Author: waleedionic

Serbia is one of the easiest European trips for UAE residents, but only if you hold the right document. Emirati citizens need no visa. Foreign residents of the UAE who hold a valid Schengen, UK, EU or US visa, or a residence permit from the Schengen area, the EU or the US, can also enter Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days. Your UAE residence visa alone does not exempt you.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources at the end.

On this page

• Serbia at a glance
• Who needs a visa
• Visa-free with another country’s visa
• How to apply if you need a visa
• Documents
• Questions people ask

Serbia at a glance

Who needs a visa

Serbia’s rules depend on your passport and on any other visas you hold. Your UAE residence decides only where you apply.

Visa-free with another country’s visa

According to the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign nationals who hold a valid visa of the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, an EU member state or the United States can enter, transit and stay in Serbia without applying for a Serbian visa. The same applies to holders of a residence permit from the Schengen area, the EU or the US.

• How long: up to 90 days in any six-month period, and never longer than your visa or permit is valid.
• Single-entry visas count. The Ministry’s wording says “valid visa”. It does not require multiple entry or prior use, unlike Albania.
• Two passports are fine. If your visa is in an old passport, carry both the old passport and your current one.
• Residence card holders must also show a valid passport.

Example: you live in Dubai on a Pakistani passport and hold a UK visitor visa valid until next March. You can fly to Belgrade for a week without a Serbian visa. If your UK visa expires in two days, you can stay only until it expires.

Days in Serbia do not count toward your Schengen 90/180 limit, because Serbia is not in Schengen.

How to apply if you need a visa

If you have no Schengen, UK, EU or US document, apply for a Serbian short-stay visa (Visa C). There are two routes:

1. Online: since 23 April 2025, Serbia issues some visas electronically as a Digital Travel Authorization. You create an account on eid.gov.rs and apply at welcometoserbia.gov.rs. This is only available for passports the system has enabled. If yours is not, you will get a sticker visa instead.
2. At the Embassy: apply in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Abu Dhabi.

Step by step

1. Check whether you are visa-free (tables above).
2. Check your passport: valid 90 days after you leave Serbia, two blank pages next to each other, issued within the last 10 years.
3. Try the online application at welcometoserbia.gov.rs. If your passport is not eligible, contact the Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
4. Prepare your documents and pay the visa fee shown on the Embassy’s consular price list.
5. Wait for the decision before booking non-refundable travel.

Documents

• Passport meeting the rules above.
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Completed application form and a recent photo.
• Return flight booking and hotel booking for every night.
• Travel health insurance for the whole stay. See our insurance guide.
• Proof of funds: recent bank statements and an employer letter or NOC. See our NOC templates.
• If you visit someone: an invitation letter from your host in Serbia.

Mistakes to avoid

• Relying on your UAE residence visa. It does not give visa-free entry to Serbia.
• Travelling on a Schengen, UK or US visa that expires during your trip.
• Leaving your old passport at home when your valid visa is in it.
• Entering Kosovo first and then trying to enter Serbia. Serbia does not recognise Kosovo’s border posts, so entry into Serbia from Kosovo can be refused if you did not first enter Serbia from elsewhere.

Questions people ask

Can UAE residents visit Serbia without a visa?

Only if your passport is visa-free for Serbia, or you hold a valid Schengen, UK, EU or US visa, or a Schengen, EU or US residence permit. A UAE residence visa alone is not enough.

Can Indians in Dubai visit Serbia visa-free?

Not on the passport alone. Serbia ended visa-free entry for Indian passports on 1 January 2023. An Indian resident of the UAE who holds a valid Schengen, UK, EU or US visa can still enter visa-free.

Does my Schengen visa need to be multiple entry for Serbia?

No. Serbia asks for a valid visa. It does not say multiple entry. It must be valid for your whole stay in Serbia.

How long can I stay in Serbia?

Up to 90 days in six months, whether you are visa-free or hold a Serbian Visa C.

