All About Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents 2025

It is common knowledge that the United Arab Emirates has a large expatriate population. In fact, the expat population is more than the local Emirati population. People from all over the world seek resident status in this Arab country for various reasons: higher quality of life, better health services, and tax-free income being a few of them. But apart from all this, being a UAE resident opens the world of international travel like no other. Several nations in the world offer visa free and visa-on-arrival to UAE residents, irrespective of their nationality. Here is everything you need to know about countries offering visa-on-arrival for UAE residents.

What is Visa on Arrival?

Visa on Arrival is a visa that a person receives when entering a foreign country. Visa on Arrival eliminates the need to apply for a visa beforehand. This means you do not have to fill in a form, submit documents, or attend an interview at the consulate or embassy of the country you are planning to visit.

Visa on Arrival vs. Visa Free and E-Visa

Visa on Arrival should not be confused with visa free. As the name suggests, visa free means there is no need for a visa. If your country is listed as visa-free for the nation you are planning to visit, you do not need a visa to stay in that particular place for a certain number of days. On the other hand, in case of visa on arrival, you will get the visa when you reach the country’s airport, seaport, or border checkpoint. Visa on Arrival is also different from e-visa. The latter is also a pre-approved visa, where the entire process is done online.

What is the Eligibility of a UAE Resident for Visa on Arrival?

Even if you are a UAE resident, you need to fulfill certain criteria to become eligible for a visa on arrival.

Nationality: While there are several countries that offer visas on arrival to UAE residents, there are some who give it only to people of certain nationalities. For instance, there are countries offering visa on arrival of Indian citizens with UAE resident visa, which may not be available to UAE residents of some other countries. You will have to check with the embassy of that country to know if you are eligible for visa on arrival as a UAE resident before you start making your plans.

UAE Resident Status: You need a valid UAE resident visa to be eligible for a visa on arrival. Most countries require the residents to have a UAE resident visa with a minimum of six months validity from the date of arrival in their lands. Similarly, some countries offer visa on arrival only to those UAE residents who have at least one year of UAE residency history. In other words, you must have stayed in the UAE for a minimum of one year to be eligible for visa on arrival.

Document Requirements: In some cases, you may have to provide additional documents and proof. Some countries need proof of financial stability from visitors in the form of recent bank statements. Confirmed return ticket, hotel booking proof, etc., may also be needed by some nations.

What are the Documents Required for Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents?

The exact documents required for a visa on arrival may be different for different countries. Yet, there are some common documents for all nations. These are as follows:

•  Passport: Your passport should have a validity of minimum six months and two blank pages
•  UAE Residence Visa: A copy of your UAE resident visa (minimum six months validity)
•  Accommodation Details: Proof that you have booked a room at a hotel or an invitation letter from a citizen or resident of the country you are visiting
•  Financial Proof: Bank statements of the recent months to ensure that you have enough money to support yourself financially
•  Return Flight Ticket: A confirmed return ticket or a ticket for an onward journey
•  Travel Insurance: You may have to show proof of travel insurance that takes care of all your unexpected or emergency expenses
•  Visa Fee: Some countries may need you to pay a fee for a visa on arrival.

Visa on Arrival Countries for UAE Residents

Here is the list of countries that offer visas on arrival for UAE residents.

Bahrain

• Visa Validity: Two-week, single-entry Bahrain visa
• Requirements: Nationality and profession

Qatar

•  Visa Validity: 90 days visa for most residents, and 30 days visa for some other nationals
•  Requirements: Valid passport, confirmed return ticket, and confirmed hotel booking.

Georgia

•  Visa Validity: Up to 90 days
•  Requirements: Passport, UAE residence visa, accommodation proof, return ticket, and proof of funds.

Azerbaijan

•  Visa Validity: 30 days
•  Requirements: 6 months’ UAE residence visa

Indonesia

•  Visa Validity: 30 days (extended for 30 additional days)
•  Requirements: Valid passport, UAE resident visa, and return tickets

Maldives

•  Visa Validity: 30 days
•  Requirements: Passport with one month validity, confirmed return tickets, proof of funds, and travel declaration form

Thailand

•  Visa Validity: 30 days
• Requirements: Passport and UAE residence visa. Other documents may be needed as per nationality for Thailand visa.

Thailand Visa

Normal 5-7 Working Days
Easy Documentation
Online Payment Option

90 Reviews

From AED 750.00

Per Person

Enquiry

Nepal

• Visa Validity: Up to 90 days
•  Requirements: Passport, UAE residence visa, accommodation, proof of funds, and return tickets

Sri Lanka

•  Visa Validity: Up to 90 days
•  Requirements: Passport, UAE residence visa, accommodation, proof of funds, and return tickets

Kyrgyzstan

• Visa Validity: Up to 60 days
• Requirements: Visa on arrival is only available to UAE residents of certain nations.

Cambodia

•  Visa Validity: 30 days (although e-visa would be easier and quicker)
•  Requirements: Passport (three months validity), passport-sized photo, return flight ticket, and accommodation proof.

Seychelles

•  Visa Validity: 90 days
•  Requirements: Passport, residency visa, return ticket, proof of funds, and proof of accommodation.

Madagascar

•  Visa Validity: 30 days
•  Requirements: Passport, UAE resident visa, and return ticket

How to Get Ready for Visa on Arrival Travel?

While you do not have to go through the lengthy visa process with a visa on arrival, you still must prepare for certain things. This is because even if you are eligible for visa on arrival in certain countries due to your UAE resident status, you may be denied entry if you do not fulfill certain conditions.

•  Know the Visa Policies and Your Eligibility: Check the official website or visa portal of the country you are visiting. Learn the terms and conditions of visa on arrival and know whether you are eligible for the same. This way, there are no chances for surprises.
•  Valid Passport and UAE Resident Visa: Ensure that your passport and resident visa are valid. Your passport should have a minimum of 6 months’ validity. The same goes for the resident visa.
•  Get All the Travel Documents: Make sure that you have all the documents and their copies with you while traveling.
• Arrange Visa Fee: Some countries require you to pay for a visa on arrival. If you are visiting such a country, ensure that you have the money with you. You can carry the cash in the local currency. Most countries also accept credit card payments.
• Arrive at the Right Entry Point: Several countries allow visa on arrival through certain entry points only. Make sure to check this before booking your flight ticket.
• Be Ready for Delays: The possibility of long queues at visa on arrival counters is huge, especially during peak tourist season. So, it is important to be prepared for it. One way to counter this is to land at the place during off-peak hours.
• Anticipate Common Immigration Questions: The visa officer may ask you some standards questions like reason for the visit, duration of the stay, accommodation details, etc. You must answer all these questions truthfully.

Conclusion

The resident status of UAE gives you the chance to explore different parts of the world without the need to bother about exhausting visa processes. However, being aware of the visa on arrival policies and processes is also important to ensure that there is no hindrance to your travel plans.

FAQs about Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents