To further boost its tourism and investment aspirations, the UAE has expanded its visa-free travel policy. Now, citizens from 82 countries can travel to the UAE without the need to secure a visa beforehand.
Upon their arrival, visitors are typically issued one of two visas. Particularly, they can either opt for a 30-day entry visa, extendable by an additional 10 days, or choose a 90-day entry permit.
Here’s the list of countries that you can check, so you can plan ahead for a future trip to the UAE.
| Albania | Czech Republic | Latvia | Russia |
| Andorra | Denmark | Liechtenstein | Qatar |
| Argentina | El Salvador | Lithuania | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Australia | Estonia | Luxembourg | San Marino |
| Austria | Finland | Malaysia | Saudi Arabia |
| Azerbaijan | France | Maldives | Serbia |
| Bahamas | Georgia | Malta | Seychelles |
| Bahrain | Germany | Mauritius | Singapore |
| Barbados | Greece | Mexico | Slovakia |
| Belarus | Honduras | Monaco | Slovenia |
| Belgium | Hong Kong | Montenegro | Solomon Islands |
| Brazil | Hungary | Nauru | Spain |
| Brunei | Iceland | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Bulgaria | Ireland | New Zealand | Switzerland |
| Canada | Israel | Norway | Ukraine |
| Chile | Italy | Oman | United Kingdom |
| China | Japan | Paraguay | United States of America |
| Colombia | Kazakhstan | Peru | Uruguay |
| Costa Rica | Kiribati | Poland | Vatican City |
| Croatia | Korea | Portugal | |
| Cyprus | Kuwait | Romania |
Read: UAE updates ‘visa-free’ policy to 82 countries, to boost tourism, investments
Travel tips
- Preparation is key. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay. In addition, be aware of the UAE’s visa-free entry and customs requirements to prevent sudden issues.
- Know about the UAE’s rich traditions. The UAE has a rich history influencing its customs and lifestyle. Learn about these traditions to enhance your travel experience and respect local customs.
- Prioritize your health. The UAE as high-quality medical facilities. But make sure you have adequate travel insurance to avail of these services in case of unforeseen health issues during your trip.
- Manage your finances wisely. Financial savvy is paramount during your UAE visa-free journey. Understanding the UAE’s primary currency, the Dirham, and planning your budget according to the exchange rates will help manage your expenses.
- Consider the climate. The UAE has high temperatures during summer (June to September) and relatively cooler winters (December to March). Pack appropriate attire to ensure comfort during your UAE visa-free travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any additional documents required for traveling visa-free to the UAE?
Primarily, you need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry. Moreover, we recommend having a return or onward ticket and proof of adequate funds for your trip. Although UAE visa-free travel typically doesn’t require additional documents, always make sure to verify this with the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.
Q: Are the visa-free travel rules applicable for all the emirates in the UAE?
Yes, the visa-free rules apply to all seven emirates within the UAE. However, the entry point and the duration of your stay may affect local regulations and requirements, so it is always a good idea to verify with the relevant authorities in your destination emirate.
Q: What are overstay fines in the UAE? How much are they?
In the UAE, 30-day on-arrival visa holders have a 10-day grace period. Overstaying past this period or the visa validity results in fines of AED50 for the first day, and then AED50 per day after that. Upon exiting the UAE, an exit permit fee of AED250-350 is likewise required. If you extend your stay through immigration or a tourism company, an AED50 per day overstay fine applies.
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