Related guides

• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Montenegro visa for UAE residents
• Albania visa for UAE residents
• UK visitor visa from the UAE

Sources

• Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa requirements: mfa.gov.rs
• Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa regime, United Arab Emirates: mfa.gov.rs
• Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in the UAE: abudhabi.mfa.gov.rs
• Online visa applications: welcometoserbia.gov.rs

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

Cyprus is a member of the European Union, but it is not part of the Schengen area. It issues its own national visa. For UAE residents this creates two very different routes: if you already hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can travel to Cyprus without a Cyprus visa. If you don’t, you apply for a Cyprus visa through VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and you should allow at least three weeks.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the VFS Global Cyprus page for the UAE and the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources at the end.

On this page

• Cyprus at a glance
• Do you need a Cyprus visa?
• Travelling on a Schengen visa
• Applying through VFS: step by step
• Documents
• Fees and processing time
• If you are refused
• Questions people ask

Cyprus at a glance

Do you need a Cyprus visa?

Your passport decides whether you need a visa. Your UAE residence decides where you apply. Living in the UAE does not, on its own, exempt anyone from the Cyprus visa.

Travelling to Cyprus on a Schengen visa

Cyprus accepts valid Schengen visas for entry, so many UAE residents never need a Cyprus visa at all. VFS Global’s Cyprus page for the UAE states that holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa do not need a Cyprus visa.

Before you rely on it, check three things:

1. It must be multiple entry. Look at the “Number of entries” field on the sticker. “MULT” qualifies. A single-entry visa is not covered by the VFS statement.
2. It must be valid for your whole stay. If your Schengen visa expires on the third day of a five-day trip, you need a Cyprus visa.
3. Your stay must fit the days the visa allows. Keep within the duration printed on the visa.

Your airline checks this at check-in in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Carry the passport that holds the Schengen visa, even if it has expired and you travel on a new passport.

Applying through VFS: step by step

1. Check your timing. Submit at least 15 working days before travel. VFS also says you can apply only within 80 days of your return date from Cyprus, so do not apply too early either.
2. Download the forms from the VFS Cyprus UAE page: the application form and, if someone in Cyprus is hosting you, the “Assumption of Responsibility for Hosting” form.
3. Collect your documents (list below). Most must be dated within the last month.
4. Book an appointment online with VFS Global for Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
5. Attend in person and pay the visa fee and VFS fee by cash or card.
6. Wait for the decision. Do not book non-refundable flights until your passport is back.

Documents

Use the latest checklist on the VFS site. A typical tourism file from the UAE includes:

• Passport and copies of its data page.
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Completed and signed application form.
• Photo taken in the last 6 months, 35–40 mm wide, white background, face filling 70–80% of the photo. Head covering only for religious reasons.
• Employees: an NOC or salary certificate with an original signature and company stamp. VFS does not accept copies, printouts or scans. See our NOC templates.
• Business partners or investors: NOC or salary certificate plus the company trade licence.
• Self-sponsored: an original signed letter explaining your visa status, travel dates and how you support yourself, plus any trade licence.
• Bank statements. See our bank statement guide.
• Flight reservation and hotel booking, or the hosting form if you stay with someone.
• Travel insurance. VFS lists insurance as required for Cyprus visas since 28 March 2023.

Single or multiple entry?

Most first-time applicants receive a single-entry visa. According to VFS, a multiple-entry Cyprus visa is normally given only if you have travelled to Cyprus three times in the last five years, or meet another condition such as being married to a Cypriot or owning property in Cyprus.

Fees and processing time

All fees are non-refundable and can change with the exchange rate. Standard processing is at least 15 working days and can take up to 45 working days. In summer, apply as early as the 80-day window allows.

If you are refused

VFS accepts appeals: you submit an appeal letter through VFS, and a reply usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Read the refusal reason first. If the problem was a missing or unsigned document, a new application with the correct papers is often faster than an appeal.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a single-entry Schengen visa covers Cyprus.
• Submitting a scanned or printed NOC. It must carry an original signature and stamp.
• Documents older than one month.
• Flying into the northern part of the island. The Republic of Cyprus treats airports in the Turkish-controlled north as illegal points of entry. Fly into Larnaca or Paphos.
• Booking a hotel in the north. VFS warns about hotels on property belonging to displaced Greek Cypriots.

