If you hold a UAE Resident Visa (Employment Visa), there are several countries that allow you to travel either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival or an eVisa. While the exact requirements depend on the country, many countries offer relaxed visa policies for UAE residents. Here’s a general overview of some of the countries you can visit with a UAE Resident Visa:
1. GCC Countries (Gulf Cooperation Council)
As a UAE resident, you can travel to other GCC countries without needing a visa or with simplified entry requirements. These countries are:
- Saudi Arabia (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Oman (Visa-free or eVisa, depending on nationality)
- Qatar (Visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Kuwait (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Bahrain (Visa-free or Visa on Arrival for up to 14 days)
2. Southeast Asia
Several countries in Southeast Asia have relaxed visa requirements for UAE residents, especially for tourism or business visits:
- Sri Lanka (Visa on Arrival or eVisa for up to 30 days)
- Maldives (Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days)
- Thailand (Visa on Arrival for up to 15 days, depending on nationality)
- Indonesia (Visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Malaysia (Visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Singapore (eVisa for UAE residents)
3. Africa
A few African countries allow UAE residents to travel with a relatively easy visa process:
- Kenya (eVisa or Visa on Arrival for up to 90 days)
- Tanzania (Visa on Arrival for up to 90 days)
- Uganda (Visa on Arrival or eVisa for up to 90 days)
- Seychelles (Visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Mozambique (Visa on Arrival)
- Rwanda (eVisa or Visa on Arrival)
- Mauritius (Visa-free for up to 60 days)
4. Europe
Some European countries allow UAE residents to visit for short stays (tourism, business, etc.) with minimal visa requirements:
- Georgia (Visa-free for up to 1 year)
- Serbia (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Kosovo (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Albania (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Turkey (Visa-free or eVisa for UAE residents)
- North Macedonia (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Montenegro (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
5. Central Asia
Countries in Central Asia also offer simplified travel options for UAE residents:
- Uzbekistan (eVisa for up to 30 days)
- Kazakhstan (Visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Kyrgyzstan (Visa-free for up to 60 days)
- Tajikistan (eVisa for up to 30 days)
6. South America
Some countries in South America also have easy entry processes for UAE residents:
- Bolivia (Visa on Arrival)
- Ecuador (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Peru (Visa-free for up to 183 days)
- Brazil (eVisa, depending on nationality)
- Argentina (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Chile (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
7. Caribbean
Some Caribbean countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival for UAE residents:
- Dominican Republic (Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Barbados (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Jamaica (Visa-free for up to 90 days)
- Saint Lucia (Visa-free for up to 6 weeks)
8. Oceania
Some countries in Oceania have simplified entry for UAE residents:
- Fiji (Visa-free for up to 4 months)
- Vanuatu (Visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Samoa (Visa-free for up to 60 days)
9. Other Notable Countries
A few other countries around the world also have relaxed visa policies for UAE residents:
- Armenia (Visa on Arrival or eVisa)
- Jordan (Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days)
- Lebanon (Visa on Arrival for up to 1 month)
- Egypt (eVisa or Visa on Arrival for UAE residents)
- Israel (Visa requirements vary based on nationality and travel purpose)
Countries Where UAE Residents Need a Visa
While many countries offer visa-free or simplified visa processes for UAE residents, some countries still require a visa for entry. For example:
- United States (B1/B2 Visa)
- Canada (Visitor Visa)
- Australia (Visitor Visa or eVisitor)
- Schengen Area (Schengen Visa, depending on nationality)
- United Kingdom (UK Standard Visitor Visa)
Things to Keep in Mind
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Many countries provide Visa on Arrival for UAE residents, meaning you can obtain your visa at the airport upon arrival. Make sure to check whether the visa is available for your nationality and the specific entry requirements.
- eVisa: Some countries offer the option to apply for a visa online through the eVisa system, which can simplify the process and save time.
- Residence Visa Validity: Some countries may require that your UAE Resident Visa be valid for a certain period (e.g., at least 3 months) from the date of travel.
- Travel Restrictions & Entry Rules: Always verify the entry requirements of your destination country before booking travel, as visa rules and regulations can change, especially in light of COVID-19 and other geopolitical factors.
For more specific information based on your nationality or country of origin, you should consult the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit or use official visa websites for accurate details.