid documents, using false identities or forged passports, overstaying beyond visa validity, having a criminal record or pending legal cases, working without a valid permit, or failing to meet Covid-19 testing and vaccination requirements.

Once the suspension is lifted, nationals from Bangladesh and other affected countries will again be able to apply for tourist visas and work permits through UAE embassies or official portals such as UAEVisaOnline.

The updated entry requirements for foreign nationals in 2026 include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages, an approved UAE visa, negative Covid-19 test results, a vaccination certificate, and compliance with all UAE health, quarantine, and travel protocols.

The restrictions will remain in place until Emirati authorities complete a review of prevailing security and health conditions, UAEVisaOnline added.