Visa free countries for UAE residents offer exciting travel opportunities without the hassle of complex visa applications. In 2025, UAE residents can freely travel to a great number of destinations around the world with some specific privileges depending on the nationality of the passport. One way or another, if you are packing for a short weekend break or a longer vacation, knowledge about the countries that are open to you without the need for a visa is certainly a time, money, and paperwork saver.
When you are a resident of the UAE, your travel benefits would be more than what a passport alone would grant, with access to destinations that could otherwise require draining visa procedures. This guide will give you all the information you need to know about visa-free travelling from the UAE in 2025 and some special considerations for Indian and Pakistani passport holders.
Top Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents: Latest Country List 2025
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Maldives
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Seychelles
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Georgia
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Thailand
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Mauritius
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Malaysia
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Armenia
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Azerbaijan
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Nepal
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Montenegro
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Serbia
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Jordan
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Indonesia
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Sri Lanka
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Fiji
Those living in the UAE will be able to travel to 15 wonderful destinations as visa-free or visa-on-arrival access is offered in 2025. There are places for everyone, ranging from the Maldives, Seychelles, Fiji, and Mauritius to Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Jordan. If you are an adventure lover, you can visit the famous Himalayas in Nepal or admire the scenery of Montenegro. On the other hand, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Serbia all have modern excitement and traditional culture. Since there are plenty of beaches, historical places, and breathtaking landscapes, UAE residents find travelling in their own country a real joy.
What are the UAE Resident Visa free Countries?
Visa free countries for UAE residents are destinations that allow entry without requiring a pre-approved visa before travel. This privilege is normally given according to the combination of your passport nationality and your UAE residency status. One has to understand the two main categories.
- Truly visa free countries for UAE residents: These countries allow you to enter only with your passport and UAE residency visa, where no other paperwork is necessary at the border.
- Visa-on-arrival countries: Such destinations do not require prior visa application but will issue a visa upon your arrival at the border or airport, usually for a small fee.
Your UAE residency status can position you for greater travels compared to what your passport may be able to facilitate. For instance, though an Indian passport may be subject to some restrictions in some countries, residency in the UAE can offer further privileges in entering countries such as Georgia, Serbia, and Albania etc.
The precise list of visa-free destinations is different for different nationalities of passports, with citizens of the UAE having the best opportunity. Nevertheless, expatriate residents of the UAE with proper UAE residency visas are still eligible to receive special travel deals with many countries all across the world.
The Most Recent Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents in 2025
The list of visa free countries for UAE residents continues to grow as more nations recognise the value of welcoming travellers from the UAE. Below is the detailed list of nations through which visa free countries for UAE residents in 2025, irrespective of the nationality of a passport:
| Region | Countries |
| Asia | Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau |
| Europe | Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ukraine |
| Africa | Mauritius, Seychelles, Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya |
| Oceania | Fiji, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Samoa, Vanuatu |
| Middle East | Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
Keep in mind that entry requirements and stay periods might be adjusted often, thus be sure to get the most updated info before planning your trip.
Top 15 Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents in 2025
Maldives
This tropical heaven provides a visa-free stay for up to 30 days for UAE residents. With pristine, crystal-clear waters, luxury overwater villas, and unbeatable world-class diving, it provides a great retreat for relaxation.
Seychelles
Stay up to 90 days visa-free in this island country boasting its stunning beaches, strange granite rock formations and verdant forests. The Seychelles is a perfect combination of luxury and natural beauty.
Georgia
Residents of Georgia – UAE can stay visa-free in Georgia for a period of 90 days, and that too in a country that has a variety of landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches, and a rich history, wine culture and affordable luxuries.
Thailand
With a visa-free stay for 30 days, Thailand is opening its colourful cities, beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and famed cuisine to the UAE residents.
Mauritius
This island country provides a visa-free stay of 90 days to UAE residents. Associated with beaches, lagoons, and reefs, Mauritius is ideal in terms of adventure and relaxation.
Malaysia
Visa-free up to 30-90 days (depending on your passport) in Malaysia, where you can find modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and also ancient rainforests and idyllic islands.
Armenia
The residents of the UAE are eligible to get a visa on arrival in Armenia, a country that is full of age-old history, awe-inspiring monasteries, and awe-inspiring mountain ranges.
Azerbaijan
With a Visa on arrival, Azerbaijan is a perfect combination of the East and the West, from the modern architecture of Baku to the traditional villages.
Nepal
The citizens of the UAE can obtain a visa on arrival for a period of 90 days to discover the majestic Himalayan mountains and the cultural heritage of the Nepalese country.
Montenegro
This Balkan jewel has 90 days of visa-free visit, incredible coastal cities, scenery, and old architecture.
