As Eid Al Adha draws near, residents of the UAE are making plans for a much-needed break from their busy work lives. The summer season provides a fantastic opportunity to return home or explore exciting holiday destinations during the Islamic festival. Excitingly, this year's Eid Al Adha promises a six-day holiday for UAE residents, a perfect chance for individuals and families to travel and take a well-deserved mini-break.

A significant trend among UAE residents, as noted by local travel industry experts, is the preference for destinations offering visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival service. Recognizing the high disposable income of UAE citizens and residents, many countries across East Europe, Asia, and CIS regions have extended these visa facilities to UAE and wider Gulf region travellers.

Online travel marketplace Wego highlights nine countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to the UAE and GCC travellers. These nine countries are:

Armenia:

Armenia, renowned for its rich history and captivating architectural wonders, welcomes travelers from the UAE and the GCC without the need for a visa. This visa-free entry allows visitors to explore the country's ancient monasteries, picturesque valleys, and vibrant culture, providing a truly unique and enthralling experience.

Armenia's popularity has been on the rise among UAE travelers due to its generous policy of granting UAE passport holders a stay of up to 180 days without a visa requirement. Additionally, residents of the UAE and other Gulf countries can obtain visas upon arrival by presenting a valid residence permit.

To facilitate travel, Armenia benefits from the convenient presence of three local airlines: Emirates, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and flydubai. These airlines offer seamless connections for travelers to explore Armenia's fascinating heritage and immerse themselves in its breathtaking natural beauty.

Azerbaijan: 

Azerbaijan is a favored locale among CIS nations for UAE inhabitants who are keen to commune with the natural environment and appreciate scenic vistas.

Nationals from the UAE and GCC have the privilege of obtaining a one-time entry visa upon arrival, which holds validity for a span of thirty days.

Georgia: 

Georgia was among the initial nations in Eastern Europe to provide unrestricted access and immediate visas to visitors from this part of the world. Citizens and inhabitants of the UAE and GCC can enjoy a year-long stay in Georgia through an on-the-spot visa, as per Wego.

Whether it's city exploration or rural escapades, from sun-drenched shores to lush woodlands, Georgia presents explorers with a remarkable journey.

Indonesia: 

Indonesia, particularly the island of Bali, enjoys significant popularity among East Asian nations, attributed to its natural riches, stunning islands, and plentiful wildlife. An array of experiences is available to visitors from this region in Indonesia. Possessors of passports from the GCC nations are entitled to a 30-day stay in Indonesia through a visa on arrival.

Jordan: 

Travelers hailing from the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations are afforded the convenience of a 30-day visa on arrival when they set foot in Jordan. This captivating Middle Eastern country presents a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of ancient civilizations and experience the richness of its effervescent cultures. As of now, a substantial number of local airlines have Jordan included in their service routes, making this destination easily accessible.

Maldives: 

The Maldives is undeniably a top global vacation spot. Many regard it as a terrestrial paradise due to its stunning chain of islands and beachside accommodations that lead directly onto the sun-kissed shores. The Maldives provides on-arrival visas to visitors of various nationalities, including those hailing from GCC nations, permitting a visit length of 30 days.

Nepal: 

Renowned for hosting the tallest mountain, Mount Everest, Nepal is equally admired for the tranquil allure of tourist-admired hilly locales such as Nagarkot, Poon, and Pokhara. This Asian nation exclusively provides on-arrival tourist visas to travelers from every nationality, including those hailing from the GCC countries, permitting durations of 15, 30, or 90 days.

Seychelles: 

Just like the Maldives, Seychelles is a sought-after haven for aficionados of the natural world. It offers the opportunity for guests to navigate through mangrove woods via kayak, ascend towering granite summits on foot, or simply find relaxation on a hidden stretch of sand. Seychelles permits entry without the necessity of a visa, removing this requirement for people from all countries, inclusive of those from GCC nations.

Tanzania: 

Tanzania is truly a delight for nature lovers. The awe-inspiring Mahale mountains, the abundant wildlife in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and the traditional lands of the Masai tribe provide an unforgettable adventure.

Visitors from any of the six GCC countries have the convenience of obtaining a visa upon arrival in mainland Tanzania, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days.

Conclusion:

For UAE and GCC travelers planning their Eid Al Adha vacations, these nine countries provide convenient visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options. From the tropical paradise of the Maldives to the historical treasures of Jordan, there are plenty of exciting destinations to explore during the holiday season. Remember to check the latest travel advisories and requirements before planning your trip and enjoy a memorable vacation experience.