Visa-free travel for UAE residents

To live in the UAE is to enjoy the security and stability the affluent country provides in the form of lifestyle benefits and other advantages. The country bestows on citizens and residents alike the potential to advance personally and professionally; to mature their finances and achieve their goals. One such advantage held by UAE residents is the ability to travel freely to multiple countries by virtue of their residence in the UAE. Foreigners who hold UAE residence permits are empowered to travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to destinations they would otherwise need a pre-arranged visa to enter.  This article will highlight the countries that offer visa-free entry, visa on arrival to UAE residents.

Countries offering visa-free access for UAE residents

• Albania 
• Azerbaijan 
• Georgia 
• Guatemala 
• Montenegro 
• Uzbekistan 

Albania   

A large, culturally dominant Balkan state, rapidly developing Albania has become a regional center for tourism and business. One of the most popular visa-free countries for UAE residents, Albania grants visa-free access for holders of UAE resident permits for a duration of stay of up to 90 days (90 days within a 180-day period). This degree of visa-free access is only available to those who have been residing in the UAE for at least a decade, and have a residence permit valid for a minimum of one year on arrival. 

Azerbaijan 

Azerbaijan draws many foreign tourists to Baku, a key destination in the Caucuses region with a medieval old town and mountains to explore. Holders of UAE resident permits may travel to Azerbaijan and stay for up to 30 days after obtaining a visa on arrival. Azerbaijan is one of the visa on arrival countries for UAE residents. In order to enter the country on a visa on arrival, the travelers must hold a passport that is valid for at least 125 days from their arrival date in Azerbaijan. In addition, their UAE residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from their arrival date. 

Georgia 

A stable and prosperous country in the Caucasus region increasingly popular with visitors, Georgia draws curious tourists to its accessible mountainous landscape and welcoming culture. Georgia grants visa-free access for holders of UAE resident permits for a duration of stay of 90 days within 180. 

Guatemala 

The only destination on this list that is located in the Western Hemisphere, Guatemala a major central American country with a fascinating history. Guatemala is also one of the visa-free countries for UAE residents; UAE residents can enter Guatemala without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days. 

Montenegro 

The beautiful, prosperous Balkan state of Montenegro is popular with tourists due to its stunning beaches on the Adriatic coast (the country is in the process of joining the EU). UAE residents may enter Montenegro visa-free and enjoy up to 10 days in the country, provided that their UAE residence permit is valid for a minimum of 30 days beyond their period of intended stay. Travelers are required to arrive directly from the UAE and must present proof of accommodation in Montenegro as well as a return ticket out of the country. Nationals of Somalia who are residing in the UAE are not eligible for visa-free entry to Montenegro. 

Uzbekistan

A key destination on the storied silk road, Uzbekistan’s exotic history and unique architecture draws tourists from around the world. Uzbekistan is also one of the countries offering a visa free stay for UAE residents are for up to 30 days. UAE residents seeking visa-free entry to Uzbekistan must have a UAE residence permit that is valid for a minimum of 90 days on arrival.