Visa-Free Countries for UAE Residents.
Expatriates who live in the UAE have a big advantage when it comes to travelling around the world. A UAE residence visa, along with the country’s strong diplomatic ties and bilateral agreements, makes it easier for people to move around the world. This makes it easier to get into a lot of countries, since many immigration systems see expatriates from the UAE as trustworthy travellers. This “global mobility multiplier” makes it easier for residents to visit places in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, depending on their passport.
For UAE Residents
This guide explains the different simplified ways to get in:
- Visa-Free Entry: Just have a valid passport and, in some cases, a return ticket.
- Visa-on-Arrival (VOA): You get a visa when you arrive at the Airport of entry after filling out a form and paying a fee.
- Electronic Visa (eVisa) and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are digital travel permits that you can get online before you leave. They make the arrival process easier.
If you want to travel to visa-free countries, apply now with Gulliver Travels for a hassle-free experience
General Requirements for UAE Residents Traveling Abroad
While the specific visa requirements differ by destination and nationality, certain documents and conditions are often needed for UAE residents traveling to visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa countries. Following these general guidelines is important for a smooth travel experience.
First, a valid passport is always required. It should typically be valid for at least six months beyond the planned travel dates and have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Second, a valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID is often necessary to obtain simplified entry benefits. Many countries see this as a “trust marker,” which makes entry easier.
Travelers are often asked to show proof of accommodation, such as confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host. Often, a return or onwards ticket is also needed to show that the traveler has plans to leave the country by the due date. Officers at the border may also ask for proof that you have enough money to cover your costs during your visit. Usually, they will give you a minimum amount, like US$150 per day for Seychelles. Getting health and travel insurance is also a good idea in case of an emergency or a sudden need to cancel your trip. Lastly, some countries may need photos the size of a passport or a filled-out application form when you arrive for visa-on-arrival procedures. It’s smart to have hard copies and digital copies of all that you need.
Visa-Free & Simplified Entry Destinations for UAE Residents by Nationality
Living in the UAE can help people travel to other countries in different ways, and these benefits often depend on the traveler’s home country. In the next few sections, we’ll talk about the visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eVisa options that work for some of the UAE’s most important expat groups.
Indian Passport Holders in the UAE
People with an Indian passport who live in the UAE can travel a lot more easily because they don’t need a visa to visit many popular tourist spots and can enter more quickly. The diplomatic ties and agreements that make travel easier have made this possible.
| Country | Visa Type | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Mauritius | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Nepal | Visa-Free | Unlimited |
| Sri Lanka | ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | 30 days |
| Georgia | Visa-Free (VOA for some) | 90 days |
| Qatar | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Thailand | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Indonesia | e-VoA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) | 30 days (extendable) |
| Bhutan | Visa-Free | 7 days |
| Oman | E-visa for UAE residents | 14 days |
| Fiji | Visa-Free | 4 months |
| Jamaica | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Cook Islands | Visa-Free | 31 days |
People with Pakistani passports in the UAE
Pakistanis who live in the UAE also get a lot out of their residency. They can visit many countries more easily without having to worry about getting a visa. The UAE residence visa gives you more credibility, which can help you get a visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or easier e-visa.
| Country | Visa Type | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Albania | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Azerbaijan | eVisa | 30 days |
| Armenia | eVisa / Visa on Arrival | 120 days |
| Qatar | ETA / Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Oman | E-visa for UAE residents | 14 days |
| Bahrain | E-visa / Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Sri Lanka | eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | 30 days |
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Montenegro | Visa-Free / eVisa | Varies |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Kenya | Visa-Free (eTA mandatory) | 90 days |
| Madagascar | Visa on Arrival | 90 days |
| Tuvalu | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Haiti | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Cook Islands | Visa-Free | 31 days |
| Barbados | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Bermuda | Visa-Free | 90 days |
People with Bangladeshi passports in the UAE
People with a Bangladeshi passport who live in the UAE also have more travel options because many countries let them enter without a visa or with one. This makes it easier to get to many places around the world for fun and other reasons.
