Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries for UAE Residents
Many UAE residents can travel to a handful of popular destinations without arranging a visa in advance. The rules depend on your passport nationality and, for some countries, on the type and validity of your UAE residence. Always confirm with the destination’s immigration authority or your airline before booking.
- Maldives: free visa on arrival for 30 days for all nationalities except Israeli passport holders, extendable to 90 days for MVR 750. You need a passport valid for at least one month, a return ticket, confirmed accommodation, proof of funds and the online traveller declaration.
- Seychelles: visa-free entry on a visitor’s permit for up to three months. A Travel Authorization (EUR 10.90) must be completed online before departure, and you need a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Georgia: visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period if your UAE residence permit is multiple-entry and valid for at least 12 months on arrival. Otherwise you need a visa first. Travel insurance with at least 30,000 GEL of cover is required.
- Azerbaijan: 30-day visa on arrival at Baku airport (about USD 30), or an ASAN e-visa applied for online before you fly (about USD 25). A valid UAE residence is required.
- Oman: 28-day visa on arrival (OMR 5) at airports and land borders, or an eVisa. Eligibility for residents depends on the profession listed on the Emirates ID. Otherwise a sponsored tourist visa is needed.
- Nepal: visa on arrival for 15, 30 or 90 days, at USD 30, USD 50 and USD 125 respectively. Indian passport holders enter visa-free.
- Cambodia: 30-day tourist visa on arrival or e-visa for most nationalities, at about USD 30. Bring a passport photo for the visa on arrival.
- Indonesia (Bali): electronic visa on arrival (e-VoA) for 30 days, applied for online. Some nationalities, such as Filipino passport holders, enter visa-free.
- Thailand: visa-free entry for some nationalities, including Indian and Filipino passport holders. Others, including Pakistani passport holders, need an e-visa.
- Sri Lanka: a free electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for 30 days. This is not a visa, but it is applied for online in minutes.
Kenya is not visa-free: every visitor needs an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) approved before travel. For stays in the UAE after your trip, see our guides on checking your UAE visa status and the overstay fine.
Frequently asked questions
Does Oman accept every UAE resident on arrival?
No. Eligibility for residents depends on the profession listed on the Emirates ID. Otherwise a sponsored tourist visa is needed.
Is Kenya visa-free for UAE residents?
No. Every visitor needs an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) approved before travel.
Where to go next
- How to check your UAE visa status online
- UAE visa overstay fine
- Dubai visa on arrival rules
- UAE transit visa 2026
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