The absence of the need to apply for a visa makes it easy to travel, not to plan trips for months, but simply to pack up in one day and go to the sea or mountains in another country for the weekend. However, to move around the world so easily, you need a strong passport. This term refers to the passports of states with which you can visit the maximum number of states without obtaining an entry permit. The UAE passport is one of the most powerful. Its holders can visit 175 countries without a visa.
What is a visa-free regime?
This is a special regime that allows a traveler to cross the border of a particular state without obtaining an entry permit in advance. Many countries have concluded agreements among themselves to simplify border crossing for their citizens. This has made travel much easier for travelers, tourists, and businessmen. As already mentioned, UAE citizens have the right to visit almost all countries of the world without a visa. However, this does not mean that they are not required to have other mandatory documents with them.
For example, they still need to present a valid passport at the border, i.e. it must be at least six months before the expiration date. They must also have with them a sufficient amount of money to cover the costs of their stay, and a return ticket. In some cases, a certificate of health status or vaccination is required.
The main advantages of the visa-free regime
The absence of the need to apply for visas has a beneficial effect on both people and the state itself. For humans, this is expressed in:
- Simplify travel planning, especially for short trips (such as weekends) or urgent business trips.
- Saving money and time. Visa processing is a paid procedure, so a visa–free regime will save financial resources. Especially if a person has to travel abroad frequently for work. It is also a significant budget saving for those who travel with their family. In addition, it usually takes from several days to several weeks to obtain an entry permit, which also causes inconvenience and often becomes a reason to postpone or even cancel a trip.
- Opportunities to develop your horizons, relax in your favorite places.
The state also receives additional bonuses for economic development, as:
- The investment attractiveness is increasing. Free entry into the country allows businessmen to explore new markets.
- The increase in the number of tourists brings additional tangible income to the treasury.
- The attractiveness of the country for holding various events, such as exhibitions, conferences, and forums, is increasing, which in turn increases the prestige of the state on the world stage.
Visa-free countries and destinations for UAE passport holders
Europe:
- Austria;
- Albania;
- Andorra;
- Belarus;
- Belgium;
- Bulgaria;
- Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- The Vatican;
- Hungary;
- Germany;
- Greece;
- Georgia;
- Denmark;
- Iceland;
- Spain;
- Irish;
- Italy;
- Cyprus;
- Kosovo;
- Latvia;
- Lithuania;
- Luxembourg;
- Liechtenstein;
- Malta;
- Moldova;
- Monaco;
- Montenegro;
- Netherlands;
- Norway;
- Benefit;
- Portugal;
- Romania;
- San Marino;
- North Macedonia;
- Serbia;
- Slovakia;
- Slovenia;
- Ukraine;
- Finland;
- France;
- Croatia;
- Czech;
- Switzerland;
- Sweden;
- Estonia.
The period of visa-free stay in these countries is limited to 90 days.
Key Asian destinations:
- There are no restrictions on the length of stay: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia.
- For 30 days: Brunei, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan.
- For 90 days: Azerbaijan, Israel, Jordan, Russia.
America’s Top Destinations:
For 90 days:
- Argentina;
- Brazil;
- Colombia;
- Chile;
- Ecuador;
- Paraguay;
- Isthmus countries (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, etc.);
- Caribbean countries except Dominica (6 months) and Jamaica (30 days).
Main destinations in Africa and Oceania
To enter most African countries, you need an e-visa or a stamp affixed to your passport upon arrival. Without obtaining an entry permit, you can visit and stay for 90 or 180 days in:
- Egypt;
- Tunisia;
- Morocco;
- Sudan;
- Mauritius;
- Senegal;
- Sao Tome and Principe;
- South AFRICA.
You can travel to the islands of Oceania without a visa at:
- Reunion;
- Fiji;
- Solomon Islands;
- New Caledonia;
- Cook Islands;
- Micronesia.
Visa-free destinations for UAE residents
Only 6 countries are available for visa-free travel for holders of residency:
- Azerbaijan;
- Uzbekistan;
- Georgia;
- Maldives;
- Seychelles;
- Montenegro.
At the border, tourists should have with them:
- a valid international passport;
- ID of the UAE resident;
- booking at the hotel;
- return ticket;
- insurance.
Electronic and on-arrival visas
An eTA is an electronic residence permit that is issued on the website of the destination country. The tourist needs to apply for and receive an electronic visa within a few minutes or hours. Most of the time, the procedure is free, but some countries, such as Canada, require payment of a small fee of $ 5.
E-visas for UAE citizens are issued by 26 countries, the most significant of which are:
- Great Britain;
- Vietnam;
- India;
- Iran;
- Cambodia;
- Pakistan;
- Turkey;
- Sri Lanka;
- South Korea;
- Canada;
- Nigeria;
- Seychelles;
- Australia;
- New Zealand.
The eTA for entry to the UK is a one–time document: you can use it to cross the border of the kingdom only once, but stay there for up to six months. The state registration fee is 30 pounds.
Canada issues a 5-year permit. During this period, you can enter and stay in the territory for up to 180 consecutive days.
Australia opens the eTA for tourists for 90 days, but it can be extended for a year by paying a fee of 190 Australian dollars.
A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a stamp in a passport confirming entry into a country that establishes border control when crossing the border. It’s usually free, but Indonesia, for example, charges a fee of $65.
To receive a mark, you must present:
- booking at the hotel;
- return ticket;
- an amount of money sufficient to cover daily expenses.
VOA is issued by 39 states, including:
- Iraq;
- Laos;
- Maldives;
- Mongolia;
- Nepal;
- Bolivia;
- Jamaica;
- Angola;
- Tanzania;
- Indonesia.
Conclusion
Visa-free border crossing agreements between the UAE and most countries of the world open up great business and travel opportunities for the citizens of the principality, especially for those who are used to traveling with their family. These are also great opportunities for young people to explore the world, get to know the cultures of other countries, broaden their horizons, and choose a profession.
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