| Country | Visa Type | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | Visa-Free | 4 weeks |
| Barbados | Visa-Free | 6 months |
| British Virgin Islands | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Cook Islands | Visa-Free | 31 days |
| Dominica | Visa-Free | 6 months |
| Fiji | Visa-Free | 4 months |
| Grenada | Visa-Free | 3 months |
| Haiti | Visa-Free | 3 months |
| Jamaica | Visa-Free | 6 months |
| Lesotho | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Micronesia | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Montserrat | Visa-Free | 6 months |
| Niue | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Samoa | Visa-Free | 60 days |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Visa-Free | 3 months |
| Saint Vincent & Grenadines | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Gambia | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Bhutan | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Bolivia | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Burundi | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Cambodia | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Cabo Verde | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Comoros | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Guinea-Bissau | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Madagascar | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Mauritania | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Nepal | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Rwanda | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Sierra Leone | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Somalia | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Sri Lanka | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Timor-Leste | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Tuvalu | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
Filipinos in the UAE with a passport
Filipino passport holders who live in the UAE also have easier access to travel to many other countries through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options. People often see the UAE residence visa as a “trust marker,” which can make it easier to get into the country.
| Country | Visa Type | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Micronesia | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Mongolia | Visa-Free | 21 days |
| Morocco | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Myanmar | Visa-Free | 14 days |
| Indonesia | Visa on Arrival | 30 days (extendable) |
| Thailand | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Nepal | Visa on Arrival | 90 days |
| Cambodia | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Vietnam | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Fiji | Visa-Free | 4 months |
| Armenia | Visa on Arrival | 120 days |
| Brazil | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Hong Kong | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Singapore | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Kazakhstan | Visa-Free | 14 days |
People with an Egyptian passport in the UAE
People with an Egyptian passport who live in the UAE can also travel more freely because they can enter many countries without a visa or with much easier visa processes. Even though the exact effects of living in the UAE on an Egyptian passport’s ability to travel to other countries aren’t always clear, the general trend points to more travel options.
| Country | Visa Type | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Barbados | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Benin | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Dominica | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Gambia | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Guinea | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Haiti | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Iran | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Jordan | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Malaysia | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Mauritius | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Micronesia | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | Varies |
| St Kitts and Nevis | Visa-Free | Varies |
| St Vincent & Grenadines | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Indonesia | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Nepal | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Qatar | Visa-Free / eVisa | 30 days |
| Georgia | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Armenia | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Uzbekistan | Visa-Free | 30 days |
People with Nepalese passports in the UAE
For Nepali passport holders who live in the UAE, travel options are also better because some countries let them enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival, which might not be possible for people who don’t live in the UAE. This makes travelling between countries easier and gives you more options.
| Country | Visa Type | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Morocco | eVisa | Varies |
| Barbados | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Cook Islands | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Haiti | Visa-Free | 3 months |
| Pakistan | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Singapore | Visa-Free | Varies |
| St Vincent & Grenadines | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Indonesia | e-VoA (Electronic VoA) | 30 days (extendable) |
| Thailand | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Qatar | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Armenia | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Uzbekistan | Visa-Free | 30 days |
People with Sri Lankan passports in the UAE
People with a Sri Lankan passport who live in the UAE can also easily enter many other countries without a visa, and their residence in the UAE often adds to their credibility. This makes it easier to travel between countries for business or pleasure.
| Country | Visa Type (Visa-Free / VOA / eVisa) | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Mauritius | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Qatar | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Oman | E-visa for UAE residents | 14 days |
| Kazakhstan | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Thailand | Visa on Arrival | 30 days |
| Indonesia | e-VoA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) | 30 days (extendable) |
| Georgia | Visa-Free (VOA for some) | 90 days |
| Armenia | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Azerbaijan | eVisa | 30 days |
| Jordan | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Bahrain | E-visa / Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Kuwait | E-visa / Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Lebanon | Visa on Arrival | 1 month |
| South Korea | Visa-Free | Varies |
| Philippines | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Fiji | Visa-Free | 4 months |
| Cook Islands | Visa-Free | 31 days |
| Egypt | Visa on Arrival | Varies |
| Morocco | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| South Africa | Visa-Free | Varies |
People with Chinese passports in the UAE
Chinese people living in the UAE can now visit more countries without a visa, which makes travelling between countries easier and more accessible. These easier entry requirements are partly due to the UAE’s diplomatic efforts.
