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, we’ll take a look at all the countries you can visit without a visa if you are traveling on a UAE passport, which countries allow you to get a visa on arrival, and for which countries you have to apply for a visa the old-fashioned way.
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 eVisa for UAE Passport Holders
The list below is all the countries where holders of a UAE passport can visit by getting an electronic visa 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 UAE 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, stands as a beacon of modernity and prosperity in the Middle East.
Known for its opulent cityscapes, thriving economy, and rich cultural heritage, the UAE is a crossroads of commerce, innovation, and tradition. This dynamic country has made significant strides on the global stage, mirrored in the strength and prestige of its passport.
In recent years, the UAE passport has climbed the ranks to become one of the most powerful in the world. It’s a testament to the country’s increasing diplomatic influence and its strategic international relationships.
UAE citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including most of Europe, key Asian destinations, and numerous countries in the Americas and Africa. This exceptional level of access opens doors to effortless global mobility, whether for leisure, business, or educational purposes.
The power of the UAE passport not only reflects the nation’s economic stability and security but also its commitment to establishing a global presence.
For Emiratis, this means unparalleled opportunities to explore, conduct business, and engage with diverse cultures without the hindrance of restrictive visa requirements.
As the UAE continues to foster international partnerships and expand its global outreach, the value of its passport is only set to rise, embodying the nation’s vision of a connected and influential future.
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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.
The Schengen zone comprises 26 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Asia
Thanks to its location in the Middle East, UAE 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.
Benefits of a UAE Passport
Extensive visa free travel: UAE 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, Emirati citizens have an edge in global business dealings. They can easily travel for meetings, conferences, and negotiations, fostering international partnerships and investments.
Cultural diplomacy and soft power: The UAE passport reflects the country’s growing diplomatic influence and its commitment to fostering global relationships. This not only enhances the country’s image on the world stage but also benefits citizens through increased cultural exchanges and international collaborations.
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.
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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 UAE citizens must apply for visas to enter the United States.
How many countries can a UAE passport enter visa free?
There are 179 countries that allow holders of a UAE passport to enter their territory without getting a prior visa.
Are there any countries that UAE citizens are banned from entering?
Currently, no countries restrict entry for holders of a UAE passport. However, future travel restrictions can be influenced by a variety of factors, including diplomatic relations, security issues, or health crises like pandemics.
