The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

Citizens of 82 countries around the world can enter the UAE without a prior visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. The ministry called on those wishing to visit the country for tourism to access its official website and view the page of updated information on prior visa exemptions for travelers holding ordinary passports issued by all countries of the world.

According to the table of prior visa exemptions for travellers holding ordinary passports as shown on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of 115 countries around the world need a prior visa to enter the UAE.

Citizens of countries wishing to view the list and names of countries that are exempt from or require a visa before entry can visit the following link: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/visa-exemptions-for-non-citizen to view the updated list of prior visa exemptions for travelers holding ordinary passports.

They can also view the details of visa requirements on the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security and contact the airline for additional information.

The UAE Digital Government (UAE DGov) stated that GCC citizens need neither an entry visa nor a sponsor to visit the country. They, however, can enter the country after presenting a passport issued by a GCC country or an ID card upon arrival at any port of entry.

The UAE DGov called on individuals abroad to access the link https://www.visitdubai.com/ar/plan-your-trip/visa-information to view the list of nationalities that do not require prior arrangements to obtain an entry visa to the UAE.

Upon arrival, they can obtain an entry visa valid for 30 days that can be extended for further 10 days, it said.

They can also view the list of countries whose citizens are not obligated to make prior arrangements to obtain an entry visa to the UAE, it added, noting that those can obtain a visa valid for 90 days upon arrival.

Citizens of the Republic of India, who hold ordinary passports valid for not less than six months from date of arrival and have a visit visa / green card issued by the US or a residence visa issued by the UK and EU countries valid for not less than six months, can obtain an entry visa upon arrival valid for 14 days and can apply for extension for further 14 days.

As for the nationalities that need a prior entry permit, the UAE DGov stated that they need an entry permit to be issued by a sponsor before their arrival in the country unless they are listed under the categories that are eligible for entry without a visa or can obtain a visa upon arrival.

The entry permit that needs to be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs depends on the purpose of visit.

The UAE passport, which is currently ranked first as the most powerful passport in the world, allows its holder to enter 180 countries including 127 without a prior visa and 53 with an electronic visa or upon arrival, according to the Passport Index website.