| Country | Visa Type (Visa-Free / VOA / eVisa) | Max. Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | Visa-Free | 10 days |
| Oman | Visa-Free | 14 days |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Visa-Free | 14 days |
| Dominica | Visa-Free | 21 days |
| Barbados | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Bahamas | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Belarus | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Fiji | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Grenada | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Qatar | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Serbia | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Suriname | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Tonga | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Indonesia | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Jamaica | Visa-Free | 30 days |
| Mauritius | Visa-Free | 60 days |
| Samoa | Visa-Free | 60 days |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Ecuador | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| San Marino | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Armenia | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Albania | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Morocco | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Haiti | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Visa-Free | 90 days |
| Turks and Caicos Islands | Visa-Free | Varies |
Important Visa Exceptions:
- Extensive List: Chinese people living in the UAE can travel to a lot of countries without a visa. They can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 10 days or in Morocco, Armenia, or Albania for up to 90 days or more. This easy access is a direct result of less strict rules and diplomatic agreements.
- Diverse Regions: You can travel without a visa to Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and some parts of Europe. This means you can travel for many reasons, such as learning about a new culture or just relaxing on the beach.
- Specific Conditions: You might need to show proof of funds and a ticket to get to the next country if you want to go to some countries without a visa. You have to go through Tashkent Airport to get to Uzbekistan, for example. Before you go on a trip, it’s always a good idea to check these things.
Visa Benefits for Foreigners Life in the UAE
Having a UAE residence visa makes it easier for many other passport holders to travel, in addition to the ones listed above. Because the UAE has a good reputation around the world and has many agreements with other countries, its citizens can easily get visas or not need them at all. This is true for everyone, no matter where they are from.
General Benefits for Everyone Who Lives in the UAE:
GCC Countries: It’s very easy to get around in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). If you have a unified tourism permit, you can travel between the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar without a visa. This makes it easy to go on short business trips, weekend trips, and events in the area.
Visa-Free/VOA Destinations: Many popular places let people from the UAE enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Usually, all they need is a valid passport and residence visa. Here are some of them:
- Georgia: As long as their UAE residence permit is still valid when they enter Georgia, they can stay for up to 90 days every 180 days.
- Maldives: Anyone can get a tourist visa when they get there. You can stay in the country for up to 30 days with the visa. You need a valid passport, a return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation, and enough money.
- Seychelles: People from any country can visit Seychelles without a visa as long as they have a valid passport, a confirmed return ticket, enough money, and a place to stay for at least 30 days.
- Uzbekistan: Citizens of the UAE from any country can visit Uzbekistan for 30 days without a visa as long as they have a passport that is valid for at least six months and an Emirates ID that is valid for at least three months. You can also get an eVisa.
- Armenia: As of July 1, 2025, people from GCC countries, like the UAE, can visit Armenia for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Azerbaijan: People from the UAE can get an eVisa or a visa when they get to Azerbaijan. Both types of visas are usually good for 30 days.
Digital Nomad Friendly Destinations: Places to Visit That Are Good for Digital Nomads: Many countries that let UAE citizens visit without a visa are also good for digital nomads because they have good internet, coworking spaces, and nice places to relax by the coast or in the mountains. This includes places like Seychelles, Georgia, and Indonesia.
Simplified eVisa Processes: E-Visa Processes Made Easier: If you have a residence permit in the UAE, you might be able to get an eVisa faster and more easily for countries that still require a visa.
A UAE residence visa is helpful because it is a strong document that can make it easier for people from many different countries to travel abroad.
Essential Travel Tips for a Seamless Journey
Even if you don’t need a visa to go to some places, you still need to plan your trip carefully so that everything goes well and you have a good time. Travellers can stay out of trouble by remembering a few important things.
