Travelling is a passion for many UAE residents and citizens, but sometimes the hassle of obtaining a visa can put a damper on spontaneous travel plans. That’s why visa-on-arrival destinations are a game-changer for those looking to explore the world without the stress of pre-planning.
This comprehensive guide covers all visa-on-arrival countries for UAE residents, including specific information for Indian and Pakistani passport holders.
What is Visa on Arrival?
A Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a type of visa that travelers can obtain at their destination’s entry point – such as an airport, seaport, or land border – instead of applying for one in advance through an embassy or consulate. This system eliminates the need for lengthy pre-travel paperwork and embassy visits, making travel more accessible and spontaneous.
Visa-Free vs. Visa on Arrival: Key Differences
| Feature | Visa-Free | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Enter directly with your passport. | Stop at a special counter to apply, pay, and receive the visa. |
| Fees | None. | Usually a fee is required (cash/card). |
| Documents | Primarily your passport. | Passport, additional documents, and proof of funds. |
| Experience | Seamless and instant. | Involves queuing and processing time. |
Note: Always confirm your destination’s specific entry rules.
Essential Documents for Visa on Arrival
To ensure a smooth process, always carry the following:
- Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date.
- UAE Residence Visa: UAE Residence Visa: Valid for at least 6 months (recommended).
- Emirates ID: Physical card is mandatory as proof of residency.
- Return Flight Ticket: Proof of onward travel.
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or invitation letter.
- Visa Fee: Cash in local currency or USD/EUR.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or a credit card.
Pro Tip: Carry both physical and digital copies of all documents.
Complete List of Visa-on-Arrival Countries for UAE Residents (Updated 2025)
Note: Eligibility can depend on your passport nationality. The lists below are general; always verify based on your specific passport.
ASIA
| Country | Type | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | VoA | 30 Days | Luxury resorts, diving, pristine beaches |
| Thailand | VoA | 30 Days | Vibrant cities, temples, delicious cuisine |
| Indonesia (Bali) | VoA | 30 Days | Volcanic mountains, rice terraces, culture |
| Singapore | VoA | 90 Days | Modern city-state, shopping, Gardens by the Bay |
| Philippines | VoA | 30 Days | Beautiful beaches, islands, diving, snorkeling |
| Vietnam | VoA | 15 Days | Stunning landscapes, historical sites, cities |
| Cambodia | VoA | 30 Days | Angkor Wat, ancient temples, beautiful beaches |
| Nepal | VoA | 90 Days | Himalayas, trekking, Mount Everest, Kathmandu |
| Georgia | Visa-Free | 90 Days | Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea coast, Tbilisi |
| Armenia | Visa-Free | 180 Days | Mount Ararat, ancient monasteries, wine regions |
| Malaysia | Visa-Free | Varies | Kuala Lumpur, rainforests, diverse cuisine |
| Sri Lanka | VoA/Visa-Free* | 30 Days | Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, diverse culture |
MIDDLE EAST
| Country | Type | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oman | VoA | 30 Days | Muscat, Wahiba Sands, mountains, wadis, forts |
| Jordan | VoA | 30 Days | Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, ancient ruins |
| Lebanon | VoA | 45 Days | Beirut, ancient ruins, beaches, nightlife |
| Bahrain | VoA/Visa-Free* | 30 Days* | Formula 1, shopping, nightlife |
| Qatar | VoA/Visa-Free* | 30 Days* | Doha, museums, shopping, sports events |
| Saudi Arabia | E-Visa/VoA* | Varies | GCC resident-friendly e-visa or VoA options |
Note: GCC countries often have simplified processes for UAE residents.
AFRICA
| Country | Type | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | VoA | 90 Days | Pristine beaches, luxury resorts, colonial architecture |
| Seychelles | Visa-Free | 90 Days | Pristine beaches, granite rocks, marine life |
| Kenya | VoA | 30 Days | Safari, wildlife, Maasai Mara, Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Tanzania | E-Visa | Varies | Serengeti, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Madagascar | E-Visa | Varies | Unique wildlife, rainforests, beaches |
EUROPE
| Country | Type | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | VoA/E-Visa | 90 Days | Caspian Sea, Baku, ancient monasteries |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | VoA | 30 Days | Sarajevo, Mostar, natural beauty |
| Serbia | Visa-Free | 90 Days | Belgrade, nightlife, historic fortresses |
| Albania | Visa-Free* | Seasonal | Beaches, Albanian Alps; *special rules for 10-year UAE visa holders* |
AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN
| Country | Type | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | VoA | 180 Days | Ancient ruins, beaches, colonial cities |
| Dominica | VoA | 21 Days | Pristine beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls |
| Barbados | VoA | 180 Days | Beaches, colonial architecture, water sports |
| Guyana | VoA | 90 Days | Rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife |
| Suriname | VoA | 90 Days | Rainforests, waterfalls, colonial architecture |
| Ecuador | Visa-Free | 90 Days | Galapagos Islands, Amazon rainforest |
| Bahamas | VoA | 90 Days | Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, diving |
| Brazil | VoA | 90 Days | Amazon rainforest, beaches, Carnival |
| Dominican Republic | Visa-Free | 90 Days | Beaches, resorts, colonial zone |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | Visa-Free | 90 Days | Lush landscapes, beaches, historic sites |
OCEANIA
| Country | Type | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | VoA | 120 Days | Pristine beaches, islands, Fijian culture |
| Tonga | VoA | 30 Days | Pristine beaches, islands, whale watching |
| Cook Islands | Visa-Free | 31 Days | Lagoon, coral reefs, Polynesian culture |
Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents with Indian Passport
