Visa-on-arrival getaways for UAE residents that don’t need planning, just packing
So Eid Al Fitr 2026 is in a couple of weeks and you’ve got… no plans. It happens. The good news? As a UAE resident, you’ve got access to a bunch of visa-on-arrival destinations that make last-minute Eid getaways totally doable. Here’s where you can go with minimal planning – just grab your passport, pack light, and take off.
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Thailand
Markets, temples, and food at every corner. Bangkok is vibrant and lively, but you can escape to Chiang Mai’s forests or Koh Samui’s quiet coves. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a must-visit, and the floating markets pulse with vibrant life, where the food is delicious, prices are affordable, and everything is just a short trip away.
Kenya
Big skies, wild safaris, and Indian Ocean beaches all in one trip. Nairobi hums with city energy, Maasai Mara teems with lions and elephants, and the coast is perfect for chilling by the turquoise sea. Since 2024, travellers need an eTA before flying – it’s quick to sort online, so you can plan your adventure without stress.
Mauritius
The flight is a bit longer, but Mauritius rewards you with waterfalls, beaches, and hiking trails that are pure eye candy. Most UAE residents can grab a visa on arrival for up to 90 days, though a few nationalities are excluded – check the official portal to be sure. Bring a passport valid for six months, a return or onward ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds, and you’re all set to explore the island vibes.
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Georgia
Winding streets, fortress views, and homemade dumplings. Tbilisi is a mix of old and new, think Paris-style balconies on Soviet-era buildings, hipster cafés next to sulphur baths. Take the kids up to the Narikala Fortress by cable car, then wind down in the Old Town with a warm khachapuri and a view over the city lights.
Sri Lanka
Lush, laid-back, and full of character. Ride tuk-tuks through Colombo’s historic streets, snack on sambols from roadside carts, and glamp in the rainforest. Kids can run free on empty beaches and spot peacocks and monkeys in the wild. It’s a place where everything feels alive, the food, the streets, the trees, even the silence.
Maldives
Yes, it’s postcard-perfect. But it’s also easy. Many resorts take care of everything, seaplane transfers, kids’ clubs, buffet breakfasts, and family-friendly entertainment. You can paddleboard in crystal-clear waters while the little ones hunt for crabs, then relax on the beach as the sun sets. Being this close to the UAE makes it a go-to spot for a hassle-free getaway.
Azerbaijan
Baku is unexpected and fun. Wander the cobbled alleys of the Old City, take a gondola along the Caspian waterfront, and catch 3D street art on buildings that double as canvases. The bubbling mud volcanoes just outside town are brilliant, and the Miniature Book Museum is a tiny hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Baku’s mix of old, new, and slightly surreal just works.
Oman
Just a short drive or flight from the UAE, Oman is perfect for a quick weekend escape or a short Eid break. Think untouched coastline, rugged mountains, scenic wadis, vast deserts, and lush green pockets. UAE residents can get a visa on arrival at airports like Muscat International or at land borders – if your profession is on the approved list linked to your Emirates ID. The visa lasts 28 days and usually costs around (Dhs47‑48). You can also drive across the border with your Emirates ID and passport and start exploring straight away.
Seychelles
White sands, turquoise waters, and those iconic granite rocks. Just over four hours from the UAE, Seychelles is visa-on-arrival ready. Lounge on quiet beaches, snorkel over colourful reefs, or hop between smaller islands. The views are epic, the water is clear, and the island life is the vibe.
Indonesia
Bali steals the spotlight, but Indonesia has so much more – volcano hikes, buzzing cultural cities, and endless island-hopping adventures. Travellers from 97 countries, including India, the Philippines, Egypt and South Africa, can grab an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) online before they fly, cutting the wait at the airport and letting you get straight into the adventure.
Armenia
Cool mountain air, calm lakes, and centuries-old monasteries make Armenia a quiet escape from the usual tourist trails. From July 2025, GCC residents, including those from the UAE, can travel visa-free. All you need is a valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID, a passport, return ticket, confirmed accommodation, and proof of funds – then you’re free to explore the monasteries, streets, and scenery.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan welcomes UAE residents visa-free for 30 days, with direct flights from the UAE to Tashkent, Samarkand, and Namangan. Wander colourful bazaars, marvel at grand madrasas, and soak in the mix of history and culture. Make sure your Emirates ID is valid for at least three months and your passport for six – then you’re all set to explore.
Images: Archive
