• 12 Jul, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

Which countries can visit Dubai without needing a visa? 

As per the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MOFA ), nationals from 87 countries would be allowed to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE ) without a pre-entry visa. However, the Indians are not on the list of visa-on-arrival countries as per the updated visa exemption policy. Indian citizens holding ordinary passports, a visiting visa or permanent resident card made by the USA, or a residence visa in the UK and European Union countries valid for at least six months are permitted a visa on arrival. This visa grants a stay of 14 days with the option to extend for an additional 14 days. 

Is a pre-entry visa required to enter UAE Dubai?

Per the latest regulations, nationals from 110 countries must obtain a visa prior to they arrive in the UAE. You can verify the new policies by visiting the official UAE foreign minister's website. From there, look for the PDF and verify the list of countries exempted and the visa requirements for the next process. Without hesitation, people can contact the Federal Authority for Identity, citizenship, Port Security, and Customs ICP for additional information. 

Is there any visa or sponsorship required for GCC citizens?

The UAE digital government has exclusively informed that the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC) citizens do not need a visa or sponsorship to visit the country. They are eligible for entry by presenting a passport issued by the GCC authority or an identity card upon arrival at UAE ports of entry. 

Foreign nationals need to move to the UAE visa portal site to get the list of nationalities exempt from prior visa arrangements. Those eligible can obtain a valid entry visa for 30 days upon landing in the UAE, with a grace period of 10 days. Additionally, citizens from select countries can obtain a visa for 90 days upon arrival. 

In some situations, when prior visa arrangements are necessary, individuals not falling on the visa exemption list must obtain an entry permit issued by a sponsor before arriving in the UAE. The type of entry permit required to be provided by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs depends on the purpose of the visit. The new initiative aims to simplify tourist travel and foster a more accessible visitation process to the country. 

What are the countries are now eligible for Visa on Arrival?

The list of countries now eligible for Visa on arrival is as follows :

  • Albania
  • Andorra 
  • Argentina 
  • Armenia 
  • Australia
  • Austria 
  • Azerbaijan 
  • Bahrain 
  • Barbados 
  • Belarus 
  • Belgium 
  • Bosnia 
  • Herzegovina 
  • Brazil 
  • Brunei, 
  • Bulgaria 
  • Canada 
  • Chile 
  • China 
  • Colombia 
  • Costa Rica 
  • Croatia 
  • zealand 
  • Norway 
  • Oman
  • Paraguay 
  • Peru 
  • Poland
  • Portugal 
  • Qatar 
  • Republic of Ireland 
  • Romanian 
  • Russia 

There are many other countries that UAE allows on arrival via Visa. 

Who can enter Dubai without a visa?

Dubai allows GCC citizens and residents to travel to Dubai without a visa, but travelers from other countries can apply for a visa based on the purpose and duration of their travel. 

Which country is allowed to travel without a visa from Dubai?

For UAE residents, there are visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries: Georgia, Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Seychelles. 

Which countries are not allowed to enter Dubai?

There are also countries that are banned in Dubai, which means no citizen from these countries will get a permit despite having a visa. 

  • Benin 
  • Burkina Faso 
  • Burundi 
  • Cameroon 
  • Comoros 
  • Congo 
  • Democratic Republic of Congo 
  • The UAE's official foreign affairs website lists Gambia and many more countries. 

Is Dubai visa-free for Indians?

Unfortunately, no Dubai visa for Indians is free. You have to pay a nominal Dubai visa fee while filling out your Dubai visa application form. 

For further details, feel free to contact me through this article and clarify any doubts.