In a bid to facilitate global travel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a streamlined visa policy for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), welcoming citizens from 82 nations without the need for prior visa arrangements.
This bold move aims to enhance tourism and foster international relations. Travel enthusiasts are advised to stay informed about the latest visa developments through the official ministry website.
Visa-Free Access for 82 Nationalities
The UAE’s progressive approach to tourism allows citizens of 82 diverse countries to step onto its vibrant shores without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance. With a focus on encouraging seamless travel experiences, the UAE offers two convenient visa options upon arrival.
List of countries that can enter the UAE visa-free, as per the MOFA
- Australia
- Swiss Confederation
- Czech Republic
- Slovak Republic
- French Republic
- Hellenic Republic (Republic of Greece)
- Hungary
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- United Mexican States
- Japan
- Principality of Andorra
- Principality of Liechtenstein
- Principality of Monaco
- Ukraine
- Barbados
- Brunei Darussalam
- Solomon Islands
- Republic of Azerbaijan
- Republic of Estonia
- Argentine Republic
- Eastern Republic of Uruguay
- Republic of Albania
- Federative Republic of Brazil
- Portuguese Republic
- Republic of El Salvador
- People’s Republic of China
- Republic of Maldives
- Federal Republic of Germany
- Republic of Austria
- Republic of Ireland
- Republic of Iceland
- Republic of Italy
- Republic of Paraguay
- Republic of Bulgaria
- Republic of Poland
- Republic of Peru
- Republic of Belarus
- Republic of Chile
- Republic of San Marino
- Republic of Slovenia
- Republic of Singapore
- Republic of Seychelles
- Republic of Serbia
- Republic of Finland
- Republic of Cyprus
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Republic of Croatia
- Republic of Korea
- Republic of Costa Rica
- Republic of Colombia
- Republic of Kiribati
- Republic of Latvia
- Republic of Lithuania
- Republic of Malta
- Republic of Mauritius
- Republic of Nauru
- Republic of Honduras
- Georgia
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- State of Israel
- State of Kuwait
- State of Qatar
- Vatican City State
- Russian Federation
- Romania
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sultanate of Oman
- Commonwealth of the Bahamas
- Canada
- Malaysia
- Kingdom of Spain
- Kingdom of Bahrain
- Kingdom of Denmark
- Kingdom of Sweden
- Kingdom of Norway
- Kingdom of Belgium
- Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
Also Read: Guide for NRIs: How to Add Your UAE Address to Your Indian Passport
Two Visa Options on Arrival
Travelers arriving in the UAE have the privilege of choosing from two distinct visa options. The first is a 30-day entry visa, which can be extended by an additional 10 days, providing ample time to explore the country’s myriad attractions.
Alternatively, visitors can opt for a 90-day visa, allowing for an extended stay to fully immerse themselves in the UAE’s culture and offerings.
Smooth Entry for GCC Nationals
Citizens hailing from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are granted easy entry into the UAE. They can use either their passports or Identity Cards to cross the borders, negating the need for a separate visa or sponsor arrangement, thereby further strengthening regional bonds.
Guidelines for Indian Citizens
Indian travellers holding ordinary passports can rejoice as they are eligible for a 14-day entry visa upon arrival. For those wishing to extend their stay, a 14-day extension is possible. However, it’s essential that their passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
Additionally, possessing a visit visa or permanent residency card from recognized nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, or any EU country is a prerequisite for this privilege.
Visa Requirements
The latest visa requirements for the UAE can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. You can also contact the airlines for more information.
Also Read: Working in UAE Without a Valid Work Visa? Here Are the Risks
How to Check Visa Requirements
To check the visa requirements for your country, you can do the following:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- Click on the “Visas” tab.
- Select your country from the list.
- The visa requirements for your country will be displayed.
Entry Permit for Specific Cases
For individuals not covered under the umbrella of visa-free access or visa-on-arrival provisions, the requirement of an entry permit comes into play. This permit, which needs to be procured before entering the UAE, is typically facilitated by a sponsor.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs oversees the issuance of this entry permit, the approval of which is contingent on the purpose of the visit.
115 Countries Requiring Visas
While a significant number of nations enjoy visa-free travel to the UAE, it’s important to note that citizens from 115 other countries still need to go through the visa application process to gain entry.
As visa policies may evolve, prospective travellers are strongly advised to consult the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest updates.
Stay Updated for Seamless Travel
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends staying informed about the evolving visa regulations by visiting its official website.
Furthermore, comprehensive information about visa prerequisites can also be sourced from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s official website. Additionally, for real-time updates, travellers can engage with airlines to obtain the most current information.
With the UAE’s proactive stance on facilitating international travel, an exciting and accessible journey awaits citizens from around the world.
As the nation opens its doors to an array of cultures, these inclusive visa policies promise to elevate the UAE’s position as a global tourist destination.
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