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. 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. Usually, late bookings 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 for travelling to Sri Lanka. First, you must have proof of booking at a ‘Level 1 hotel’, as mandated by the Travel and Tourism department of the country. You can find the various levels of hotels in Sri Lanka on their 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, Maldives is your place. The lovely islands of Maldives 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.
Regarding luxury resorts, several 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.
Georgia 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 travelling from the UAE to Georgia.
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. Anyone above 18 must have proof of vaccination to enter the country.
Being an affordable travel destination, Azerbaijan is 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. Here’s our guide for travelling to Azerbaijan from the UAE for those planning a trip.
Oman
Oman is another destination in the list of visa-free countries for UAE expats. Earlier, UAE residents had to apply for an e-visa. However, that requirement has been removed.
Directorate General of Passports and Residence and Oman Airports announced that residents of the UAE 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.
The UAE residents no longer require a visa to enter or travel through Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid six months after the stay, and you must produce proof of onward travel.
Visa-free destinations for Indians in the UAE
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 it is 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 places that are either visa-free or require an e-visa. We recommend checking the respective government immigration policies to confirm if an e-visa is necessary:
- 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 VISA-FREE 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.
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. 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 get in touch with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling.
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