UAE-US travel: Countries UAE travellers can visit with a valid B1/B2 American visa
Several countries offer visa-free or simplified entry for travellers holding a B1/B2 visa
Dubai: For many residents in the UAE and international travellers, obtaining a US B1/B2 visitor visa is a significant milestone, granting access to the United States for business or tourism. However, this visa often has an added, lesser-known benefit: it can also open doors to many other countries, frequently allowing for visa-free entry or a much more straightforward visa application process.
A US B1/B2 visa allows holders to travel to numerous countries visa-free or with a streamlined entry process. This visa enables travel for tourism, business, or a combination. Countries you can typically visit with a B1/B2 visa include Mexico, Canada, and many others, including those in the Caribbean, South America, and parts of Europe and Asia.
The advantage of holding a valid US B1/B2 visa is that many nations consider it a strong indicator of a traveller's reliability and adherence to immigration rules, according to travel agents.
What to keep in mind
That said, travel agents have said it is “crucial to verify the latest visa requirements and specific conditions based on your nationality and the country you plan to visit before making any travel arrangements”.
Immigration policies are subject to change without notice, and relying solely on a general list can lead to complications. Always check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country or their official government immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
While the specific entry requirements can depend on your nationality and the destination country's current policies, here's a general overview of countries that often extend benefits to US B1/B2 visa holders:
North, Central America, the Caribbean:
Mexico: Often allows visa-free entry for US visa holders.
Canada: While a US B1/B2 visa doesn't automatically grant entry to Canada, it can streamline the process for some. You must still apply for the visa separately, depending on your nationality.
Costa Rica: Commonly offers visa-free entry.
Panama: May allow visa-free entry, sometimes with a condition of having used the US visa at least once
Dominican Republic: Typically grants visa-free entry
Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua: Frequently offer visa-free travel
Bahamas: Often provides visa-free access
Bermuda: May allow visa-free entry
British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos: Often accessible with a US visa
Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica: Commonly offer visa-free entry
Europe:
Albania: Often provides visa-free entry.
Montenegro: May allow visa-free entry.
Serbia: Frequently offers visa-free entry.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Visa-free entry is permitted.
Turkey: May provide an e-visa option at a reduced cost or with simplified requirements.
Georgia: Often grants visa-free entry.
Asia, the Middle East:
Taiwan: Often provides visa-free entry for a specific duration.
Philippines: Visa-free entry for up to 14 days may be allowed under certain conditions.
South Korea: Sometimes offers visa-free entry, particularly for transit passengers en route to or from the USA.
Oman & Qatar: While UAE residents often have separate visa-free access or visa-on-arrival, a US visa can sometimes factor in specific entry rules for other nationalities.
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