UAE residents holding an Indian passport can access several destinations offering visa-on-arrival or e-visa facilities. Here’s a comprehensive list:
| Country | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Maldives | 30 Days | Natural beaches, luxury resorts, diving |
| Indonesia (Bali) | 30 Days | Stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, surfing |
| Thailand | 30 Days | Vibrant cities, ancient temples, beaches, cuisine |
| Singapore | 30 Days | Modern city-state, shopping, dining, Gardens by the Bay |
| Philippines | 30 Days | Beautiful beaches, islands, diving, snorkeling |
| Vietnam | 15 Days | Stunning landscapes, historical sites, cuisine |
| Cambodia | 30 Days | Angkor Wat, ancient temples, beaches |
| Georgia | 90 Days | Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea coast, ancient monasteries |
| Armenia | 180 Days | Mount Ararat, ancient monasteries, wine regions |
| Azerbaijan | 90 Days | Caucasus Mountains, Caspian Sea, Baku |
| Mauritius | 90 Days | Pristine beaches, luxury resorts, colonial architecture |
| Seychelles | 90 Days | Pristine beaches, granite rocks, marine life |
| Kenya | 90 Days | Safari, wildlife, Maasai Mara, Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Jordan | 30 Days | Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, ancient ruins |
| Lebanon | 45 Days | Beirut, ancient ruins, beaches, mountains |
| Oman | 30 Days | Muscat, Wahiba Sands, mountains, wadis |
| Fiji | 120 Days | Pristine beaches, islands, diving, snorkeling |
| Bhutan | Varies | Himalayan landscapes, monasteries, trekking |
| Jamaica | Varies | Beaches, reggae culture, Blue Mountains |
| El Salvador | Varies | Surfing, volcanoes, Mayan ruins |
Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents with Pakistani Passport
| Country | Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijan | 30 Days | Caspian Sea coastline, ancient architecture, Baku |
| Georgia | 90 Days | Mountain landscapes, Black Sea coast, Tbilisi |
| Maldives | 30 Days | Idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts |
| Nepal | 90 Days | Mount Everest, Himalayas, rich cultural heritage |
| Oman | 30 Days | Desert landscapes, ancient forts, Muscat |
| Qatar | 30 Days | Modern architecture, world-class museums, shopping |
| Sri Lanka | 30 Days | Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, diverse culture |
| Turkey | 30 Days | Rich history, diverse landscapes, Istanbul |
| Kenya | 90 Days | Safari, wildlife, Maasai Mara |
| Mauritius | 90 Days | Beaches, luxury resorts, water sports |
| Seychelles | 90 Days | Pristine beaches, marine life, diving |
How to Obtain UAE Resident Status
A UAE residence visa is your key to these travel benefits. Common options include:
- Employment Visa: Sponsored by your UAE employer.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsored by a resident family member.
- Investor Visa: For those investing in UAE real estate or businesses.
- Golden Visa: Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals.
For a smooth process, consider consulting with business setup experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which countries give visa on arrival for UAE residents?
UAE residents can get a visa on arrival in many popular destinations, including the Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, Kenya, Mauritius, and Seychelles. The full list is available above, categorized by region and passport type.
2. What is the difference between visa-free and visa on arrival for UAE residents?
Visa-free means you can enter with just your passport, no application or fee is needed (e.g., Georgia, Armenia). Visa on arrival means you get the visa at the airport, which may involve a fee and paperwork (e.g., Thailand, Maldives).
3. Do I need my Emirates ID for visa on arrival?
Yes, absolutely. Your Emirates ID is the primary proof of your UAE residency status. You must carry the physical card with you when traveling. It is also mandatory for your return to the UAE.
4. Is the visa-on-arrival list the same for all UAE residents?
No. The final decision often rests on your passport nationality. A UAE resident with an Indian passport may have a different list of eligible countries compared to a resident with a Pakistani or British passport. Always check the requirements based on your specific passport.
5. How long should my UAE residence visa be valid for travel?
Most countries require your UAE residence visa to be valid for at least 3 to 6 months from your date of entry. Always check the specific requirement of your destination country.
6. Which countries give visa on arrival for UAE residents with Indian passport?
Popular visa-on-arrival destinations for UAE residents holding Indian passports include Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, Cambodia, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Refer to the dedicated section above for the complete list.
7. Which countries give visa on arrival for UAE residents with Pakistani passport?
UAE residents with Pakistani passports can get a visa on arrival in several countries, including Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, and Seychelles. Other popular options include Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan, and Thailand, which also offer visa-on-arrival policies for UAE residents. Remember to check the specific requirements and validity periods for each country before your trip.
Get Your UAE Residency Visa Today!
Visa-on-arrival access makes the world more convenient for UAE residents. From the beaches of the Maldives to the safaris of Kenya, unforgettable experiences are just a short flight away.
If you’re looking to obtain or renew your UAE residency, Shuraa Business Setup is here to help. We simplify the process, handling everything from licensing to paperwork.
Get in touch today at +971 4 4081900, WhatsApp at +971 50 7775554, or info@shuraa.com.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and may change. Always verify current visa requirements from official government websites or your embassy before traveling.
