Visiting UAE? Full list of countries that can get visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival
Are you planning to visit the UAE to experience the glimmering coastal waters or to visit the towering skyscrapers that reach into the skies above?
The UAE offers relatively easy access for visitors and allows citizens of at least 70 countries to enter the nation without a visa.
Travelling to the country is also convenient as a large network of airlines fly to and from the country's multiple airports. Dubai airport has been the world's busiest airport for years, with the country welcoming millions of visitors every year.
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Let's take a look at the nationalities that do not require a visa in advance.
No visa, no requirements
GCC nationals can enter the country without a visa and can enter with either their passport or national ID.
This includes the following countries:
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Visa-free for 90 days
People from these 49 nations enjoy visa-free access to the country for 90 days. This is within a 180-day rolling window. Multiple entries are permitted but the total number of days must not exceed 90 within any 180-day period.
No visa or entry fees is charged. However, travellers entering the country on this visa are not allowed to work and need a separate visa for employment.
Andorra
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
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
Visa-free entry for 30 days
These nations will be allowed visa-free entry for a maximum period of 30 days. In most cases, a visa extension of 30 days is also possible for visitors from the following countries.
However, for some nations, additional requirements may be necessary. It is always best to check official websites like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for the UAE or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if heading to Dubai.
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Brunei
Canada
Chile
China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR)
Colombia
Ecuador
Guernsey
Honduras
Isle of Man
Japan
Jersey
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
New Zealand
Peru
Russia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Visa-on-arrival for 60 days
The ICP recently broadened the eligibility criteria for UAE entry visas for nationals of select countries. The expanded eligibility applies to both 14-day and 60-day categories.
To qualify for this visa, travellers must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries (US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada).
Now, a total of seven countries will be able to access this visa. These include:
Indonesia
Kenya
Philippines
South Africa
Thailand
Vietnam
The permitted period of stay is either 14 days or 60 days, depending on the visa category chosen by the applicant.
