Visa-Free Countries for UAE Residents in 2025 (With UAE Residence Visa)
By Big Bird Travel Team
Holding a UAE residence visa opens doors to dozens of destinations that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Here is a practical, up-to-date guide - sorted by region - to help you plan your next spontaneous trip.
Your UAE residence visa - regardless of your passport nationality - unlocks visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a number of countries. This is separate from what your passport allows. Always check both your passport country's bilateral agreements AND UAE-residency-based benefits before planning.
Verify before travelling
Visa policies change frequently. The list below is accurate as of early 2025 but requirements may have changed. Always verify with the destination country's embassy or official immigration website before booking. Big Bird Travel can confirm current requirements.
Countries with Visa-Free / Visa-on-Arrival Access for UAE Residents
Asia & Indian Ocean
| Country | Access Type | Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Visa on arrival | 30 days | All nationalities |
| Thailand | Visa-exempt | 30 days | Extended to 60 days in 2024 |
| Malaysia | Visa-exempt | 30 days | eNTRI for some nationalities |
| Sri Lanka | ETA online | 30 days | Simple online form, ~$20 |
| Indonesia (Bali) | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Available at major airports |
| Nepal | Visa on arrival | 15/30/90 days | Fee applies |
| Cambodia | Visa on arrival | 30 days | $30 fee |
| Georgia | Visa-free | 365 days/year | For UAE resident holders of select passports |
| Kazakhstan | Visa-free | 30 days | Many passport nationalities |
| Seychelles | Visa on arrival | 3 months | All nationalities with confirmed accommodation |
| Mauritius | Visa-free | 90 days | Most nationalities |
| Zanzibar / Tanzania | Visa on arrival | 90 days | Online ETA available |
Middle East & Africa
| Country | Access Type | Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oman | Visa on arrival / eVisa | 30 days | Gulf residents often visa-free |
| Qatar | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Most nationalities |
| Bahrain | Visa on arrival | 2 weeks | Most nationalities |
| Jordan | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Jordan Pass covers entry + sites |
| Egypt | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Multiple entry available |
| Morocco | Visa-free | 90 days | Many nationalities |
| Kenya | eTA online | 90 days | Replaced visa-on-arrival in 2024 |
| Ethiopia | eVisa | 30 days | Online application |
| Rwanda | Visa on arrival | 30 days | All nationalities |
Europe & Americas
Most European countries require prior visa applications (Schengen) for non-EU passport holders. A handful of exceptions exist for certain passport nationalities. Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia are popular visa-free options for many passport holders with UAE residency.
Important Distinctions
- Visa-free access based on UAE residency is a benefit offered by SOME countries - not all
- Your passport nationality still determines most of your visa-free access globally
- UAE residence does NOT give EU/Schengen visa-free access for non-EU passports
- UAE residents need a UAE residence visa valid for at least 6 months beyond their travel date for some countries' requirements
- Transit visa rules are separate - some countries exempt UAE residents from airport transit visas
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