UAE Passport Visa Free Countries: All The Places You Can Go in 2025

The UAE passport is one of the strongest in the world, offering Emirati citizens unparalleled freedom to travel.

With access to 179 countries, including visa-free destinations, visa-on-arrival, and eVisa options, UAE passport holders can explore the globe with ease.

From short getaways in Europe’s Schengen Area to long-term adventures across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, lets explore UAE passport visa free countries.

In this guide you will learn about:

• Visa free countries for UAE passport holders
• Visa on arrival countries for UAE passport holders
• Countries that require an eVisa for UAE passport holders
• Countries with visa requirements for UAE passport holders
• An overview of the UAE passport
• Benefits of the UAE passport and more

Visa Free Countries for UAE Passport Holders

Here is a UAE passport visa-free countries list:

Countries
Albania	Germany	Palestine, State of
Andorra	Greece	Panama
Angola	Grenada	Paraguay
Antigua and Barbuda	Guatemala	Peru
Argentina	Haiti	Philippines
Armenia	Honduras	Poland
Austria	Hong Kong	Portugal
Azerbaijan	Hungary	Qatar
Bahamas	Iceland	Romania
Bahrain	Ireland	Russian Federation
Barbados	Israel	Saint Kitts and Nevis
Belarus	Italy	Saint Lucia
Belgium	Japan	San Marino
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Jordan	Sao Tome and Principe
Botswana	Kazakhstan	Saudi Arabia
Brazil	Kiribati	Senegal
Brunei Darussalam	Kuwait	Serbia
Bulgaria	Kyrgyzstan	Seychelles
Burkina Faso	Latvia	Singapore
Chad	Lebanon	Slovakia
Chile	Liechtenstein	Slovenia
China	Lithuania	Solomon Islands
Colombia	Luxembourg	South Africa
Costa Rica	Malaysia	Korea, Republic of
Croatia	Mali	Spain
Cuba	Malta	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Cyprus	Mauritius	Sudan
Czechia	Mexico	Sweden
Denmark	Micronesia, Federated States of	Switzerland
Dominica	Moldova, Republic of	Syrian Arab Republic
Dominican Republic	Monaco	Tajikistan
Ecuador	Montenegro	Thailand
Egypt	Morocco	Tonga
El Salvador	Mozambique	Tunisia
Equatorial Guinea	Nauru	Ukraine
Estonia	Netherlands	Uruguay
Fiji	Nicaragua	Uzbekistan
Finland	North Macedonia	Vanuatu
France	Norway	Holy See (Vatican City State)
Gambia	Oman	Zambia
Georgia

Visa on arrival countries for UAE Passport Holders

The list below is all the countries where holders of a UAE passport can visit by getting a visa when they land at the airport. Be prepared to pay for any visa fees on arrival.

Countries
Bangladesh	India	Nepal
Bolivia, Plurinational State of	Indonesia	Palau
Burundi	Iraq	Rwanda
Cambodia	Jamaica	Samoa
Cabo Verde	Lao People's Democratic Republic	Sierra Leone
Central African Republic	Macao	Somalia
Comoros	Madagascar	Tanzania, United Republic of
Congo	Malawi	Timor-Leste
Ethiopia	Maldives	Togo
Ghana	Marshall Islands	Tuvalu
Guinea	Mauritania	Turkey
Guinea-Bissau	Mongolia	Yemen
Guyana	Namibia	Zimbabwe

Countries that require an e Visa for UAE Passport Holders

The list below is all the countries where holders of a UAE passport can visit by getting electronic visa authorization before traveling.

Australia	Djibouti	Pakistan
Benin	Gabon	South Sudan
Bhutan	Iran, Islamic Republic of	Sri Lanka
Cameroon	Kenya	Taiwan, Province of China
Canada	Lesotho	Uganda
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the	New Zealand	United Kingdom
Côte d'Ivoire	Nigeria	Viet Nam

Countries with Visa Requirements for UAE Passport Holders

The list below is all the countries requiring United Arab Emirates passport holders to apply for a visa before making travel arrangements.

