UAE

Eid Al Adha 2026 travel: 10 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for UAE residents

From Seychelles to Thailand, here are the best destinations you can visit from Dubai without the visa hassle.

By Sanya Nayeem Published: 2026-04-27T11:04:00+04:00 6 min read

You may be eligible for a 15-, 30- or 90-day visa-on-arrival to Nepal if you’re a UAE resident. Photo credit: Sebastian Pena Lambarri/Unsplash

Eid Al Adha holidays are coming up, and if your wanderlust is bubbling over, it’s time to plan your next getaway.

Just being a UAE resident helps cut down time and effort on acquiring visas. If you possess a valid UAE residence visa, there are several visa-free or visa-on-arrival options you can take advantage of. The best part? They’re all accessible by direct flights from Dubai.

Here’s our full list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for UAE residence visa holders:

Seychelles

From Mahe’s beautiful jungles to Praslin’s green heart – the Vallée de Mai national park – Seychelles has a lot more to offer than its pristine beaches. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The country, which is just over four hours away, offers visa-free travel for all nationalities from the UAE for a stay of up to 30 days.

Alphonse Island, Seychelles. Photo credit: Dan Maisey/Unsplash

Requirements: Instead of a visa, travellers receive a visitor’s permit on arrival, provided they meet the following requirements – a valid passport, return or onward flight ticket, confirmed accommodation, proof of funds (minimum $150 or Dh550 per day).

Georgia

Georgia. Photo credit: Neil Sengupta/Unsplash

Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is the perfect blend of old and new. You’ll find ancient culture, breathtaking nature, and charming cities with cobble-stoned streets, all in one place.

Requirements: The country allows you to stay without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You will require a passport that is valid for at least 90 days beyond the end of your stay, and a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.

Exceptions: There are exceptions for citizens of certain countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen. They will require a UAE residence permit valid for at least one year from their date of entry to Georgia.

Kenya

Kenya. Photo credit: Sammy Wong/Unsplash

This world-renowned safari destination is home to the twin migration of humpback whales and wildebeests, along with the ‘big five’ – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo. If you’re looking for adventure and a whole lot of awe, there’s no better place than Kenya.

Requirements: Although Kenya welcomes travellers from the UAE without the need for visas, you will still need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) approved at least 72 hours before arrival. The eTA costs approximately $30 (Dh110). Travellers require a passport that’s valid for at least six months from the date of travel, along with a UAE residence visa with at least six-month validity.

Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia. Photo credit: Jeremy Bishop/Unsplash

Bali may be your top pick, but Indonesia’s sprawling archipelago has a host of incredible sights waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re trekking up a volcano, eating plates of gado gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) in a hilltop village, or marvelling at Jakarta’s soaring skyline, there’s something memorable in store for every type of traveller.

Requirements: An electronic visa-on-arrival (e-VoA) allows single entry for citizens of 97 eligible countries, including India and the Philippines. The e-VoA allows travellers to stay for 30 days and must be used within 90 days from the date of issue. You can apply for it online, via the country’s official immigration website.

Maldives

Maldives. Photo credit: Serey Kim/Unsplash

This bucket-list destination is a sight for sore eyes: turquoise waters, incredible marine life, luxurious resorts and immaculate beaches allow you to disconnect from your busy life and truly relax. With about 200 inhabited islands, and a range of resorts that meet every budget, the Maldives is a traveller favourite for good reason.

Requirements: All nationalities are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa, except for Israeli passport holders. You will need a passport and UAE residence visa (both valid for at least six months), a confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds (at least $150 or Dh550 per day), and a completed Traveller Declaration Form, which can be submitted within 96 hours before arrival or departure. You can submit the form online, for free, on iMUGA, the official Maldives immigration portal.

Thailand

Thailand. Photo credit: Kazuo ota/Unsplash

A trip to Thailand is always a good idea, whether you’re in the mood for indulging in a shopping spree in Bangkok, or escaping to one of Phuket’s beautiful beaches. Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, this country is a land of contrasts, where ancient temples sit right next to modern skyscrapers. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll likely take advantage of the country’s welcoming visa policies, and plan multiple trips!

Requirements: The Thai embassy in Dubai states that nationals of 93 countries, including Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan, are entitled to visa exemptions, and can stay for up to 60 days. Moreover, citizens of 31 countries can apply for visa-on-arrival. Learn which countries, at the Thai embassy website. Both types of travellers will need to fill out Thailand’s Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of arrival, via their Immigration Bureau’s official website.

Nepal

Nestled among soaring Himalayan peaks, Nepal is an atmospheric destination, where you can explore medieval towns, ancient temples, and emerald-green rice fields. The country is home to world-famous trekking routes, as well as mountain retreats you’ll never want to leave.

Requirements: You can receive a 15-, 30- or 90-day visa-on-arrival if you’re a UAE resident.

Exceptions: However, nationals of 13 countries will need to acquire a visa prior to travel. These countries include: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan. Photo credit: Farkhod Saydullaev/Unsplash

Step into history when you visit Uzbekistan. This land ushers you into an age of medieval trade and culture, where palaces were magnificent, monuments were architectural masterpieces, and the Silk Road called travellers from near and far. You’ll find entire cities here, like Samarkand and Bukhara, that are included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Cultural Heritage List. For history buffs, Uzbekistan is a dream come true!

Requirements: Regardless of nationality, UAE residents with a valid residence visa, can travel visa-free to Uzbekistan for 30 days from the date of arrival. Ensure your Emirates ID is valid for at least three months, and your passport is valid for at least six months.

Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Zulfugar Karimov/Unsplash

For the best mix of ancient and modern, visit Azerbaijan, a country that sits right between Europe and Asia. Here, you’ll find futuristic buildings next to ancient palaces; you can take a closer look at Gobustan’s ancient rock art or walk by Baku’s visually compelling Flame Towers. Whether it’s culture, nature or bazaar-shopping you’re interested in, there’s plenty to do here.

Requirements: If you have a UAE residence visa, and a passport with a validity of at least four months, you can receive a 30-day tourist visa-on-arrival.

Exceptions: Citizens of Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan require their UAE residence visas to have at least six-month validity, before applying.

Oman

Oman. Photo credit: Lena Balk/Unsplash

For a quick trip, consider neighbouring Oman, a country with stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring Wadi Ghul, Oman’s version of the Grand Canyon, or stargazing at Wahiba Sands, or even dolphin watching in Musandam, the country offers plenty for visitors.

Requirements: UAE residents can obtain a 30-day visa-on-arrival at Omani airports and at land border crossings, as long as their residence visa is valid for three months or longer.

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