Questions people ask

Is Cyprus in the Schengen area?

No. Cyprus is an EU member but is not yet part of Schengen. A Cyprus visa does not let you visit Schengen countries.

Can I visit Cyprus with a UAE residence visa only?

No. UAE residence does not exempt you. Unless your passport is visa-free or you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you need a Cyprus visa.

How much is a Cyprus visa in Dubai?

AED 390 for an adult plus AED 29 for VFS, so AED 419 in total. Children aged 6–12 pay AED 200 plus the VFS fee.

How long does a Cyprus visa take from the UAE?

At least 15 working days, and up to 45 working days in some cases.

Related guides

• Schengen visa from Dubai and the UAE
• Greece Schengen visa from the UAE
• Travel insurance for visas from the UAE
• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa

Sources

• VFS Global — Cyprus visa information, UAE: vfsglobal.com
• Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs — visa policy: mfa.gov.cy
• Decision No 565/2014/EU — recognition of Schengen documents by Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

Montenegro has three routes for people living in the UAE. Emirati citizens are visa-free for 90 days. Foreign residents who hold a valid Schengen, US, UK or other listed visa or residence permit can stay up to 30 days without a Montenegrin visa. Everyone else applies through the Embassy of Montenegro in Abu Dhabi or VFS Global. A special summer scheme for UAE residents ran from 1 May to 1 October 2026 and has now ended.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Government of Montenegro. Sources at the end.

On this page

• Montenegro at a glance
• 30 days visa-free with another country’s visa
• The 2026 summer scheme for UAE residents
• Applying for a Montenegro visa in the UAE
• Questions people ask

Montenegro at a glance

30 days visa-free with another country’s visa

The Government of Montenegro allows holders of a valid visa from any of these to enter, transit and stay without a Montenegrin visa:

• Schengen states
• United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan
• Bulgaria and Romania

The same applies to residence permits from those countries and to APEC business travel cards.

The limit is 30 days, and your stay cannot go past the date your visa or permit expires. If your UK visa expires in 12 days, you can stay 12 days.

Unlike Albania, Montenegro’s rule does not say the visa must be multiple entry or already used. It must simply be valid.

On 23 July 2026 the Government adopted a decree (Official Gazette No. 108/2026) that ends visa-free entry for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Russia, Belarus and China from 1 November 2026. Reports on the decree say it does not change the visa-holder rule above.

The 2026 summer scheme for UAE residents

For summer 2026 the Government of Montenegro allowed some UAE residents to visit without a visa, under Article 14(2) of its Law on Foreigners. As reported by Khaleej Times, the conditions were:

• Valid from 1 May to 1 October 2026.
• At least three years of UAE residence.
• A direct flight from the UAE to Montenegro (no transit through another country).
• A hotel booking or tour package and a return ticket.
• Maximum stay of 10 days, with no extension.

The scheme ended on 1 October 2026. If Montenegro repeats it for 2027, we will update this page. Until then, use one of the other routes.

Applying for a Montenegro visa in the UAE

If you have none of the visas or permits listed above, apply for a Montenegrin visa. According to the Government of Montenegro, UAE residents can apply at the Embassy or at VFS Global:

Step by step

1. Check your passport: issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months after you leave Montenegro.
2. Fill in the official application form.
3. Book with VFS or contact the Embassy.
4. Submit in person with your documents and proof that you paid the consular fee. Parents apply for children.
5. Wait for the decision: normally 10 days, up to 30 days if the case needs more review, or 60 days if more documents are requested.

Documents

• Passport, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Application form and photo.
• Return flight and accommodation bookings.
• Travel health insurance. See our insurance guide.
• Bank statements and an employer letter or NOC. See our NOC templates.
• Proof of payment of the consular fee.

Mistakes to avoid

• Planning a 30-day trip on a visa that expires sooner.
• Relying on the summer scheme after 1 October 2026.
• Using a passport that is more than 10 years old, even if it has not expired.

