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Visiting the UAE? Here's the list of countries that can get visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival

Planning a trip to the UAE? Find out which countries are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, making your travel experience even more convenient

By ABU DHABI2 min read

AI-assisted This article was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an AbuDhabi.News editor before publication. See our editorial policy for the full workflow.

UAE visa on arrival countries: Visiting the UAE? Here's the list of countries that can get visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival
Visiting the UAE? Check the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival and enjoy seamless travel. Photo by cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com
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  • 1Citizens of at least 70 countries can enter the UAE without a visa
  • 2GCC nationals can enter the country without a visa and can enter with either their passport or national ID
  • 3Visa-free entry for 90 days is allowed for nationals of 49 countries

Are you planning a trip to the UAE? With its stunning coastal waters and towering skyscrapers, the country is a popular destination for tourists. The UAE offers relatively easy access for visitors, allowing citizens of at least 70 countries to enter the nation without a visa.

Visa-free entry for 70-plus nations

The UAE allows citizens of at least 70 countries to enter the nation without a visa. This includes GCC nationals, who can enter the country without a visa and can enter with either their passport or national ID.

People from these 49 nations enjoy visa-free access to the country for 90 days. This is within a 180-day rolling window. Multiple entries are permitted but the total number of days must not exceed 90 within any 180-day period.

No visa or entry fees is charged. However, travellers entering the country on this visa are not allowed to work and need a separate visa for employment.

Some of the countries that enjoy visa-free entry for 90 days include Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, and many more.

Visa-free entry for 30 days

Visa-free entry for a maximum period of 30 days is allowed for nationals of the following countries. In most cases, a visa extension of 30 days is also possible for visitors from these countries.

These nations include Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, and many more.

It is always best to check official websites like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for the UAE or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if heading to Dubai.

Frequently asked questions

Which countries can enter UAE without visa?

Citizens of at least 70 countries, including GCC nationals, can enter the UAE without a visa, with GCC citizens able to use either a passport or national ID.

How many days can I stay in UAE without visa?

Nationals of about 49 countries may stay up to 90 days within a 180‑day rolling period, while other eligible nations can stay for 30 days with a possible 30‑day extension.

Do I need a visa to travel to UAE from Australia?

No. Australians can enter the UAE visa‑free for a maximum of 30 days, and they may request a 30‑day extension.

Can I work in UAE on a visa‑free entry?

No. Visa‑free entry does not permit employment; a separate work visa is required for any job in the UAE.

How can I check if I need a visa for UAE?

Visit the official websites of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for the latest visa information.

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Written by

Gerard Urbanozo

Reporting from Abu Dhabi — independent, on the ground, and built on local sources.