Visa-Free Countries for UAE Passport Holders: Travel & Tourism

Did you know that your UAE passport opens the door to 186 destinations worldwide without a prior visa? The strength of the UAE passport makes it one of the top five passports in the world.

This guide includes a list of visa-free countries for Emiratis, organized by continent.

Before you start planning your next adventure, sign up for the Jawwk loyalty program from almatar, a highly valuable program that rewards you with points on every flight or hotel booking, so you can save more and travel more with every trip.

Unprecedented Rise of the UAE Passport

The strength of the UAE passport globally is not just a number; it is a major diplomatic success story. In 2006, the UAE passport ranked 62nd globally and allowed entry to only 35 countries. Today, in 2026, it has become one of the top five. This exceptional rise over two decades is the biggest in the history of the Henley Index.

According to a Henley & Partners statement, the UAE passport allows access to 186 destinations worldwide without the need for a prior visa. According to this statement, it ranks third globally as of the date this article was written.

According to Passport Index, the UAE passport grants access to 180 destinations: about 127 countries are completely visa-free, 45 offer visa-on-arrival, and 8 require an ETA. Only 18 countries worldwide still require a visa in advance.

According to Passport Index, the UAE passport also ranks first. This gives it a major advantage over many passports in the region, making it the strongest Arab passport with no real competitor.

Countries That Do Not Require a Visa for Emiratis

Below is a comprehensive list of countries categorized by continent

1. Europe: More Than 45 Countries Are Waiting for You

Europe is the most open destination for Emiratis among visa-free countries. The holder of a UAE passport can enter all Schengen Area countries without a prior visa for 90 days within 180 days according to Schengen rules, including:

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Malta, Luxembourg, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, in addition to Romania and Bulgaria.

Outside Schengen, the countries that do not require a visa for Emiratis include:

Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Andorra, San Marino, and the Vatican.

As for the United Kingdom, it requires an electronic ETA authorization with a specified fee.

These destinations are among the most searched UAE passport visa free countries for travelers who want culture, shopping, and easy movement.

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2. Asia: More Than 40 Destinations from the East of the Continent to the West

Asia includes many countries that do not require a visa for Emiratis. UAE citizens can travel between the six GCC countries using only a national ID card without needing a passport.

In East Asia, the following await you: Japan (90 days), China (30 days), South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia.

In Southeast Asia, there is a great selection: Malaysia (90 days), Singapore, Thailand (60 days), Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos. In Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan.

The list also includes: Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

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3. Africa: More Than 35 Diverse Destinations from North to South

The African continent is strongly represented among visa-free countries for Emiratis. Countries open without a visa include:

Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Senegal, Botswana, Rwanda, Zambia, Gambia, Mali, Angola, and Eswatini.

As for visa-on-arrival, the following countries are included: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Cape Verde, the Comoros, Kenya, Namibia, and Sierra Leone.

As for Ghana and Cameroon, they require a visa on arrival.

This makes Africa one of the richest regions when exploring United Arab Emirates passport visa free countries with a mix of beaches, safaris, and cultural depth.

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4. The Americas: More Than 40 Destinations from Mexico to Buenos Aires

The two American continents open their arms to the holder of a UAE passport. Among the top available destinations are:

Mexico (180 days), Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru (up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa), Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Guyana. 

In the Caribbean: the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Grenada.

Canada can also be entered through an electronic ETA authorization.

This group remains one of the most exciting sets of UAE visa free countries for travelers seeking long-haul adventures.

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5. Oceania: A Paradise of Tropical Islands

For lovers of remote islands, the countries that do not require a visa for Emiratis in the Pacific include:

Fiji (4 months), Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Palau, the Marshall Islands, the Cook Islands, Micronesia, and Kiribati. New Zealand is available through an electronic ETA authorization.

These island escapes also stand out on lists of Emirates visa free countries thanks to their relaxed entry and unforgettable scenery.

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almatar’s excellent Free Delay service

If your flight is delayed or you face an unexpected issue during your trip, almatar’s free delay offers free rebooking or a 100% refund of the base fare and taxes in the event of a flight delay.

Conclusion

The UAE passport in 2026 is a passport without borders, giving you the freedom to explore 186 destinations worldwide without a prior visa. Do not miss this advantage, plan your next trip now and create unforgettable memories!

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FAQs About Visa-Free Countries for Emiratis

How many countries can a UAE passport holder enter visa-free in 2026?

The UAE passport allows entry to 186 destinations worldwide, either with a prior visa or with a visa on arrival.

What is the UAE’s global passport ranking?

It ranks third globally according to the 2026 Henley Index, and first according to Passport Index.

Do Emiratis need a visa to enter Europe?

No! Emiratis can enter all 29 Schengen countries and most of Europe for 90 days without a visa.

Are Chinese and Japanese visas free for Emiratis?

Yes! Japan offers visa-free entry for 90 days, while China offers it for 30 days.

How can I benefit from the Jawwk feature when booking my trip?

Register for the Jawwk loyalty program when booking to collect points that earn you discounts, free services, and special prices unavailable to others.

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