Questions people ask

Is Montenegro visa-free for UAE residents?

Not for UAE residence alone, now that the summer 2026 scheme has ended. You are visa-free if you hold an Emirati passport, or a valid Schengen, US, UK or other listed visa or residence permit.

Does my Schengen visa need to be multiple entry?

Montenegro’s official rule only says the visa must be valid. The stay cannot be longer than 30 days or go past the visa’s expiry date.

Where do I apply for a Montenegro visa in Dubai?

At VFS Global in Wafi Mall, Dubai, or VFS Abu Dhabi at the World Trade Centre Mall, or directly at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Related guides

• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Albania visa for UAE residents
• Serbia visa for UAE residents
• Schengen visa from Dubai and the UAE

Sources

• Government of Montenegro — Do I need a visa for Montenegro?: gov.me
• Government of Montenegro — Embassy of Montenegro in the UAE: gov.me
• Khaleej Times — reports of 28 July and 7 August 2026 on the UAE-resident scheme
• Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 108/2026 (decree of 23 July 2026)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

Albania lets many UAE residents in without a visa, but it has a condition that catches people at the airport: a multiple-entry Schengen, US or UK visa only works for Albania if you have already used it at least once in the country that issued it. A brand-new, unused visa is not enough. Your UAE residence visa on its own does not exempt you either.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Sources at the end.

On this page

• Albania at a glance
• Who is visa-free
• The “used once” rule explained
• Applying for the Albanian e-visa
• Documents
• Questions people ask

Albania at a glance

Who is visa-free

The Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs lists these groups as able to enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period:

• Anyone whose passport is visa-free for the Schengen area. This includes Emirati citizens.
• Holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa that has already been used in a Schengen country, or of a valid Schengen residence permit.
• Holders of a multiple-entry US or UK visa that has already been used in the US or UK, or of a valid US or UK residence permit (including a US Green Card).

Most passports held by UAE residents — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Nigerian — are not visa-free for Schengen. These travellers need one of the visas or permits above, or an Albanian e-visa.

The “used once” rule explained

This is the rule people miss. Albania accepts your Schengen, US or UK visa only if:

1. It is multiple entry. Check the “entries” field on the sticker: it should say MULT.
2. It has already been used to enter the country that issued it. For a Schengen visa, that means an entry stamp from any Schengen country. For a US or UK visa, an entry to the US or UK.
3. It is still valid on the day you arrive in Albania.

A common trip from the UAE: fly to Italy or Greece on your Schengen visa, then continue to Tirana. Because you entered Schengen first, the visa is now “used”.

Applying for the Albanian e-visa

If you are not visa-free, apply online at e-visa.al, the Albanian government’s e-visa portal. You do not need to visit an embassy in the UAE to start the application.

1. Create an account at e-visa.al and choose the short-stay (type C) tourist visa.
2. Fill in the form and upload your documents (list below).
3. Pay the visa fee. Albania sets fees by reciprocity, so the amount depends on your passport.
4. Wait for the decision: up to 15 days after the application is accepted, and up to 30 days in exceptional cases.
5. Print the approved e-visa and carry it with your passport.

Documents

The Ministry lists these for all visa types:

• Printed and signed application form.
• One recent passport photo.
• Copy of a passport valid at least 3 months beyond the visa period.
• Travel health insurance for the length of the visa. See our insurance guide.
• For under-18s: a consent statement from the parents or guardian.

For a tourist visa you also show where you will stay and that you can pay for the trip. From the UAE, that usually means:

• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Hotel bookings and a return flight booking.
• Recent bank statements. See our bank statement guide.
• Employer letter or NOC. See our NOC templates.

Mistakes to avoid

• Flying to Tirana on a new UK or US visa you have never used.
• Assuming a single-entry Schengen visa works.
• Assuming your Emirates ID is enough.
• Using unofficial “e-visa” websites that charge extra. The official portal is e-visa.al.

Questions people ask

Can UAE residents visit Albania without a visa?

Only if your passport is visa-free for Schengen, or you hold a multiple-entry Schengen, US or UK visa that you have already used, or a residence permit from one of those places. UAE residence alone does not count.

My UK visa is new. Can I go to Albania first?

Not visa-free. Albania requires the visa to have been used in the UK first. Apply for an Albanian e-visa, or visit the UK first.

How long can I stay?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period when you are visa-free.

How long does the Albanian e-visa take?

Up to 15 days after the application is accepted, and up to 30 days in exceptional cases.

Related guides

• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Montenegro visa for UAE residents
• Serbia visa for UAE residents
• Italy Schengen visa from the UAE

Sources

• Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs — Visa application: punetejashtme.gov.al
• Albanian e-visa portal: e-visa.al
• Law No. 79/2021 “On foreigners” and Council of Ministers Decision No. 858 of 29.12.2021

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

If you live in the UAE and already hold a US, UK or Schengen visa, several Balkan countries will let you in without applying for their own visa. This makes a multi-country trip possible on one document. But each country has its own conditions: some want a multiple-entry visa, one wants a visa you have already used, and the allowed stay ranges from 15 to 90 days. None of them accept a UAE residence visa on its own.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the foreign ministries of Serbia, Montenegro and Albania. The Bosnia, North Macedonia and Kosovo rows still need confirming against official sources (marked below). Sources at the end.

On this page

• The rules side by side
• Three checks before you book
• Planning a route
• If you don’t have a US, UK or Schengen visa
• Questions people ask

The rules side by side

Emirati citizens don’t need this table: they are visa-free in Serbia and Montenegro for 90 days, and in Albania because Emiratis are visa-free for Schengen. The table is for residents whose own passport needs a visa.

Three checks before you book

1. Single or multiple entry? Look at the “entries” field on your visa. Albania, Bosnia, North Macedonia (for Schengen visas) and Kosovo want MULT. Serbia and Montenegro only ask for a valid visa.
2. Has it been used? Albania will refuse a multiple-entry visa you have never used in the issuing country. If your UK visa is new, visit Albania after a UK trip, not before.
3. Is it valid on your last day? Every country ties your stay to the validity of the visa. A visa expiring mid-trip ends your visa-free stay too.

Carry the passport that holds the visa. If it has expired and you have a new passport, take both.

Planning a route

These countries are not in Schengen, so days spent there do not count toward your Schengen 90/180 limit. Use our 90/180 calculator for the Schengen part of a trip.

• Shortest limit wins. If your trip includes North Macedonia or Kosovo, keep each of those stays to 15 days.
• Serbia and Kosovo: Serbia does not recognise Kosovo’s border crossings. If you enter Kosovo first and then try to cross into Serbia, you may be refused. Enter Serbia first, or route through a third country.
• Each border is a fresh check. Being visa-free in one country gives you nothing in the next. Check each row of the table.

If you don’t have a US, UK or Schengen visa

You will need each country’s own visa. From the UAE:

• Serbia: Embassy of Serbia in Abu Dhabi, or online at welcometoserbia.gov.rs for eligible passports.
• Montenegro: Embassy of Montenegro in Abu Dhabi, or VFS Global in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Albania: online at e-visa.al.

It is often simpler to get a Schengen visa first, which then opens most of the region. See Schengen visa from Dubai and the UAE.

Questions people ask

Can I visit the Balkans with only a UAE residence visa?

Not visa-free, unless your passport itself is visa-free. UAE residence is not one of the documents these countries accept. Montenegro ran a temporary scheme for UAE residents from May to October 2026, but it has ended.

Which Balkan country is easiest with a UK visa?

Serbia and Montenegro. Both accept a valid UK visa without asking for multiple entry or prior use. Albania also accepts it, but only if it is multiple entry and already used in the UK.

Do Balkan days count toward my Schengen 90 days?

No. Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, North Macedonia and Kosovo are not part of Schengen.

