Bon voyage! Countries UAE residents can visit without a visa
Are you tired of filling out long forms, checking applications for errors, paying the visa fee and anxiously waiting for a response? Applying for a visa can sometimes be a rather tedious exercise. And things can get annoying, especially when thinking of a quick getaway. So, we’ve compiled a list of visa-free countries for UAE residents. Forget those worries about getting a visa and head on that vacation you’ve dreamed of sitting at your work desk!
Visa-free countries for UAE residents
If you’re planning your trip around one of the UAE’s major public holidays, we suggest you start booking your stay and transport sooner rather than later. Late bookings usually mean you end up paying higher rates.
Let’s start with the list of visa-free travel destinations for UAE residents, regardless of your country of citizenship.
Sri Lanka
Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Sri Lanka is a gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean that every nature enthusiast has on their bucket list. As a UAE resident, you must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online via the Sri Lanka Government site. This ETA will be valid for 30 days.
There are a few regulations to follow when travelling to Sri Lanka. First, you must have proof of booking at a ‘Level 1 hotel’, as mandated by the country’s Travel and Tourism department. The various levels of hotels in Sri Lanka are listed on the country’s official website.
It’s easy to see why Sri Lanka is one of the most visited places among visa-free countries for UAE residents. With its fascinating ancient ruins, beautiful shorelines and majestic mountains, this diverse island has everything you’d want in an ideal vacation spot.
Sri Lanka has multiple places to surf, including Hikkaduwa Arugam Bay and Mirissa. Those fond of greenery can visit the tea terraces at Nuwara Eliya or Kandy. There are many historic places of worship, including Adam’s Peak and numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples for history buffs.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, visit places like Yala National Park and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The Turtle Hatchery is also a fascinating place to visit with family.
Among all the places to visit without a visa for UAE residents, Sri Lanka provides a well-rounded experience for holidaymakers! It is one of the best destinations for beach holidays from Dubai.
Maldives
If you associate vacations with tranquil beaches, bright blue skies and sparkling sands, the Maldives is your place. The lovely islands offer a visa on arrival (valid for 30 days).
You can do many fun things in the Maldives besides chilling in a luxury resort. Water sports are big on these islands. You can opt for water flying, fun tubing, parasailing, diving and surfing.
Several luxury resort options exist in different parts of the archipelago. Head to online booking sites and find a hotel based on your preferences. Our guide contains all the details about travelling from the UAE to the Maldives.
You don’t have to worry about the heat even if you plan to travel in the summer months. The weather here is relatively cool compared to the UAE. Prepare to be pampered and rejuvenated on your dream vacation in the Maldives.
Georgia
If you are a history enthusiast, Georgia should be on top of your list of places to visit. A huge advantage is that it is one of the visa-free countries for UAE residents. Georgia offers UAE residents a 90-day visa on arrival.
The country has a host of exciting places to visit. Areas of interest for tourists include Vardzia, Uplistsikhe, Mtatsminda Park, Narikala Fortress and more. If you prefer letting your hair down and partying, several nightclubs and bars can give you memories of a lifetime.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Georgia from the UAE.
Azerbaijan
At the crossroads of Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe, Azerbaijan is a fascinating country that blends Eastern and Western cultures. Currently, Azerbaijan offers a visa on arrival for UAE residents.
Azerbaijan is an affordable travel destination popular among people looking for holidays on a budget. It has both an urban side, with skyscrapers and modernity, and a rural side, with historic sites and gardens.
If you miss the place after returning to the UAE, head to one of your favourite Azerbaijani restaurants in Dubai to relive the experience. For those planning a trip, here’s our guide for travelling to Azerbaijan from the UAE.
Oman
Oman is another destination on the list of visa-free countries for UAE expats. Earlier, UAE residents had to apply for an e-visa, but that requirement has been removed.
Directorate General of Passports and Residence and Oman Airports announced that UAE residents could also arrive from a third country. However, their UAE resident permit must be valid for at least three months.
Visit the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman or head to Al Mughsail Beach. Like the UAE, Oman is home to historical forts like Khasab Fort, Nizwa Fort and more. Al Alam Palace and Mutrah Souq are also definitely worth visiting. Adding Oman to the list of UAE visa-free countries for residents will undoubtedly increase the number of tourists there.
