The UAE has expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for more nationalities, making travel more convenient for eligible visitors.
Planning a trip to the UAE has become easier than ever for millions of international travelers.
With one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, extensive global flight connectivity, and a tourism sector that welcomes millions of visitors each year, the UAE continues to simplify entry requirements for eligible nationalities.
Today, citizens of around 70 countries can travel to the UAE without applying for a visa in advance, while several others qualify for a visa on arrival under expanded eligibility rules.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the latest UAE visa-free and visa-on-arrival categories.
GCC Citizens Can Enter Without a Visa
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries enjoy the simplest entry process.
Nationals from the following countries can enter the UAE without a visa and may use either their passport or national identity card for travel:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
This arrangement reflects the close economic and travel cooperation among GCC member states.
90-Day Visa-Free Entry for 49 Countries
Citizens from 49 countries can visit the UAE without obtaining a visa before travel.
The visa-free stay allows visitors to remain in the country for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. Multiple entries are permitted as long as the total stay does not exceed 90 days.
Eligible countries include:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
- Uruguay
Visitors entering under this category are not permitted to work in the UAE and must obtain an appropriate employment visa if they intend to take up a job.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Selected Countries
Travelers from another group of countries receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days, with many nationalities also eligible to extend their stay for an additional 30 days.
Countries in this category include:
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Brunei
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR)
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Kazakhstan
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Russia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
Some nationalities may be subject to additional conditions, so travelers are advised to verify the latest requirements through the UAE’s official immigration authorities before departure.
Expanded Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility
The UAE has recently expanded its visa-on-arrival program, making travel more convenient for residents of several countries.
Nationals from the following seven countries may now qualify for either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival:
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Philippines
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Vietnam
However, applicants must also hold a valid residence permit or visa issued by one of the following countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Any European Union member state
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
The length of stay depends on the visa category selected by the traveler.
Why the UAE Continues to Simplify Entry
The UAE has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading tourism, business, and aviation destinations.
Dubai International Airport has consistently ranked among the world’s busiest international airports, while Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates continue expanding their global connectivity.
By broadening visa-free access and expanding visa-on-arrival eligibility, the UAE aims to attract more tourists, business travelers, investors, and skilled professionals while strengthening its position as a global hub for commerce and travel.
Before traveling, visitors should always verify the latest visa rules through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), as immigration regulations may change over time.
Photo: File
Travelling to the country is also convenient, as a large network of airlines fly to and from the country’s multiple airports
Source: KT