Serbia
90 days visa-free access, enjoy the vibrant capital Belgrade, historical monasteries and beautiful scenery of this country.
Jordan
The UAE residents are able to have short visits to enjoy the tour of iconic places such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum deserts.
Indonesia
UAE residents get visa-free access up to 30 days to discover the beaches of Bali, the urban energy of Jakarta and thousands of other islands with so much diversity.
Sri Lanka
New visa-free entry for Indian passport holders recently made Sri Lanka more accessible for tourists because it is a beautiful island nation, known for its beaches, tea plantations and wildlife.
Fiji
This is a Pacific island paradise that accepts many UAE residents without a visa or on arrival and has beautiful beaches, coral reefs and real cultural experiences.
These destinations provide a wide variety, ranging from beach relaxation to culture, adventure to luxury retreat. The precise passport requirements and stay lengths might depend on your passport nationality, thus it is important to always make sure that you are up to date with the latest information before travelling.
Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents with an Indian Passport
For Indian passport holders residing in the UAE, the nationality of citizenship and the residency of the UAE make it possible to visit many countries without requiring advance visas. This section entails the precise visa-free and visa-on-arrival options that are applicable to Indian passport holders who are in the UAE.
Indian Passport Holders updated 2025 List
| Country | Visa Type | Stay Duration | Notes |
| Nepal | Visa-free | Unlimited | Work and reside freely |
| Bhutan | Visa-free | 14 days | |
| Sri Lanka | Visa-free | 30 days | New policy from Oct 2024 |
| Thailand | Visa-free | 60 days | Extended until the end of 2025 |
| Maldives | Visa on arrival | 30 days | Extendable to 90 days |
| Indonesia | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Mauritius | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Seychelles | Visitor’s permit | 90 days | Issued on arrival |
| Fiji | Visa-free | 120 days | |
| Barbados | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Dominica | Visa-free | 180 days | |
| Serbia | Visa-free | 30 days | Within a year |
| Jamaica | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Kazakhstan | Visa-free | 14 days | |
| Iran | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Jordan | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Qatar | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Oman | Visa-free | 14 days | |
| El Salvador | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Haiti | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Montserrat | Visa-free | 180 days | |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| St. Lucia | Visa-free | 42 days | |
| St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Visa-free | 90 days |
Also, some countries provide visa-on-arrival facilities to Indian nationals who possess a UAE residence permit with an Indian passport:
- Laos – 30-day visa on arrival.
- Cambodia 30–day visa on arrival
- Madagascar – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Myanmar – 28-day visa on arrival.
- Tanzania –90-day visa on arrival.
- Rwanda- 30-day visa on arrival
- Sierra Leone – 30-day visa on arrival.
- Tuvalu – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Vanuatu has 30 30-day visa on arrival.
- Cape Verde Islands – visa on arrival for 30 30-day period.
- Guinea-Bissau – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Somalia – 30-day visa on arrival
- Togo – visa on arrival (7 days).
Nowadays, travelling is made even easier for Indian passport holders due to the recent policy changes. Thailand has granted visa-free entry to Indian tourists until the end of 2025 for a maximum period of 60 days, while Sri Lanka has introduced visa-free entry from October 2024 for all Indian passport holders.
When moving with an Indian passport and in UAE residency, always have both documents with you since some countries may want to verify that *you have a residency status. Moreover, make sure that your passport expires not earlier than six months after you plan to return.
Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents with a Pakistani Passport
Pakistani passport holders with UAE residency have special privileges on travelling to a large number of countries without having to obtain advance visas. The following paragraph describes the available visa-free and visa-on-arrival alternatives for UAE inhabitants in 2025.
Updated Pakistani Passport Holder List 2025
| Country | Visa Type | Stay Duration | Notes |
| Barbados | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Dominica | Visa-free | 180 days | |
| Gambia | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Haiti | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Micronesia | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Maldives | Visa on arrival | 30 days | |
| Nepal | Visa on arrival | 90 days | |
| Seychelles | Visitor’s permit | 90 days | Issued on arrival |
| Samoa | Visa on arrival | 60 days | Entry permit on arrival |
| Vanuatu | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Kenya | Visa on arrival | 90 days | |
| Mauritania | Visa on arrival | 30 days | |
| Mozambique | Visa on arrival | 30 days | |
| Papua New Guinea | Visa on arrival | 60 days | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Cape Verde | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Comoros | Visa on arrival | 45 days | |
| Guinea-Bissau | Visa on arrival | 90 days | |
| Madagascar | Visa on arrival | 90 days | |
| Mauritius | Visa-free | 90 days | |
| Somalia | Visa on arrival | 30 days | |
| Tanzania | Visa on arrival | 90 days | |
| Togo | Visa on arrival | 7 days | |
| St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa-free | 30 days | |
| Montserrat | Visa-free | 180 days | |
| St. Lucia | Visa-free | 42 days | |
| Palau | Visa-free | 30 days |
Other countries that also provide a visa on arrival to Pakistani passport holders with UAE residency are the following:
- Angola – 30-day visa on arrival.