Related guides

• Serbia visa for UAE residents
• Montenegro visa for UAE residents
• Albania visa for UAE residents
• Cyprus visa for UAE residents
• Georgia entry rules for UAE residents

Sources

• Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa requirements: mfa.gov.rs
• Government of Montenegro — Visas: gov.me
• Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs — Visa application: punetejashtme.gov.al
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina — visa information (mvp.gov.ba)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia — visa regime (mfa.gov.mk)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo — categories exempt from visas (mfa-ks.net)

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

New Zealand visitor visas are applied for online, so UAE residents don’t need to visit an embassy. What decides your route is your passport. Emirati citizens travel on an NZeTA, an electronic travel authority. Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Nigerian passport holders need a visitor visa. Almost everyone pays the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) on top.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Sources at the end.

New Zealand at a glance

NZeTA or visitor visa?

Your UAE residence does not change which one you need. It only matters as evidence: a stable job and residence in the UAE help show you will return.

Visitor visa: step by step

1. Create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website and start a Visitor Visa application.
2. Upload your documents (list below). Scan them clearly in colour.
3. Pay online: the visa fee and the NZD 100 IVL.
4. Respond quickly if an immigration officer asks for more information.
5. Receive an eVisa by email. There is no sticker in your passport.

Check the current processing time on the Immigration New Zealand website before you book flights. Apply well ahead of the December holidays.

Documents

• Passport valid for at least three months after you plan to leave New Zealand.
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Recent photo meeting INZ’s digital photo rules.
• Proof of funds: bank statements showing NZD 1,000 for each month of your stay, or NZD 400 a month if your accommodation is already paid. See our bank statement guide.
• Employer letter or NOC confirming your job, salary and approved leave. See our NOC templates.
• Onward or return travel booking.
• Travel plan with dates and places, and hotel bookings.
• If you visit family: an invitation letter and your relative’s status in New Zealand.

What it costs in total

The IVL is not refunded if your application is declined. Fees are taken from Immigration New Zealand’s fee table for rates from 1 October 2024; use the official Fee Finder to confirm the amount before you pay.

Mistakes to avoid

• Showing a balance that barely covers NZD 1,000 a month, with a large deposit just before the statement date.
• Booking non-refundable flights before the eVisa arrives.
• Forgetting transit rules: if you connect through Australia, you may need an Australian transit visa.

Questions people ask

Do Emiratis need a visa for New Zealand?

No visa, but they need an NZeTA before travel and must pay the NZD 100 IVL.

Can I apply for a New Zealand visa in Dubai?

You apply online from anywhere, including Dubai. There is no in-person submission for a standard visitor visa unless INZ asks for it.

How much money do I need in my bank for a New Zealand visa?

NZD 1,000 for each month of your stay, or NZD 400 a month if your accommodation is prepaid, plus your onward ticket.

Related guides

• Australia visitor visa from the UAE
• New Zealand Skilled Migrant residence from the UAE
• UAE bank statement for a visa

Sources

• Immigration New Zealand — Fee and levy table, rates from 1 October 2024: immigration.govt.nz
• Immigration New Zealand — Fees and levies: immigration.govt.nz
• MBIE — International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, information for visitors: mbie.govt.nz

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

Mexico has one of the most useful visa exemptions for UAE residents. If your passport normally needs a Mexican visa, you can still visit without one if you hold a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or a Schengen country, or permanent residence in one of those places. Without one of these, you apply at the Embassy of Mexico in Abu Dhabi.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). Sources at the end.

Mexico at a glance

The visa-holder exemption, explained

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) says that people who normally need a visa may enter Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism or business, with no Mexican visa, if they show one of these:

• A valid multiple-entry visa from the USA, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or any Schengen country.
• Proof of permanent residence in Canada, Chile, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Peru, the USA or a Schengen country.
• An APEC Business Travel Card showing “MEX” on the back.

What this means for UAE residents:

• Single-entry visas do not count. Check the “entries” field. A US B1/B2 visa is usually multiple entry; many Schengen visas are not.
• The visa must be valid when you arrive. Carry the passport it is stamped in.
• Temporary residence permits are not listed. A UK student visa in a passport counts as a visa; a separate temporary residence card from a Schengen country is not on the SRE list.
• The officer decides your stay. 180 days is the maximum, not a guarantee. Have a return ticket, hotel bookings and proof of funds ready.

