The phrase List of Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents can be confusing because visa rules are based mainly on your passport, not where you live. That said, being a UAE resident sometimes unlocks faster eVisa or visa on arrival options in nearby countries, and UAE passport holders enjoy one of the world’s strongest visa free scores. Below is a practical guide to help you plan trips faster in 2026.
Quick Guide to Visa Terms
- Visa free means you do not need a visa before travel or on arrival for short stays
- Visa on arrival or eVisa means there is a simple permit at the airport or online. It is not visa free but is usually quick
- Rules change often, always verify on the destination’s official immigration site before booking
Popular visa free destinations for UAE passport holders
UAE citizens can travel visa free to many countries for short stays. Highlights include the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period, plus several popular Asian and European spots. Examples below are representative and not exhaustive.
- Schengen Area, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Asia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan short stays for ePassport holders, Georgia
- Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan short stays
- Balkans and Eastern Europe, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania seasonal or policy dependent, check current rules
- Oceania and the Americas, several Caribbean states offer visa free entry, check each island’s policy
Note, some destinations use electronic travel authorizations for visa exempt travelers, for example Canada’s eTA or Korea’s K ETA. These are quick online approvals, not full visas.
Easier entry for GCC residents regardless of nationality
Some countries in the region offer simplified entry to residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Conditions vary by nationality, profession and validity of your UAE residence visa, so always check the latest requirements.
- Saudi Arabia, online tourist eVisa available to many nationalities and also to GCC residents who meet eligibility criteria
- Oman, eVisa options for GCC residents, check permitted professions and residence validity
- Bahrain, eVisa and in many cases visa on arrival for GCC residents subject to nationality
- Qatar, pre travel electronic authorization via official portals, some nationalities get visa free entry
- Kuwait, eVisa available to many nationalities, certain GCC resident categories have streamlined processing
These are not strictly visa free, but they simplify spontaneous regional trips for many UAE residents.
Travel-Friendly Islands for UAE Residents
Several Indian Ocean and African destinations welcome a wide range of passports with visa free or visa on arrival access, making them favorites for UAE weekenders and honeymooners. Examples include Maldives visa on arrival, Seychelles visitor’s permit on arrival, Mauritius visa free for many nationalities, and Jordan visa on arrival or eVisa depending on nationality. Always verify your passport specific rules before travel.
Helpful tools before you fly
- Check the destination’s official immigration or eVisa portal and your airline’s travel information page
- Confirm passport validity, most countries require six months validity on arrival and a few blank pages
- If you need Schengen travel medical insurance or prefer extra protection, compare options on insurancehub.ae in minutes
Sample itineraries you can plan quickly
- Long weekend in Georgia, Tbilisi and Kazbegi are easy getaways and popular with UAE travelers
- Beach week in the Maldives, simple visa on arrival with proof of stay and funds
- Heritage and cuisine in Oman, Muscat or Jabal Akhdar, straightforward eVisa for many GCC residents
Plan smarter, travel safer
Use this List of Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents as a starting point, then verify your passport specific rules to avoid airport surprises. Protect every trip with the right cover and travel with confidence.
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