Afghanistan	Libya	Suriname
Algeria	Myanmar	Trinidad and Tobago
Belize	Niger	Turkmenistan
Eritrea	Korea, Democratic People's Republic of	United States
Eswatini	Papua New Guinea	Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Liberia

Overview of the UAE Passport

The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The UAE offers a modern way of life while still offering a world of culture and history.

The UAE, one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is one of the top places in the world for investors as the economy and overall business opportunities are growing astronomically. This, along with the strategic location are making the UAE, one of the top contenders for expats in 2025 and beyond, with the UAE Golden Visa leading the way for foreign investment into the country.

In recent years, the UAE passport ranking has increased dramatically, putting it ahead of many top nations across the globe. The UAE passport offers visa-free travel to over 170 countries, including the Schengen area, top European nations, Asia, and Africa, providing a world of opportunities for investors looking to get into various global industries.

Plus, with access to countries across the globe the opportunity to travel, work, and study in various destinations means those with a valid passport have the world at their fingertips.

Closer Look at Popular Travel Destinations for the UAE Passport

Schengen Area

The Schengen Zone encompasses a monumental agreement among European countries, allowing free and unrestricted movement across their borders as if they were a single country for international travel purposes.

This agreement eliminates border checks and harmonizes visa policies, making travel and commerce easier, especially for those who hold a UAE passport.

Here are areas within the Schengen zone, including European Union (EU) countries for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Asia

Thanks to its location in the Middle East, Emirati passport holders have easy access to Asia and the Far East. With a UAE passport, Singapore allows a visa-free visit for up to 30 days, South Korea provides visa-free access for stays of up to 90 days, and Thailand offers visa-free travel for up to 30 days, to name a few.

Here are areas within Asia for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Africa

Africa is a continent of rich diversity, with a wide range of countries. Each has its own unique culture and an abundance of business opportunities. In terms of trade, Africa is one of the top trade destinations in the world.

Here are areas within Africa for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Middle East

The Middle East is a region known for its historical significance, cultural richness, and strategic importance. It serves as a crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it a hub for trade, innovation, and tourism.

Here are areas within the Middle East for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Americas

The Americas are an excellent destination for UAE passport holders due to easy visa access to many countries, including Mexico and Brazil. There are ample educational and business opportunities within the Americas making it a popular option for travelers from the UAE.

Here are areas within the Americas for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Europe (Non-Schengen)

Europe offers fantastic travel opportunities for those with a UAE passport. The rich history, fantastic culture, and gorgeous landscapes invite UAE passport holders on the holiday of a lifetime.

Here are areas within Europe for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Oceania

Oceania is very appealing for UAE passport holders, with destinations like New Zealand and Australia offering easy visa options for those from the UAE. If history and exploring great natural wonders are things you enjoy, Oceania has a lot to offer.

Here are areas within the Oceania region for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:

Benefits of a UAE Passport

1. Extensive visa free travel

United Arab Emirates passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including major destinations like the UK, Schengen Area, and Singapore. This makes international travel for business or pleasure more convenient and less time-consuming, as it eliminates the need for lengthy visa application processes.

2. Global business opportunities

With the UAE’s strong economic standing and its passport’s wide acceptance, United Arab Emirates citizens have an edge in global business dealings. They can easily travel for meetings, conferences, and negotiations, fostering international partnerships and investments.

3. Emergency support overseas

UAE nationals benefit from a strong network of embassies and consulates around the world. This network provides vital support in emergencies, including legal issues, health crises, or lost travel documents, ensuring citizens’ safety and well-being abroad.

4. Ease of study and work abroad

For students and professionals looking to study or work internationally, the UAE passport simplifies entry into many countries. This facilitates access to world-class educational institutions and global job markets, enhancing personal and professional development opportunities.

