Visa-Free Countries for UAE Emirates ID Holders in 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing its citizens to travel to numerous countries visa-free. However, UAE residents and Emirates ID holders (expats) also enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several destinations, making international travel more convenient.
If you are a UAE resident planning your next vacation or business trip, here’s a comprehensive list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations for Emirates ID holders.
List of Visa-free Countries for UAE Emirates ID Holders
As of 2025, UAE residents holding an Emirates ID have the privilege of traveling to several countries without the need for a pre-arranged visa. This facilitates easier and more spontaneous international travel.
Below is an updated list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations for UAE residents:
African Destinations
- Seychelles: Grants a Visitor’s Permit on arrival for up to 90 days.
- Mauritius: Offers visa-free access for up to 90 days.
- Kenya: Requires an eVisa or visa on arrival for up to 90 days.
- Tanzania: Provides visa on arrival for up to 90 days.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries
As a UAE resident, you can travel visa-free to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, provided you hold a valid UAE residence visa. These countries include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
Note: Some GCC countries may require an e-visa or pre-arrival approval based on your nationality and profession.
European Destinations
- Albania: UAE residents can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Serbia: Allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
- Montenegro: Offers visa-free access for up to 90 days.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
Visa-Free Countries for UAE Residents
If you hold a UAE residence visa and an Emirates ID, you can travel visa-free to the following destinations:
- Georgia – UAE residents can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Azerbaijan – UAE residents get visa-free entry for 30 days.
- Armenia – Visa-free for UAE residence visa holders.
- Maldives – UAE residents can stay for 30 days visa-free.
- Seychelles – No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- Serbia – Visa-free entry for 90 days within 180 days.
- Montenegro – UAE residents enjoy visa-free access for up to 90 days.
- Albania – UAE residence visa holders can enter visa-free.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – No visa required for stays of up to 90 days.
Tip: Always check the latest travel requirements, as visa policies may change.
Visa-on-Arrival Countries for UAE Residents
The following countries allow visa-on-arrival for UAE residence visa holders, making it easy to travel:
- Thailand – Visa on arrival for 14 days.
- Indonesia – Visa on arrival for 30 days (extendable).
- Turkey – UAE residents can obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
- Jordan – Visa on arrival for UAE residents.
- Malawi – Visa on arrival available for UAE residents.
- Madagascar – 30 to 90-day visa on arrival.
- Mauritania – Visa on arrival at the airport.
- Nepal – Visa on arrival for 90 days.
- Tanzania – Visa on arrival for UAE residents.
- Kenya – E-visa or visa on arrival for UAE residents.
- Sri Lanka – UAE residents can get visa on arrival or an e-visa.
Tip: Some visa-on-arrival destinations may require proof of accommodation, return tickets, or a minimum passport validity of 6 months.
Conclusion
UAE residents with an Emirates ID enjoy the flexibility of traveling to numerous countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival options. So, if you’re planning a beach vacation in the Maldives, a business trip to Georgia, or an adventure in Thailand, these destinations offer easy entry for UAE residents.
Before you travel:
- Always check the latest visa requirements on the official embassy or immigration website.
- Ensure your UAE residence visa is valid for at least 6 months.
- Have proof of accommodation, return flights, and sufficient funds if required.
With so many visa-friendly destinations, UAE residents can now explore the world without the hassle of complicated visa applications!
