UAE residents are already looking ahead to Eid Al Fitr holidays and planning vacations.
Depending on moon-sighting confirmation, workers in the city will look forward to a four or five-day break including weekend. Using a small amount of annual leave can transform this public and private sector holiday into a nine-day break with strategic vacation planning.
With travel experts reporting that the price of flights and hotels surging by as much as 15 to 30 per cent over the holiday, residents need to plan travel in advance.
UAE Eid Al Fitr visa-free travel
One factor to be considered is visa availability and requirements. Visa experts VFS Global have advised travellers to apply “well in advance” for busy travel periods.
Taking this into account, consider these travel destinations where UAE residents can take a holiday without needing a visa:
Uzbekistan: A number of airlines fly from the UAE to Uzbekistan and, as well as being a business route, tourists are increasingly exploring the option. UAE citizens don’t need a visa for Uzbekistan, since the two countries signed a mutual waiver last year. Residents can stay for up-to 30 days.
Azerbaijan: A developing tourism scene and home to capital city Baku, the land-locked country attracts visitors seeking a combination of culture and nature. UAE residents can obtain a visa-on-arrival for 30-day stays. Trips of more than 15 days need to be registered with Azerbaijan’s State Migration Service.
Georgia: UAE residents can visit Georgia without a visa for a period of 90 days so long as they have a valid residency. As well as needing to show proof of a UAE residency, visitors need to show proof of accommodation and also have travel and health insurance. UAE citizens can stay in Georgia for a full year without a visa.
Indonesia: Residents of the UAE are offered visa on arrival when visiting Indonesia after a landmark arrangement with VFS Global late last year. The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Indonesia has appointed VFS Global as the exclusive private service provider for Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA). It represents Indonesia’s aim to promote inbound tourism and increase investments into the country. VFS Global’s new e-VoA platform is available to residents of the UAE who are for nationals of the 97 countries eligible for e-VoA.
Kenya: Kenya announced it would provide visa-free travel to all tourists from the beginning of 2024. The move is seen as a bid to boost trade and tourism in the East African nation and it is a popular destination for safaris as well as beach holidays. Although there is no visa requirement, a semi-automated Electronic Travel Authorisation is needed and should be applied for as early as possible (between three months and three days is recommended).
Maldives: The idyllic archipelago nation grants visa-on-arrival for all nationalities with limited requirements. A complete travel itinerary with proof of accommodation and funds must be provided and a submitted traveller declaration must be submitted on arrival.
Nepal: Himalayan adventures without a mountain of paperwork can be enjoyed as Nepal does not require visitors to apply for a visa in advance. On arrival visas for between 15 and 90 days can be obtained for most nationalities.
Seychelles: Visitors from any country (apart from Kosovo) can visit the Seychelles without needing a visa. Arrive with a valid passport, return ticket, confirmed accommodation and demonstrable funds for the duration of stay for immigration procedures to be approved and an island holiday to begin.
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