First of all, it’s very important to have a valid passport. It is always best for a passport to be valid for at least six months after the person returns. This is a very important requirement for getting into most countries. The second,
Always check the most recent rules for visas. Visa rules can change at any time because of changes in security policies, diplomatic relations, or agreements between countries. Travellers should definitely look at the websites of the embassy or consulate of the country they want to visit and their immigration department before they book a trip.
Travel insurance is also very important. It is best to get full travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected events. It might come with airline tickets booked in the UAE. Proof of
Even people who don’t need a visa to enter the country often have to show immigration officers that they have enough money and a place to stay, like a hotel reservation or an invitation letter. Keeping up with
You also need a ticket for a return or onwards trip to show that you plan to leave the country within the time limit.
You should also know and follow the customs and norms of the place you’re going to. This means knowing the area’s social norms and paying attention to dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s also a good idea to stay up to date on local news and any travel warnings. Finally, it’s always a good idea to have both digital and paper copies of all your important travel documents, such as your passport, visa (if you need one), flight tickets, and hotel reservations.
Important note: Always check the latest rules for visas.
The information in this guide comes from a number of reliable sources and is current as of the most recent updates. But it’s very important to remember that visa rules can change at any time and without warning.
Travellers should always check the most up-to-date entry requirements directly with the government websites of the countries they want to visit and with their embassy or consulate in the UAE before making any travel plans. Getting all of your information from outside sources, even full guides like this one, can cause problems at immigration that you didn’t expect. The traveler is responsible for making sure they have all the right papers and meet all the entry requirements for their home country and their UAE residency status.
Your passport to travel around the world is ready for you!
People who live in the UAE have a lot of great ways to travel to other countries. A UAE residence visa is a great way to begin your travels around the world. This detailed summary shows that people from a lot of different countries, like Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Egyptians, Nepalis, Sri Lankans, and Chinese, have a lot more freedom to travel because they can go to many places without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with a simple eVisa.
There are many different reasons why people can travel so freely. They include the UAE’s strong diplomatic ties and strategic bilateral agreements that make it easier for people from both countries to travel. Because people think that people from the UAE are safe and reliable travellers, many countries also have easier immigration rules. This group benefit makes it easier to plan trips, saves money by getting rid of visa fees, and lets people travel for business or pleasure right away.
The Maldives and Seychelles are tropical paradises, Georgia is a cultural centre, and the cities of Southeast Asia are always busy. It’s getting easier to get to places around the world. There are a lot of good things about travel, but it’s still very important to plan ahead. It’s always a good idea to check with official sources to see what the most up-to-date visa rules are, since they can change. People in the UAE can really go on life-changing adventures around the world and make their travel dreams come true if they know about these opportunities and follow the right travel rules.
FAQs of Visa-Free Countries for UAE Residents
1. What is the main benefit of a UAE residence visa for travellers?
A UAE residence visa often makes it easier to get visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa access to many countries, especially for expat passport holders.
2. Do visa rules depend only on UAE residency?
No. Rules depend on both your passport nationality and your UAE residence status. Both must be checked.
3. What basic documents should UAE residents carry when travelling visa-free?
A valid passport (usually 6+ months), UAE residence visa/Emirates ID, return/onward ticket, hotel booking or host details, and proof of funds.
4. Do Indian passport holders in the UAE get extra visa-free options?
Yes. Indian residents in the UAE have easier access to places like Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Georgia, Qatar, Sri Lanka (ETA) and more.
5. Do Pakistani passport holders in the UAE have visa-free or VOA options?
Yes. Pakistani residents can enjoy simplified entry to countries like Georgia, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Maldives, Seychelles, Kenya and others.
6. Why should UAE residents always check visa rules before flying?
Visa rules change often. It’s important to check official embassy/immigration websites before booking to avoid issues at immigration.
7. Is travel insurance necessary for visa-free trips?
It’s strongly recommended. Travel insurance helps cover medical costs, delays, and emergencies, even when a visa is not required.
8. Can Gulliver Travels help UAE residents plan visa-free or eVisa trips?
Yes. Gulliver Travels helps UAE residents with route planning, visa checks, eVisa support, and full trip arrangements.
