The United Arab Emirates has published a comprehensive list of countries whose citizens can enter without obtaining a visa before travel. As of 2026, approximately 70 nationalities benefit from visa-free access or visa-on-arrival arrangements, making the UAE one of the most accessible destinations in the region. The information was reported by Khaleej Times and confirmed by official UAE immigration authorities.
GCC Citizens: Unrestricted Access
Nationals of the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states do not require a visa to enter the UAE. They may travel using either a valid passport or their national identity card. The eligible countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This arrangement reflects the close economic and political ties within the GCC bloc.
Visa-Free Entry for Up to 90 Days
Passport holders from 49 countries can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. Multiple entries are permitted as long as the total stay does not exceed 90 days. Visitors under this arrangement are not allowed to work and must obtain an appropriate employment visa if they intend to take up a job. The eligible countries are: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, and Uruguay.
Visa-Free Entry for Up to 30 Days
Citizens of 30 countries can visit the UAE for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa before travel. Many are also eligible to extend their stay for another 30 days, although travellers should confirm the latest requirements with UAE immigration authorities before departure. The eligible countries include: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brunei, Canada, China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR), Colombia, Ecuador, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, South Africa, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Chile, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.
Visa on Arrival for Seven Countries
Nationals of India, Indonesia, Kenya, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam may qualify for a visa on arrival valid for either 14 or 60 days. Applicants must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries: the United States, any European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. This scheme is designed to facilitate travel for frequent international travellers who already hold residency in major economies.
Additional Travel Information
The UAE's extensive air links make travel straightforward. Its airports receive flights from destinations across the world, while Dubai International Airport continues to rank among the busiest global aviation hubs. Millions of visitors arrive in the UAE every year for tourism, business, and family visits. The country's modern skyline and attractions continue to draw international tourists.
In a related development, the UAE has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. Platforms are required to monitor and disable accounts created by underage users or risk being blocked in the country. The UAE's official WAM news agency announced the measure, citing a cabinet resolution that sets 15 as the minimum age for social media use.