5. Passport ranking

In terms of our Global Passport Index, the United Arab Emirates ranks the 24th most powerful passport in the world. It ranks 22nd on the Enhanced Mobility Index and 6th on the Investment Index.

How to Obtain a UAE Passport

Obtaining UAE citizenship is quite difficult as the UAE government has strict regulations surrounding citizenship. However, recent changes in regulation, have opened up UAE citizenship to more foreign nationals. Here are some of the ways to get UAE citizenship:

• By marriage: You may be eligible for citizenship by marriage if you meet the requirements
• By descent: Citizenship by descent is possible in the UAE as long as you can prove you are a legitimate descendent of Arab nationality.
• By naturalization: UAE citizenship by nationality is attainable for those that have been residing in the UAE for more that 30 years. While very rare, it is possible.
• By exceptional merit: Emirati royals or officials can nominate people for citizenship by exceptional merit. It is very difficult and requires exceptional performance in your filed, international awards, significant investment in the country, and more.

If you’re not looking to become a citizen, then an option like the UAE Golden Visa is the ideal option as it offers long term residency in the UAE, with far fewer restrictions. Additionally, UAE residency through company formation is another option.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about UAE Passport Visa Free Countries

Does a UAE citizen need a visa for the USA?

UAE nationals are required to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. Since the UAE is not included in the US Visa Waiver Program, Emirati citizens cannot enter the country without prior approval. For short-term travel, such as tourism or business, the most common option is the B1/B2 visitor visa.

How many countries can a UAE passport enter without a visa?

UAE passport holders benefit from extensive travel freedom, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 179 destinations worldwide. This global access covers countries across Europe, Asia, North and South America, Oceania, and Africa. Among the most popular visa-free destinations are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Are there any countries that UAE citizens are banned from entering?

Currently, no countries restrict entry for holders of a UAE passport. However, future temporary travel restrictions can be influenced by a variety of factors, including diplomatic relations, security issues, or health crises like pandemics. It is vital for all citizens to double check they are covered under the visa waiver policy of their intended destination.

Can Emirati passport holders travel visa free to Europe?

Yes, Emirati passport holders can travel visa-free to countries in the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days. However, they will also be required to obtain ETIAS authorization, an electronic travel permit, before entering.

How many countries can you visit with a UAE passport?

According to the UAE Government’s official portal, Emirati passport holders can travel to 179 countries without needing a prior visa. Of these, 134 destinations allow visa-free entry, while 45 grant entry with an eVisa or visa on arrival. Only 19 countries still require UAE citizens to apply for a visa in advance.

Are there any African countries UAE passport holders can enter visa-free?

Yes, UAE passport holders can travel to several African countries without a visa. For example, South Africa permits visa-free entry for tourism for up to 90 days. Some others include Morocco, Mauritius, Botswana, and Tunisia.

How strong is the UAE passport?

The UAE passport is currently among the strongest in the world, ranking near the top in global passport indexes. The GCS Passport Index ranks the UAE passport 29th out of 199.

What countries can you visit with a Dubai passport without a visa?

A Dubai (UAE) passport grants visa-free entry to 134 countries and visa-on-arrival or eVisa access to another 45. In total, UAE passport holders can travel to 179 destinations without needing to apply for a traditional visa beforehand.

Which Asian countries allow visa-free entry for Dubai passport holders?

UAE passport holders can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries across Asia including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand, to name a few.

Do UAE passport holders need a visa to travel to the Schengen Zone?

Yes, UAE citizens must obtain a visa for stays longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area. For shorter visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, they will need to get ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization starting in 2025.

Can UAE passport holders visit the UK without a visa?

No, UAE passport holders do not need a traditional visa to visit the UK. From February 22, 2024, they can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to enter for tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term study, or investment purposes. The ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple trips, with each stay lasting up to six months.

Do UAE citizens need a visa to travel to Canada?

No, UAE citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Canada for tourism, business, or to see family and friends. However, they are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling.