In a significant development, the UAE government has announced that GCC Residents Countries Can Now Apply for 30 Day e-Visa to Enter UAE. And also, GCC Residents can extend eVisa for 30 Days. This move is expected to simplify the travel process for thousands of expats living in the Gulf region.
According to the UAE Digital Government, expat residents of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman who wish to visit the UAE can now obtain an e-visa prior to their travel. The visa permits a stay of 30 days from the date of entry, with the option to extend it for an additional 30 days.
The UAE government has emphasized that obtaining an e-visa is a mandatory requirement for entry into the UAE. Visitors can apply through the website of the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or via the smart channels of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the e-visa, Expat Residents must have a Valid Residency Visa from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
- The Residency Visa must be Valid for at least 1 year from the Date of Arrival in the UAE.
- Passport must be Valid for at least 6 months from the Date of Arrival.
Step By Step Guide for GCC Countries to Obtain the eVisa
Requirements
- A valid passport or travel document to enter the country.
- A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.
- Personal photo (white background).
Apply Online
The UAE government has outlined guidelines for obtaining an e-visa.
- Log in to the website: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
- Register as a User. [ Select Individual, and Click Register Now, to register as a new user]
- Choose the service.
- Fill in the data.
- Pay the due fees. (AED 250 plus 5% VAT)
- After approval, the Visa is sent to the user’s email.
The e-visa will be sent to the registered email address once the application has been processed and approved.
Rules and Conditions
- No e-Visa application will be approved for companions’ family members or domestic workers’ categories of GCC residents unless the sponsor is traveling with them.
- The GCC residents’ entry permit to the UAE is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
- GCC residents are allowed to stay for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa is extendable once for 30 days only.
- Entry permit for companions travelling with GCC citizens is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and allows them to stay for 60 days from the date of entry. The visa is extendable once for 60 days.
- The traveler should not have any restrictions that prevent him from entering the country.
- Passport must be Valid for at least 6 months from the Date of Arrival.
- The Residency Visa must be Valid for at least 1 year from the Date of Arrival in the UAE.
Entry Permit will not be Granted:
- If the GCC residence visa is found to be expired or cancelled upon arrival, he/she will not be Granted Entry to the UAE.
- If the profession of the GCC resident is found to be changed after the issuance of his entry permit, the entry permit holder will not be Granted Entry to the UAE.
The UAE being a popular destination for expats living in the Gulf region, with many visiting the country for business, leisure, or to visit family and friends. This move is expected to boost tourism and business travel between the UAE and other GCC countries.
In recent years, the UAE has introduced several initiatives to attract more tourists and business travelers. These include the introduction of a 10-year visa for investors and professionals, and a five-year visa for retirees.
The UAE is also investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, theme parks, and cultural attractions. The country is expected to attract millions of visitors in the coming years, with Dubai Expo 2020 expected to be a major draw.
The introduction of the e-visa system for expat residents of GCC countries is a significant development that is expected to boost tourism and business travel between the UAE and other GCC countries. The government has been working to simplify the visa process and make it more convenient for visitors to enter the country. The online application process is quick and convenient, and applicants can track the status of their application online. With its convenient location, world-class infrastructure, and attractive tourist attractions, the UAE is an attractive destination for expats living in the Gulf region.
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Chrislyn Stephanie is a passionate explorer who finds joy in discovering new destinations and sharing her experiences with others. With a keen eye for detail and a love for adventure, Chrislyn captures the essence of each destination through vivid descriptions and captivating narratives.
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