UAE residents continue to enjoy growing travel flexibility, with 16 destinations now offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, making international travel easier and more accessible. These privileges apply to residents holding a valid UAE residence visa, regardless of nationality, although final entry approval remains subject to the traveller’s passport and the destination country’s immigration rules.
Among the visa-free destinations for UAE residents are Armenia, Georgia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Jordan. These countries allow travellers to enter without obtaining a visa in advance, usually for stays ranging between 30 and 90 days. Armenia has recently expanded its access for UAE residents, while destinations such as Georgia and Thailand remain popular due to their simple entry procedures and affordable tourism options.
In addition, several countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities, allowing UAE residents to obtain a short-term tourist visa upon landing. These include Azerbaijan, Maldives, Nepal, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kenya and Oman. In most cases, travellers are required to present a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return tickets and sufficient funds. Stay durations typically range from 15 to 90 days, depending on the destination.
Travel experts advise UAE residents to ensure their residence visa is valid for at least six months before travelling and to check for any additional requirements such as digital arrival cards or electronic travel authorisations. While these visa relaxations significantly reduce travel barriers, entry rules may change, and travellers are encouraged to verify the latest regulations with airlines or official immigration sources before departure.
The expanding list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations highlights the UAE’s strong global mobility status and offers residents greater freedom for tourism, short business trips and leisure travel. With minimal paperwork and faster entry processes, these destinations continue to attract UAE-based travellers seeking convenient international travel options.
