If you’re looking for a much-needed escape for the upcoming Eid Al Etihad holidays without any additional visa hassle, there are myriad of countries around the globe offering visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents.

With visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents, you can plan ahead without leaving your plans for the last minute.

While travel is very much back on everyone’s radars, sometimes certain passports require specific visas, which can quite often be a tedious process. However, for UAE residents, there are many destinations which are visa-free or have a visa-on-arrival option.

Below, the Emirates Woman editors have curated a guide for all the countries offering visas on arrival for UAE residents.

Morocco

visa-free

All foreign nationals with a UAE residence permit seeking to enter Morocco for tourism or business purposes can now apply for e-visas through Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign. UAE residents must have: a valid Emirates Identity card; a UAE residence permit valid for at least 180 days from the date the e-visa is submitted, and a passport valid for at least 90 days from the date the e-visa is submitted. Applicants for the e-visa can choose between a standard or express e-visa application package. The standard single-entry e-visa takes three business days to process and costs Dhs 283. The express single-entry e-visa takes one business day to process and costs Dhs404. Both e-visas are valid for 180 days, but UAE residents can only enter Morocco for stays of up to 30 days at a time.

Georgia

 

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All UAE residents who have a valid visa can travel to the country and receive a visa on arrival in Georgia. Holders of other GCC countries can travel visa-free for a period of 90 days and receive an entry stamp upon arrival. From Tblisi’s nightlight to stunning mountains, there’s a long list of endless activities.

Flight time: 3 hours & 30 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Armenia

visa-free

With a rich history and picturesque ancient architecture, a visit to the country should definitely be added to your bucket list. All Indian, Lebanese, Jordanian and South African nationals with a valid UAE residency visa can receive a visit visa on arrival due to the positive relations between the UAE and Armenia leading to a special visa-waiver programme. The cost of the visa is around Dhs20 and details regarding additional requirements can be found online.

Flight time: 3 hours & 10 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Azerbaijan

Known for its contemporary design, Azerbaijan is home to iconic buildings including landmarks designed by the famous Zaha Hadid. All UAE residents with a valid residency visa can present their passport at the counter after paying and receive a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa on evisa.com.az to avoid standing in long queues.

Flight time: 3 hours approx. 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Japan

If Japan was on your travel bucket list this year, the process to visit is now a whole lot easier with the latest e-visa laws. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a new online tourist visa system. All residents are required to apply more than seven days before their trip. Applicants will need to apply via the dedicated website Japan eVISA, where upon successful submission, a digital confirmation visa will be sent to the applicant. At immigration, visitors will need to simply log on to the website and show the visa upon entry. The new system allows residents of permitted countries to apply for an online tourist visa which will grant e-visas for up to 90 days in Japan.

Flight time: 9 hours and 34 minutes

For the latest visa requirements visit here.

Maldives

For a quick idyllic getaway, a tourist visa is granted to all nationalities visiting the country. A few requirements such as a pre-paid hotel or accommodation booking, sufficient funds to last during the stay, confirmed tickets to return to their home country or country of residence and a traveller declaration form which must be filled in and submitted by all passengers going to and from the Maldives within 96 hours of travel. A visa for a maximum time period of 30 days will be granted on arrival for tourists. With an archipelago of islands to visit, travellers can experience nature at its finest.

Flight time: 4 hours & 15 minutes

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Seychelles (visa-free)

 

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With Seychelles being a visa-free country, Indian citizens will not require a visa on arrival or an e-visa to enter the country for a short stay. To enter the country, you’ll need a valid passport. Additionally, authorities may request proof of a return ticket, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay, at a minimum of $150 (Dhs550) per day.

Flight time: 4 hours & 35 minutes

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Nepal

 

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Most nationalities can receive a visa on arrival for a small price depending on the tenure of the visit. A 15-day visa costs Dhs110, a 30-day visa costs Dhs183 or a 90-day permit for Dhs460 and can be decided accordingly upon arrival. All Indian passport holders do not require any visa and can visit hassle-free.

Flight time: 4 hours & 20 minutes

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Serbia (visa-free)

 

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Serbia grants a visa-free entry for passports with a valid Schengen, UK or US visa. Those without the mentioned visas must submit five documents: travel booking details, proof of vaccine, their original passport, and proof of funds sufficient for their stay and departure.

Flight time: 5 hours & 55 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Indonesia

With the perfect blend of culture, nature, culinary delights and design mastery, this haven should be on your list of destinations to travel to. Bali is now open for tourists after the pandemic, as this irresistible country offers a visit visa on arrival for a period of 30 days.

Flight time: 8 hours & 27 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Mauritius (visa-free)

Known for its expansive beaches, lagoons and reefs, this country is most definitely a must-visit for all. For those who love nature, there’s a wide range of forests, waterfalls and hiking trails to experience the outdoors. The maximum duration of stay is three months and it is free for UAE citizens. Upon arrival, passengers need to visit the immigration counter and show the original passport to obtain an entry stamp.

Flight time: 6 hours & 35 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Sri Lanka

 

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All UAE residents can receive an e-visa from the comfort of their homes.  All applicants require a mandatory passport to be valid for six months from the date of arrival. Prior to submitting a Sri Lanka ETA application, make sure to verify if your country is eligible.

Flight time: 4 hours & 30 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

Thailand

 

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UAE residents will need to apply for a Thailand Pass, it takes up to 1 to 2 hours. After submitting the required documents, passengers will receive a QR entry code and a Thailand Pass ID needed for entry. With the UAE included in the Visa Exemption Scheme, you can stay up to a period of 30 days visa-free.

Flight time: 6 hours and 20 minutes 

You can check the latest visa regulations here.

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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker @alexiiak