UAE Visa-Free Travel: Over 80 Nationalities Can Enter With a Visa on Arrival

editorial August 29, 2023

2 minutes read

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) grants visa-free travel to over 80 countries, according to a report by Al Khaleej.

Citizens from 115 other countries will still require pre-approved visas before arriving in the UAE.

The ministry has also urged those seeking specific visa information to visit the official ministry website, adding that they must remain informed about entry requirements.

The list of these nations and details concerning visa exemptions for travellers holding regular passports can be found on the ministry’s dedicated website.

The UAE Digital Government has also said that citizens from GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries can enter the UAE without a visa or sponsor.

They only need to present a passport issued by a GCC nation or their ID card upon arrival at UAE entry ports.

Depending on their country of origin, international travellers may receive entry visas valid for either 30 days, with a grace period of 10 additional days, or 90 days.

In addition, Indian citizens with ordinary passports, meeting specific criteria such as holding a US visit visa or resident card, or a resident visa from the UK and EU countries, can obtain a 14-day visa on arrival, which can be extended for another 14 days if necessary.

For those not falling within the visa exemption or visa-on-arrival categories, an entry permit is mandatory.

This permit, dependent on the purpose of the visit, must be acquired from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) before arriving in the UAE.

Moreover, the UAE passport currently holds the top position on the Passport Index website, making it the world’s most powerful passport.

UAE passport holders have access to 180 countries, with 127 not requiring a visa in advance, and 53 offering electronic visas or visas upon airport arrival.