Eid getaway made easy: no visa queues, no stress, just grab your bags and go.
Dubai: With Eid Al Fitr expected to bring a four-day break, many UAE residents are asking the same question: where can I travel without the hassle of visa paperwork?
The good news is that if you hold a valid UAE residence visa, you may not need to go through a lengthy application process. From island getaways to culture-rich cities, here are 10 destinations offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access — all just a few hours from the UAE and connected by direct flights.
1. Azerbaijan
Just over three hours from Dubai, Azerbaijan has become a popular short-haul escape for UAE residents. Travelers can either apply for an eVisa online before departure or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.
What you need:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- UAE residence visa valid for at least three months
2. Maldives
Dreaming of turquoise waters? The Maldives offers a free tourist visa on arrival for all nationalities, with no pre-approval required — though travelers must meet entry conditions.
Requirements:
- Machine-readable passport with at least one month of validity
- Confirmed return ticket and hotel booking
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Completed Traveller Declaration form (submitted within 96 hours before arrival)
- For those returning to the UAE, a passport and residence visa valid for at least six months
- Stay: Up to 30 days
3. Seychelles
Famous for its white-sand beaches, striking granite formations, and crystal-clear waters, Seychelles is just over four hours from the UAE and visa-free for all nationalities. Instead of a visa, travelers receive an entry permit on arrival if they meet the requirements.
Requirements:
- Passport valid for the duration of your stay
- Return or onward ticket
- Confirmed accommodation
- Proof of funds (minimum $150 per day)
Stay: Up to 30 days
4. Uzbekistan
Step back in time to the Silk Road era with a visit to Uzbekistan, which offers visa-free entry for UAE residents of all nationalities. Direct flights from the UAE connect to Tashkent, Samarkand, and Namangan, making it an easy short-haul cultural escape.
Requirements:
- Emirates ID valid for at least three months
- Passport valid for at least six months
Stay: 30 days visa-free
Tip: If you prefer to skip queues, you can apply for an eVisa in advance for $20, usually processed within two working days.
5. Kenya
Looking for a mix of wildlife safaris, Indian Ocean beaches, and vibrant city life? Kenya offers all three in one unforgettable trip.
Since 2024, Kenya has replaced traditional visas with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for all visitors. This is not a visa on arrival — you must apply online before travelling through the official government website: etakenya.go.ke.
Stay: As per eTA validity
6. Indonesia
Bali may steal the spotlight, but Indonesia offers much more — from volcano hikes and cultural cities to island-hopping adventures.
Indonesia provides an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) to nationals of 97 eligible countries, including India, the Philippines, Egypt, and South Africa. Travelers can apply online before departure via the official immigration portal, saving time at the airport.
Stay: As per e-VoA validity
Tip: Applying online in advance streamlines your arrival process.
7. Armenia
With its cool mountain air, serene lakes, and centuries-old monasteries, Armenia offers a refreshing escape away from busier tourist hotspots.
As of July 2025, Armenia allows visa-free travel for citizens and residents of GCC countries, including the UAE.
Requirements:
- Valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID
- Passport with sufficient validity
- Return ticket
- Confirmed accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
Stay: As per visa-free allowance
8. Mauritius
The flight to Mauritius may be longer, but the island’s dramatic waterfalls, pristine beaches, and scenic hiking trails make it worth it. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, typically valid for 60 to 90 days. Most UAE residents can stay for up to 90 days, though 15 nationalities are excluded. Check the full list of eligible countries on Mauritius’ official immigration portal: passport.govmu.org.
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Return or onward ticket
- Confirmed accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Stay: Up to 90 days
9. Thailand
From Bangkok shopping sprees to Phuket’s beaches, Thailand remains a popular choice for UAE travellers. Nationals of 93 countries and territories, including the UAE and India, can enter visa-free for 60 days, with a one-time extension of 30 days. In addition, citizens of 31 countries and territories can obtain a visa on arrival.
Stay: 60 days visa-free (plus possible 30-day extension)
9. Thailand
From Bangkok shopping sprees to Phuket’s beaches, Thailand remains a popular choice for UAE travellers. Nationals of 93 countries and territories, including the UAE and India, can enter visa-free for 60 days, with a one-time extension of 30 days. Citizens of 31 other countries and territories can obtain a visa on arrival.
You can check your eligibility for a tourist visa, visa on arrival, or visa exemption on Thailand’s official eVisa platform: thaievisa.go.th.
Required documents:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Confirmed return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- If eligible for a visa on arrival, payment of 2,000 Thai Baht (Dh236)
Stay: 60 days visa-free (plus possible 30-day extension)
10. Oman
Just a short flight or drive from the UAE, Oman is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a short Eid break. The country offers an untouched coastline, scenic wadis, rugged mountains, vast deserts, and lush tropical landscapes.
For UAE residents, Oman provides two convenient entry options without a traditional embassy visa application:
- Visa on arrival at Omani airports, including Muscat International, and at land border crossings
- Unsponsored eVisa applied for online via the Royal Oman Police platform: evisa.rop.gov.om
Both options — including the visa on arrival — are available only to certain approved professions listed on your Emirates ID. Eligible travelers can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 28 days, typically for a fee of around OMR 5 (approximately AED 47–48).
You can also drive to Oman and receive a visa on arrival at the border — just ensure you carry a valid Emirates ID and passport.
Stay: 28 days
