Visa Requirements for Emirati Citizens

Emirati citizens can visit 179 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. This includes all 29 Schengen countries (90 days), the United Kingdom (with £10 ETA), Japan (90 days), Singapore (30 days), South Korea (90 days), Malaysia (90 days), Thailand (60 days), and all GCC states using just an Emirates ID. Popular visa-free destinations also include Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa.

No, Emirati citizens do not need a traditional visa for the United States. The UAE is part of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing citizens to travel for tourism or business for up to 90 days with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA costs $21 (approximately AED 77) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

Emirati citizens do not need a visa for the UK. Instead, they require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which costs £10 (approximately AED 47). The ETA allows multiple visits to the UK for stays of up to 6 months each and is valid for 2 years. Applications are processed within 3 working days through the UK ETA app.

Emirati passport holders can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This visa-free access covers all 29 Schengen member states including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Austria. No advance application or fee is required for short stays.

For visa-free destinations, Emirati citizens typically need: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, proof of return or onward travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for the stay. Travel insurance is recommended for all destinations. For countries requiring ETAs or eSTAs, approved authorization must be obtained before travel.

Despite having one of the world's most powerful passports, Emirati citizens still need advance visas for certain countries including Russia, China, India, Cuba, North Korea, Afghanistan, and some African nations. India offers e-visas starting from $25 (AED 92), while China tourist visas cost approximately $140 (AED 514) through the embassy in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Yes, Emirati citizens can enter all GCC member states including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar using only their Emirates ID card. No passport or visa is required for GCC travel, and there are no restrictions on length of stay for Emirati citizens within GCC countries.

Emirati passport holders enjoy exceptionally high visa approval rates, averaging above 94% for destinations that require advance visas. This high approval rate reflects the UAE's strong diplomatic relationships and the generally favorable financial standing of Emirati applicants. Countries like India, Russia, and China rarely reject Emirati visa applications when documentation is complete.

Emirati citizens can apply for an Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online through the Australian ETA app. The ETA costs AUD $20 (approximately AED 48) and allows multiple visits for tourism or business for stays of up to 3 months each. Processing is typically instant to 12 hours, and the ETA is valid for 12 months.