Most routes from the UAE to Mexico connect in Europe or North America. Your transit country has its own rules: connecting in the US needs a US visa, and a Schengen airport transit can need an airport transit visa for some passports.

Applying for a Mexican visa in the UAE

If you have none of the documents above, apply for a visitor visa (“visitante sin permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas”) at the Embassy of Mexico in Abu Dhabi.

1. Read the “General requirements” and “Non-lucrative visitors” pages on the Embassy website (embamex.sre.gob.mx/emiratosarabesunidos).
2. Book an appointment as the Embassy instructs. Mexican visas require an in-person interview.
3. Prepare your documents, including proof of economic solvency (bank statements and salary) and your UAE residence visa.
4. Attend, pay the consular fee shown on the Embassy’s fee page, and wait for the decision.
5. If approved, the visa is placed in your passport. You then enter Mexico within its validity.

Typical documents

• Passport valid for your whole stay, plus a copy.
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Completed application form and photo.
• Bank statements and salary certificate or NOC. See our NOC templates and bank statement guide.
• Return flight booking and hotel bookings.

At the airport in Mexico

• Show your passport and, if you rely on the exemption, the US, UK, Canadian, Japanese or Schengen visa.
• Be ready to show your return ticket, where you are staying and how you will pay for the trip.
• The tourist entry fee (FMM) is normally included in commercial air tickets.

Questions people ask

Can I visit Mexico with a US visa from the UAE?

Yes, if it is a valid multiple-entry US visa. You do not need a Mexican visa for tourism or business stays of up to 180 days.

Does a single-entry Schengen visa work for Mexico?

No. The SRE exemption names multiple-entry visas only.

Is a UAE residence visa enough for Mexico?

No. UAE residence is not on Mexico’s list. You need a visa-free passport, one of the listed visas or residence permits, or a Mexican visa.

Related guides

• US visitor visa from the UAE by nationality
• Canada visitor visa from Dubai
• UK visitor visa from the UAE
• The Balkans with a US, UK or Schengen visa

Sources

• Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) — Visa exemptions (Consulate General in Hong Kong page, updated 11 January 2026): consulmex.sre.gob.mx
• Embassy of Mexico in the UAE — Visas: embamex.sre.gob.mx

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

Nepal is one of the simplest trips from the UAE. Indian citizens need no visa at all. Most other passports can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi passport holders, as SAARC nationals, get their first 30-day visa of the year free. A short list of nationalities — including Nigerians — cannot use the visa on arrival and must apply in advance.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against Embassy of Nepal visa pages, which follow Nepal’s Department of Immigration rules. Sources at the end.

Nepal at a glance

Which route is yours?

Nepal’s rules depend only on your passport. Your UAE residence does not change anything, except that it makes the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi your nearest place to apply in advance.

Visa on arrival: step by step

1. Fill in the online arrival form on the Department of Immigration website shortly before you travel, and keep the confirmation.
2. Bring US dollars in cash for the fee, plus a passport photo in case the kiosks are not working.
3. At Kathmandu airport, use the visa kiosk or form, pay the fee at the counter and keep the receipt.
4. Go to the immigration desk with your passport, form and receipt to receive the visa.

Fees

Embassies charge the same amount in local currency. A tourist can stay up to 150 days in one calendar year in total, using extensions in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Applying in advance from the UAE

If your nationality cannot get a visa on arrival, or you prefer to land with a visa already in your passport, apply in person at the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi. Applications are taken Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and visas are collected from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.

Documents the Embassy asks for:

• Online visa application from the Nepal immigration portal, printed.
• Passport valid at least six months with a blank page, plus a copy.
• Copy of your UAE residence visa.
• Stamped and signed NOC from your employer showing your name, nationality, job title and salary. See our NOC templates. If you are on a family visa, your sponsor’s passport and UAE visa copy.
• The fee in cash.

Nationals who cannot get a visa on arrival (Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria and Iran, plus refugee travel document holders) also need an Emirates ID copy, a police character certificate and details of any programme they will attend in Nepal.

Questions people ask

Do Indians in Dubai need a visa for Nepal?

No. Indian nationals do not need a visa for Nepal.

Is the Nepal visa free for Pakistanis?

The first 30-day tourist visa in each calendar year is free for SAARC nationals, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Later visas that year are charged.

Can Nigerians get a Nepal visa on arrival?

No. Nigeria is on the list of countries that must apply at a Nepal Embassy before travel, with a reference letter from the Nigerian embassy.

Related guides

• Sri Lanka visa for UAE residents
• Maldives visa for UAE residents
• Thailand visa for UAE residents

Sources

• Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi — Visa: ae.nepalembassy.gov.np
• Embassy of Nepal, Colombo — General rule for visa: lk.nepalembassy.gov.np
• Embassy of Nepal, Bangkok — Visa services: th.nepalembassy.gov.np
• Department of Immigration, Nepal: nepalimmigration.gov.np

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.

Many UAE residents visit the Philippines with Filipino friends, partners or colleagues. Filipino citizens need no visa, of course — but other nationalities often do. Since 2025, UAE residents who need a Philippine visa apply through the Philippine e-visa system, handled by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai depending on which emirate issued your residence visa.

Checked on 21 October 2026 against the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. Sources at the end.

Philippines at a glance

Indian passport holders: the 14-day visa-free rule

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs allows Indian nationals visa-free entry for tourism for an initial stay of up to 14 days. It can be extended once by 7 days, for a maximum of 21 days. The DFA lists these conditions:

• A valid, current visa or permanent residence permit from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, a Schengen country, Singapore or the UK.
• A passport valid at least six months beyond your stay.
• A return or onward ticket.
• No derogatory record with Philippine immigration.

A UAE residence visa is not on that list. If you have none of those visas, or want to stay longer than 14 days, apply for an e-visa.

Applying for a Philippine e-visa from the UAE

The Philippines rolled out its e-visa across the Middle East on 24 March 2025, and the Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced it on 7 April 2025 for foreign nationals living in the UAE. The steps:

1. Find your post. Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah residence: Consulate General in Dubai. Abu Dhabi or Al Ain residence: Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
2. Create an account at evisa.gov.ph.
3. Upload your documents (list below).
4. Pay online. The Embassy’s announcement says payment uses a PayIT account (First Abu Dhabi Bank).
5. Wait for the decision and follow any instruction to appear in person.

Documents

The Consulate in Dubai lists these for a tourist visa:

• Completed application form.
• Passport bio page.
• Copy of your UAE residence visa.
• Flight itinerary.
• No-objection letter from your employer. See our NOC templates.
• Bank statements for the last three months. See our bank statement guide.

Processing time

The Consulate advises applying at least one month before travel, and says a confirmed flight does not make your application faster.

Questions people ask

Can I apply for a Philippine visa in Dubai if my residence visa is from Abu Dhabi?

No. Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residence visas are handled by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Dubai and the Northern Emirates go to the Consulate in Dubai.

I’m Indian with a US visa. Do I need a Philippine visa?

For a tourist trip of up to 14 days, usually not, if you also meet the other conditions. For longer stays, apply for an e-visa.

How long does a Philippine visa take from Dubai?

About 3 to 8 working days for a single-entry visa, and longer for some nationalities and for multiple-entry visas. Apply a month ahead.

Related guides

• Vietnam visa for UAE residents
• Thailand visa for UAE residents
• Malaysia visa for UAE residents

Sources

• Philippine DFA — PH Embassy in Abu Dhabi pilots Philippine e-visa issuance (7 April 2025): dfa.gov.ph
• Philippine Consulate General Dubai — Visa procedures: dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph
• Philippine Consulate General Dubai — No-visa entry countries: dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph

Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.

Last checked 21 October 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] — it gets fixed and logged.