Check out the over 70 nationalities that can get UAE visa on arrival for up to 180 days

The lists may or may not shock you.

Being the most popular tourist destination in the region, the UAE, especially Dubai, attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year from both developing and developed countries. 

Therefore, different visa rules apply to each nationality. Some of them get visa-on-arrival, while others have to apply prior to flying to the UAE. 

Citizens of approximately 70 countries receive a visa on arrival in the UAE while other nationalities will have to obtain a visa before their departure. 

30-day visa 

Based on information sourced from Emirates, flydubai and Etihad Airways websites, passport holders of around 20 countries or territories get a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge. 

They are: 

Andorra 

Australia 

Brunei 

Canada 

China 

Hong Kong (China) 

Japan 

Kazakhstan 

Macau (China) 

Malaysia 

Mauritius 

Monaco 

New Zealand 

Ireland 

San Marino 

Singapore 

Ukraine 

UK and Northern Ireland 

USA 

Vatican City 

90-day visa 

While a 90-day multiple entry visit visa is issued to nationals of over 50 countries or territories. 

This visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and visa holders can stay in the UAE for 90 days in total. 

The countries are: 

Argentina 

Austria 

Bahamas Islands 

Barbados 

Belgium 

Brazil 

Bulgaria 

Chile 

Colombia 

Costa Rica 

Croatia 

Cyprus 

Czech Republic 

Denmark 

El Salvador 

Estonia 

Finland 

France 

Germany 

Greece 

Honduras 

Hungary 

Iceland 

Israel 

Italy 

Kiribati 

Latvia 

Liechtenstein 

Lithuania 

Luxembourg 

Maldives 

Malta 

Montenegro 

Nauru 

Netherlands 

Norway 

Paraguay 

Peru 

Poland 

Portugal 

Romania 

Russia 

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 

San Marino 

Serbia 

Seychelles 

Slovakia 

Slovenia 

Solomon Islands 

South Korea 

Spain 

Sweden 

Switzerland 

Uruguay 

180-day visa 

Travellers holding a Mexican passport are eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that's valid for six months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total. 

Pre-arranged visa: 

Nationals of all other countries from Asia and Africa are required to have a UAE visa prior to their departure.

However, Indian nationals holding a visit visa or green card issued by the USA, which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a certain fee. They can also apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for a certain fee.