From sandy beaches to sprawling metropolises in the middle of the desert, holding a passport from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gives you access to all the beauty the Middle East has to offer. But it doesn’t stop there. With a UAE passport, visa free countries are numerous, and you’ll only need a plane ticket to reach them.
In this guide you will learn about:
Visa Free Countries for UAE Passport Holders
The list below is all the countries where holders of a UAE passport can visit without having to obtain a visa before traveling.
 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.
 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 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 2024 and beyond.
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 UAE passport have the world at their fingertips.
All you need to know about The United Arab Emirates Golden Visa
Closer Look at Popular Travel Destinations
In terms of our Global Passport Index, the United Arab Emirates ranks the 24th most powerful passport in the world. It ranks 7th on the Enhanced Mobility Index and 6th on the Investment Index but scores a relatively low 126th on the Quality of Living Index.
Nevertheless, it still makes the UAE an attractive prospect for many, allowing citizens to travel visa free throughout the Schengen Zone.
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 for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:
Austria | Hungary | Poland |
Belgium | Iceland | Portugal |
Czechia | Italy | Slovakia |
Denmark | Latvia | Slovenia |
Finland | Lithuania | Spain |
France | Luxembourg | Sweden |
Germany | Malta | Switzerland |
Greece | Netherlands |
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:
Armenia | Kazakhstan | Sri Lanka |
Azerbaijan | Korea, Republic of | Tajikistan |
Bangladesh | Kyrgyzstan | Taiwan |
Bhutan | Lao People's Democratic Republic | Thailand |
Brunei Darussalam | Macao | Timor-Leste |
Cambodia | Malaysia | Uzbekistan |
China | Maldives | Viet Nam |
Georgia | Mongolia | |
Hong Kong | Nepal | |
India | Pakistan | |
Indonesia | Philippines | |
Japan | Singapore |
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:
Angola | Ghana | Rwanda |
Botswana | Guinea | Senegal |
Burkina Faso | Guinea-Bissau | Seychelles |
Chad | Kenya | Sierra Leone |
Comoros | Lesotho | Somalia |
Congo | Madagascar | South Africa |
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the | Malawi | South Sudan |
Côte d'Ivoire | Mali | Sudan |
Djibouti | Mauritania | Togo |
Egypt | Mauritius | Tunisia |
Equatorial Guinea | Morocco | Uganda |
Ethiopia | Mozambique | Zambia |
Gabon | Namibia | Zimbabwe |
Gambia | Nigeria |
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:
Bahrain | Kuwait | Saudi Arabia |
Iran | Lebanon | Syrian Arab Republic |
Iraq | Oman | Turkey |
Israel | Palestine | Yemen |
Jordan | Qatar |
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:
Antigua and Barbuda | Dominican Republic | Panama |
Argentina | Ecuador | Paraguay |
Bahamas | El Salvador | Peru |
Barbados | Grenada | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Bolivia, Plurinational State of | Guatemala | Saint Lucia |
Brazil | Guyana | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Chile | Haiti | Uruguay |
Colombia | Honduras | |
Costa Rica | Jamaica | |
Cuba | Mexico | |
Dominica | Nicaragua |
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:
Albania | Holy See (Vatican City) | Russia |
Andorra | Ireland | San Marino |
Belarus | Moldova, Republic of | Serbia |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Montenegro | Ukraine |
Croatia | North Macedonia | United Kingdom |
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 Oceania for UAE passport holders to travel visa free:
Australia | Nauru | Tonga |
Fiji | New Zealand | Tuvalu |
Kiribati | Palau | Vanuatu |
Marshall Islands | Samoa | |
Micronesia, Federated States of | Solomon Islands |
Benefits of a UAE Passport
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dual nationality
The UAE recognizes dual nationality. This enables UAE citizens to obtain a second passport as long as the other respective nation’s visa regulations also recognizes dual nationality. This can open many doors for citizens that want to travel more and have benefits like tax incentives and business opportunities.
How to Obtain a UAE Passport
Eligibility for UAE citizenship
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 answers on how 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 nationality: 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.
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 a UAE Passport
Do UAE citizens need a visa to the USA?
Yes, all United Arab Emirates nationals must apply for visas to enter the United States.
How many countries can a UAE passport enter without a visa?
There are 179 visa free countries for UAE residents.
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 many European countries, including those in the Schengen Area, consisting of 27 European nations. UAE passport holders are visa exempt to visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without needing a visa.
How many countries can you visit with a UAE passport?
Based on the passport index, the list of countries UAE residents are allowed to travel without a visa include 103 countries, 23 with electronic visas, one with electronic travel authorization, and 42 with on-arrival visas.
Are there any visa-free countries for UAE passport holders in Africa?
Yes, there are several UAE visa free destinations in Africa, some include Morocco, Mauritius, Botswana, and Tunisia.
How strong is the UAE passport in terms of visa-free travel?
The UAE passport ranks very well in terms of the UAE passport visa-free countries. There are 179 visa free countries, ranking the UAE passport 7th out of 199 countries on the enhanced mobility index.
What countries can you visit with a Dubai passport without a visa?
The Dubai passport visa free countries are the same visa free countries for UAE residents, meaning there are 170 visa free countries, including many in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe.
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.
What countries can UAE passport holders visit without a visa in 2024?
Some visa free countries for the UAE passport include France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
Do UAE passport holders need a visa to travel to the Schengen Zone?
No, UAE passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Zone. They can enter Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Can UAE passport holders visit the UK without a visa?
No, UAE passport holders need a visa to visit the UK. Whether you’re travelling for tourism, business, or studies, you need to obtain the correct UK visa before travelling.
Are there any African countries where UAE citizens can travel visa-free?
Absolutely, there are a range of African countries that permit visa free travel for UAE passport holders, including Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Congo, and Botswana to name a few.
