The United Arab Emirates has recently announced a visa-free policy for citizens of the Republic of Armenia, which will take effect from February 1, 2024.
Travelers are advised to ensure that their passports remain valid for at least six months from arrival. The visa waiver offers flexibility with a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days, catering for various travel purposes, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to local media, the validity of the passport is determined by the period indicated on the 2nd (Armenian) and 3rd (English) pages, not the note on the validity in foreign countries (round stamp) on the 4th page. As of January 1, 2024, the latter is no longer applicable and not mandatory.
Moreover, the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering an open and accessible environment for international travelers. Citizens of the Republic of Armenia can now enter, exit, and transit through the UAE without the cumbersome entry visa formalities and associated fees, making travel between the two nations more convenient and hassle-free.
In this regard, the head of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, Sisian Boghossian, also expressed optimism that the UAE initiative will be a positive example, encouraging other nations to adopt similar measures.
In addition, the latter has expanded its visa waiver policies, fostering stronger diplomatic ties and facilitating travel for citizens of Uzbekistan and Kosovo. From January 15, 2024, Uzbek citizens holding biometric passports are now exempt from obtaining a visa to enter the UAE.
The agreement eliminates the need for ordinary UAE passport holders to apply for an electronic visa when visiting Uzbekistan, a mandatory process before the deal is enacted. UAE nationals can now enjoy a stay of up to 30 days per visit to Uzbekistan.
This month, the UAE signed an agreement to remove entry visa requirements for Kosovo passport holders. This decision marks a milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations, promoting increased connectivity and cooperation.
As of January 2024, the Emirati passport holds an impressive 34th position in the VisaGuide Passport Index, granting Emirati citizens visa-free access to 139 countries worldwide. While this ranking highlights the strong global standing of the Emirati passport, it also means that for entry into the remaining countries, Emirati passport holders must go through the standard visa application process.