Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents — 2026 Guide
A visa on arrival (VoA) is issued at the destination country's port of entry — no embassy visit and no advance paperwork. This guide covers both audiences: UAE residents on any passport whose UAE residence unlocks special entry to a handful of countries, and Emirati passport holders whose UAE passport is accepted for visa on arrival at additional destinations.
Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents (Residence-based)
These countries grant visa on arrival — or an equivalent streamlined e-Visa — specifically because the traveller holds a valid UAE residence permit. Most passport nationalities qualify; check the specific conditions for each destination.
Armenia
Visa-free for UAE residents of 111 eligible nationalities from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027 — a valid physical UAE residence card with 6+ months validity on the date of entry is required, with details in Latin script. No Armenian e-Visa or invitation is needed under this exemption; an Armenian e-Visa is still available through us if you prefer to apply online in advance.
Georgia
UAE residents may enter visa-free for up to 1 year with a valid UAE residence permit and passport valid 6+ months.
View Georgia visa options
Azerbaijan
UAE residents are eligible for the ASAN e-Visa (3-day processing) with a valid UAE residence visa (6+ months validity).
View Azerbaijan visa options
Oman
GCC-resident e-Visa available to UAE residents in eligible professional categories with residence valid 6+ months.
Bahrain
GCC-resident e-Visa / Visa on Arrival for UAE residents holding a valid residence permit and return ticket.
View Bahrain visa options
Jordan
Visa on Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport for UAE residents with valid passport (6+ months) and return ticket.
View Jordan visa options
Maldives
Free Visa on Arrival — UAE residents qualify with valid passport, confirmed hotel booking, and return ticket.
Seychelles
No visa required — a Visitor Permit is issued free on arrival to UAE residents holding a valid passport, hotel booking, and return ticket.
Sri Lanka
ETA (electronic Travel Authorization) for tourism — issued to UAE residents within 24 hours of online application.
View Sri Lanka visa options
Nepal
Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu (TIA) for UAE residents with passport valid 6+ months and passport-size photo.
Cambodia
Visa on Arrival or e-Visa — UAE residents eligible with valid passport (6+ months) and passport-size photo.
View Cambodia visa options
Laos
Visa on Arrival at major airports and land borders for UAE residents with valid passport and one photo.
Madagascar
Visa on Arrival at Ivato International Airport — UAE residents qualify with valid passport and return ticket.
Visa on Arrival for Emirati Passport Holders
If you travel on a UAE passport, these destinations issue visa on arrival — updated live from our official visa database. Tap any country for full entry rules, stay duration and required documents.
Bangladesh
Canada
Comoros
Côte d’Ivoire
Ghana
India
Israel
Latvia
Mauritania
Namibia
New Zealand
Sri Lanka
St. Kitts & Nevis
Syria
United Kingdom
Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a visa on arrival for UAE residents?
A visa on arrival (VoA) is a visa issued at the destination country's port of entry — usually the international airport — rather than at an embassy in advance. For UAE residents, some countries also grant a VoA (or the equivalent e-Visa) specifically because of the UAE residence permit, regardless of the traveller's passport nationality.
Do all UAE residents automatically qualify for visa on arrival?
No. Visa on arrival eligibility depends on two things: your passport nationality and, in some cases, your UAE residence permit. A handful of countries — including Georgia, Azerbaijan (e-Visa), Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and the Maldives — grant residence-based benefits to UAE residents on many passports. For most countries, eligibility is determined by your passport alone.
What documents do I need to get a visa on arrival?
Typically: passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid UAE residence visa/Emirates ID (for residence-based cases), confirmed return ticket, hotel booking or address of stay, and the visa fee in cash or by card. Some destinations also require a passport-size photo.
How much does a visa on arrival cost?
Fees vary by destination — from free (Seychelles, Maldives) to USD 25–50 for most Asian and African destinations. Fees may change without notice; check with the airline or embassy before travel.
Is visa on arrival the same as an eVisa?
No. An eVisa is applied for and issued online before you travel — you print or store it and present it at check-in. A visa on arrival is granted at the border after you land. Some countries offer both options; where possible, an eVisa is safer because it confirms entry before boarding.
Other Popular Destinations for UAE Residents
Need visa expert help?
Not sure which visa fits? Talk to a UAE-licensed visa consultant online — reply within 24h