- Bolivia – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Djibouti- 31-day visa on arrival
- Ethiopia – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Guinea – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Lesotho – 14-day visa on arrival.
- Malawi-90 days visa on arrival.
- Nigeria – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Rwanda – 30-day visa on arrival.
- Senegal – 90-day visa on arrival.
- Sierra Leone – visa on arrival (for 30 days)
- South Sudan – 30-day visa on arrival.
- Suriname- visa on arrival 9for 0 days.
- Timor-Leste has a visa on arrival for 30 days.
- Uganda – visa on arrival (90 days).
Pakistani passport holders having residency in the UAE should always have with them their passport and a valid UAE residency card when travelling, as both documents are necessary for entry. Other countries might have other requirements like return tickets, documents of accommodation or enough money.
The UAE residency provides more options for travelling to Pakistanis who have passports and allows them to access places they would otherwise have to apply for complex visas. Always check for the latest requirements before making your journey because the visa policies may change often.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements and Travel Tips.
When travelling to visa free countries for UAE residents, proper preparation ensures a smooth journey. Being aware of the general requirements for entry and adhering to necessary travel tips will help you avoid problems at immigration and get the best out of your trip.
Essential Documents Checklist
Before going to any visa free countries for UAE residents, make sure you have the following:
- Valid passport with 6 months’ validity after your planned date of return.
- A residency visa in the UAE that is valid for the whole duration of your trip.
- Return or onward ticket showing that you are not going to stay forever.
- Evidence of accommodations for the whole duration (Hotel bookings or host invitation)
- Evidence that you have enough money to cater for your spending (cash, credit cards and bank statements)
- Health/travel insurance that covers medical emergencies (required by certain countries).
- Vaccination certificates (when necessary: check the health requirements for every destination).
Other countries also expect that your passport should have at least two blank pages for stamps. Certain countries may require some visa formalities, like a yellow fever vaccination certificate, if you are coming from the specified areas.
Financial Requirements
Visa free countries for UAE residents will mostly require you to provide evidence that you are able to fend for yourself during your stay. The amounts required are dependent on the destination:
- European countries: Generally require €50-100 per day
- Asian countries: Requirements range from $25 to $ 50 per day
- African nations typically require $25-30 per day
Such amounts can be proven by cash, credit cards, traveller’s checks, as well as recent bank statements. This proof may be requested by some of the immigration officers upon arrival.
Health and Insurance Considerations
Travel insurance is becoming more and more mandatory for international travel, even to visa-free destinations. When choosing insurance, make sure that it will cover;
- Medical emergencies and hospitalisation
- COVID-19-related expenses
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost luggage and personal belongings
- Emergency evacuation if needed
There are certain countries that have certain health requirements or recommendations. Make sure you have vaccines for such diseases as yellow fever, hepatitis, or typhoid before taking a trip.
Entry Restrictions and Special Considerations
In the case of visa free countries for UAE residents, keep in mind such possible limitations:
- Previous travel history: Some countries will not allow you entry if you have come from specific countries recently.
- Criminal record: Previous convictions will prevent entrance into certain countries.
- Purpose of visit: Tourist visa exemptions do not usually permit business endeavours.
- Length of stay: Overstaying the visa-free duration may lead to fines or barring from entering in future.
On arrival in a visa-free country, the powers are on the side of immigration officers to decide upon entry. Politeness, presentation of all necessary documents, and clear presentation of plans of travel plans can facilitate the smooth entry process.
UAE Visa Rules and Policy Recent Updates (2025)
The UAE is still in the process of refining its visa policies to promote inbound tourism as well as outbound travelling prospects for the UAE residents. Knowing about these latest UAE visa rules can help you get the best out of your privileges as a UAE resident in the year 2025.
New UAE Residency Visa Categories
There are new categories of residency visa recently introduced in the UAE, which offer better travel benefits to the holders:
- Golden Visa: There is this long-term residency arrangement (5-10 years) which is open to investors, entrepreneurs, talents in specific fields and brilliant learners. Golden Visa holders are usually given priority when applying for visas to other countries, especially the Schengen countries.
- Green Visa: Designed for skilled professionals, self-employed, as well as freelancers, this visa offers more freedom and independence from sponsors, keeping the benefits of travelling.
- Remote Work Visa: This one-year visa enables professionals to reside in the UAE and work for organisations that are outside the UAE, providing them with an opportunity to use the UAE as a base for visa-free travel.
These new categories of visas indicate the commitment of the UAE to attracting and retaining global talent and to giving more mobility to residents.
Enhanced Travel Agreements
The UAE government has managed to sign several new bilateral agreements in order to enhance the accessibility of travelling for residents.
- GCC Access: UAE residents having a valid ID of the Emirates can now travel to Oman, Bahrain and Qatar without having the need to apply for visas for short stays.
- Saudi Arabia E-Visas: Saudi Arabia now also provides instant electronic visas to the UAE residents, making travelling to the Kingdom easier.
- Expanded Asian Access: New agreements with countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have increased the visa free stay for UAE residents.
- European Opportunities: Some of the countries, such as Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro, are still granting UAE nationals visa-free access, and they even increase the length of stay in some cases.
Such agreements are indicative of the rising diplomatic power of the UAE and its desire to improve the mobility of its residents in the world.
COVID-19 Policy Adjustments
Although most COVID-19 travel bans have been removed, some visa policies that were put in place during the pandemic have been retained or modified.
- Extended Validity: Nowadays, many countries provide longer validity periods for visas that are granted to residents of the UAE.
- Digital Processing: More destinations now have an e-visa facility exclusively for UAE residents, which cuts processing time.
- Health Requirements: While being visa-free, some destinations continue to impose health screening or vaccination rules introduced in the time of the pandemic.
Always be up to date with the latest health requirements in your destination, as these can change at very short notice.
Future Developments
Moving forward, the UAE is in negotiations for more visa-free arrangements for its residents. Potential upcoming agreements include:
- Expanded access to Caribbean nations
- More African nations that do not require an entry visa.
- Improved deals with the South American nations
- Longer staying periods in the current visa-free destinations
The UAE’s diplomatic moves are aimed at increasing global mobility opportunities of all residents of the country, regardless of the nationality of their passports.
Conclusion
The list of visa free countries for UAE residents continues to grow, offering exciting travel opportunities without the hassle of complex visa applications. Residents of the UAE will be able to freely move to destinations in Asia, Europe, even Africa and beyond in 2025, with special privileges depending on the nationality of the bearer passports.
In case of Indian and Pakistani passport holders who live in the UAE, the combination of nationality and UAE residency status opens up prospects to destinations which otherwise may require advance visas. From the tropical beaches of the Maldives to the historic cities of Eastern Europe, there are so many places where the UAE residents could choose for a quick escape or a long vacation.
With changing visa policies, keeping up with the up-to-date requirements guarantees hassle-free travel. Always check for official sources before planning your trip, and take all required documents with you & adhere to entry conditions to hold your travelling privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q1.What are the best visa-free countries for UAE people in 2025?
Ans. The top visa free countries for UAE residents in 2025 include Maldives (30 days), Seychelles (90 days), Georgia (90 days), Thailand (30 days), Mauritius (90 days), Malaysia (30-90 days), Serbia (90 days), and Indonesia (30 days). These destinations combine beach escapades, cultural experiences, and adventure without pre-visa applications.
Q2.How many countries do UAE residents visit without a visa?
Ans. Residents of the UAE can travel freely to about 100-140 countries without having to apply for advanced visas, where the actual number is dependent on the nationality of the passport holder. The UAE citizens have the most privileged access with visa-free or visa on arrival to more than 170 countries. Expatriate residents have the advantage of special arrangements which improve the standard of visa-free entry for their passports.
Q3.Which documents are needed for a visa on arrival?
Ans.UAE passport holders require a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity, a valid UAE residency visa, return or onward tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for the stay to visit visa-on-arrival countries. Other countries may also ask for passport photographs, filled-out arrival forms and documents for travel insurance.
Q4. Do UAE residents have to carry their Emirates ID while travelling to GCC countries visa-free?
Ans. Yes, valid Emirates ID holders of the UAE can visit a few GCC nations without obtaining a separate visa for limited periods of time. This privilege is currently enjoyed by Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Saudi Arabia provides hassle-free e-visa facilities to UAE citizens. Never forget to check the latest requirements prior to travelling, since policies might change.
Q5.Which countries offer visa-free travel for residents of the UAE with passports from India?
Ans. Residents of UAE holding India passports are enabled to tour visa free to a number of countries including Thailand (60 days), Sri Lanka (30 days), Maldives (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Mauritius (90 days), Seychelles (90 days), Bhutan (14 days), Nepal (unlimited), The Indian citizenship and the UAE residence provide much wider options as compared to the average privileges of the Indian passport holders.
