Destination guides
Where to go from Dubai, and when
Best months, flight times, time difference, money and visa notes for UAE residents, from consultants who send travellers there every week.
In shortShort flights from Dubai reach the Caucasus, Türkiye and the Indian Ocean in three to five hours; Europe, Japan and East Africa need a week or more. Each guide shows the best months, the flight time, the visa summary and the holidays we run there.
| Destination | Best months | Flight | Time | Visa (UAE residents, example) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | May to Jun, Sep to Oct; ski Gudauri Dec to Mar | 3 h | +0 | Many UAE residents can enter visa-free or get an e-visa, depending on nationality. We che… |
| Azerbaijan | Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct | 2.5 h | +0 | Many UAE residents can apply for an e-visa online, and some nationalities enter visa-free… |
| Türkiye | Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov | 4.8 h | -1 | Depending on nationality, UAE residents may enter visa-free, apply for an e-visa or need … |
| Maldives | Dec to Apr dry season; good value May to Nov | 4.3 h | +1 | Visitors of most nationalities typically receive free entry on arrival, usually for 30 da… |
| Seychelles | Apr to May, Oct to Nov | 4.5 h | +0 | Visitors of all nationalities typically receive a visitor's permit on arrival, after appl… |
| Mauritius | May to Dec; cyclone risk Jan to Mar | 6.5 h | +0 | Many UAE residents can enter visa-free or receive a visa on arrival, depending on nationa… |
| Thailand | Nov to Mar; Koh Samui also good Jun to Aug | 6.2 h | +3 | Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free for a short stay, while others need an e-… |
| Bali | Apr to Oct dry season | 9.3 h | +4 | Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Indonesia, depending on pas… |
| Japan | Late Mar to May, Oct to Nov | 9.6 h | +5 | Visa rules for Japan vary by nationality: some passports are visa-exempt, while many UAE … |
| Sri Lanka | Dec to Apr west and south; May to Sep east | 4.3 h | +1.5 | Most nationalities need an online travel authorisation or e-visa for Sri Lanka, applied f… |
| Switzerland | Jun to Sep; ski season Dec to Apr | 6.6 h | -3 | Most UAE residents need a Schengen visa; apply 3 to 8 weeks ahead. We prepare the file an… |
| Italy | Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct | 6 h | -3 | Most UAE residents need a Schengen visa; apply 3 to 8 weeks ahead. We prepare the file an… |
| Egypt | Oct to Apr | 3.6 h | -2 | Depending on nationality, UAE residents may get an e-visa or a visa on arrival, while som… |
| Kenya | Jul to Oct migration; Jan to Feb dry season | 5 h | -1 | Kenya currently asks most visitors to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation… |
At home
UAE
Region
Georgia & Azerbaijan
Region
Europe
Region
Türkiye
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Asia
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Indian Ocean islands
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Africa & Egypt
FAQ
Planning by destination
Something else?
Which destinations are easiest from Dubai?
For short breaks, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye are three to four hours away with simple visa processes for many UAE residents. The Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka are four to five hours away for beach trips. Japan, Europe and Kenya need a week or more to be worth the flight.
When is the best time to travel?
Each destination guide lists the best months. Broadly, the Caucasus and Europe are best from April to June and September to October, the Maldives from November to April, and Japan in spring for cherry blossom or in autumn for the colours.