For more information, we recommend our guide to the best places in Oman for Dubai tourists.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The latest additions to visa-free countries for UAE residents are Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a memorandum of understanding between the nations to facilitate and promote trade and travel.
UAE residents no longer require a visa to enter or travel through Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days. However, their passports must be valid for six months after their stay, and they must produce proof of onward travel.
Japan
Here’s some good news for UAE residents! As of November 2022, Japan offers a free visa for UAE residents for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. That means no application or fees are required to enjoy this unforgettable adventure. Start planning your trip to Japan today!
The best thing about visiting Japan is the futuristic skyscrapers of Tokyo, the majestic Mount Fuji and finding peace in the serenity of ancient shrines and temples. Also, you get to witness the beauty of the changing season throughout the year!
Other visa-on-arrival countries for UAE residents include Armenia, Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.
Visa-free Countries for UAE residents with Indian passports
While some countries offer residence-based visa options, other visa-free entry options are based on your passport. Indian expats can visit the following countries visa-free:
- Albania
- Barbados
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comores Islands
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Grenada
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Niue
- Oman
- Palau Islands
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
Before planning a trip, make sure you have a valid passport. If your passport has expired, apply for an Indian passport renewal immediately.
VISA-FREE COUNTRIES FOR UAE RESIDENTS WITH PAKISTANI PASSPORTS
If you are a Pakistani citizen, here’s a list of visa-free countries for UAE residents with a Pakistani passport. However, we recommend checking the respective government immigration policies to confirm if an e-visa is necessary, as the rules can change.
visa-free countries for UAE residents with a Pakistani passport
- Angola
- Bolivia
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Palau
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Suriname
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Dominica
- Gambia
- Haiti
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
If your passport validity isn’t enough, you can always opt for Pakistan passport renewal in Dubai.
Visa-free destinations for The Philippines passport holders
If you hold a Filipino passport, you can travel to the following countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Kazakhstan
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Palestinian Territories
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Gambia
- Morocco
- Rwanda
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Suriname
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Haiti
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Kyrgyzstan
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Timor-Leste
- Burundi
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoros
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Nicaragua
- St. Lucia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Tuvalu
If the passport is nearing expiry, here’s how to renew your Filipino passport in the UAE.
FAQS ABOUT FREE VISA COUNTRIES FOR UAE RESIDENTS
WHICH ARE THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO FROM DUBAI?
Are you planning a tour with your spouse post-marriage? Here is a list of the top places you can visit for your honeymoon from the UAE.
WHICH ARE THE BEST TRAVEL AGENCIES IN DUBAI?
Want to find a tour package for your family? Or do you want to go on a solo adventure? You can book Dubai travel agency to help you find the best holiday package on a budget.
CAN I TRAVEL TO ARMENIA WITHOUT A VISA?
If your nationality is on Armenia’s visa-free list, you can enjoy this beautiful country for up to 180 days without a visa. However, some nationalities require a visa to enter Armenia, even if you are a UAE resident.
Hence, it’s better to check Armenia’s visa requirements for your specific nationality before you travel. You might be able to get a visa upon arrival, but it’s always best to plan to avoid any surprises at the border.
CAN USE RESIDENTS TRAVEL TO GCC COUNTRIES WITHOUT VISA?
Citizens of any GCC country, including the UAE, can travel freely within the GCC without a visa. However, UAE residents who are not citizens will likely need a visa to visit other GCC countries. They can either obtain an E-visa or apply for a visa on arrival.
That’s all we have regarding UAE visa-free countries. Some amazing visa-free countries exist for UAE residents with Indian passports and passport holders from other countries. Plus, if you wish to travel to the land of the free via the capital, the Abu Dhabi US immigration experience is likely to be pleasent one thanks to the preclearance facility.
Being a resident of the UAE certainly opens up more options.
We hope that your next vacation to one of the visa-free countries for UAE residents is fun and that you make some happy memories that will last you a lifetime. Each of these destinations offers sights and adventures that are worth experiencing. If you wish to understand the different types of visas in the country, check out our guides on long-term UAE visas and spouse visa for Dubai.
Discover all the fun things you can do while living in the UAE on MyBayut, the region’s best property and lifestyle blog!
* Visa rules are subject to change. Please contact the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling.
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