UAE Introduces 30-Day e-Visa for GCC Residents: Eligibility and Application Process

For GCC nationals, the UAE government has launched a new e-visa that enables up to 30 days of visitation. Residents who meet the requirements must apply for the e-visa online and have a valid residency permit for at least a year.

The UAE government said on Monday that all expats living in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries can now apply for a 30-day e-visa to visit the UAE, to increase tourism and regional connectivity. As long as their residency is valid for at least a year, this new e-visa or entry permit provides GCC expat residents with an easy way to visit the UAE.

Key Requirements for the UAE E-Visa

A valid e-visa is required for foreign nationals from GCC nations to enter the UAE. With the option to extend for an extra 30 days, the visa permits a 30-day stay starting on the day of admission. But there are stringent requirements that need to be fulfilled:

• Possess a valid residency permit: The permit needs to be current for a minimum of one year.
• Fulfill passport validity requirements: Upon arriving in the United Arab Emirates, the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months.
• Restrictions on Entry Permits: If your GCC resident permit is discovered to be canceled or expired, or if your occupation has changed after the visa was given, your application will be rejected.

E-Visa Application Process

You can apply for an e-visa online via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) smart channels or the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The registered email address will receive the e-visa after it has been accepted.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UAE E-Visa

1. Get the necessary paperwork

Make sure you have the necessary documents available before beginning the application:

• A passport that is currently valid for at least six months.
• A current GCC residency visa with at least one year left on it.
• A current passport-sized photo.
• Evidence of your occupation, as stated on your resident permit.

2. Visit the Application Portal for E-Visa

Use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) smart channels or go to the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website. You can submit your application through an intuitive online gateway offered by these sites.

3. Sign in or Create an Account

If this is your first time using the site, you must first establish an account. Usually, you will need to supply some basic personal information for this, such as your name, email address, and passport data. To start the application, just log in if you already have one.

4. Complete the Application for an E-Visa

Provide accurate information when completing the online application for an e-visa. Inputting your personal data, passport details, residency details, and the date of your desired trip is required. Verify that the occupation listed on your resident visa corresponds with yours, as this is a need for approval.

5. Provide Corresponding Documents

Upload the necessary files, which should include your photo, residency visa, and passport. Verify again that the documents are clear and adhere to the portal’s specified file sizes and formats.

6. Cover the Visa Fee

Proceed to the payment area and use a credit or debit card that is currently valid to pay the e-visa processing fee. You will receive a confirmation email with submission details as soon as the money is approved.

7. Get your electronic visa

Your registered email address will receive the e-visa once your application has been processed and accepted. It is advised to apply well in advance of the date of the trip as processing times may differ.

8. Verify the Accuracy of Your E-Visa

Check the information on your e-visa carefully to make sure there are no mistakes after you receive it. To present your e-visa at the UAE entry port, print a copy of it or save a digital copy on your mobile device.

Important Details

• The e-visa can be renewed once for an additional 30 days beyond the first 30-day period from the date of admission into the United Arab Emirates.
• Ensure your GCC residency remains valid for at least one year and that your passport is valid for at least six months before entering the UAE.
• If your GCC residency has ended or been revoked, or if your occupation has changed after the visa has been issued, the e-visa will be refused.
• Visitation visas are only issued to GCC residents’ family members, housekeepers, or friends if the sponsor is going on the same trip as them.

You may apply for a UAE e-visa with ease and have a hassle-free travel experience to the UAE from any of the six GCC nations by following these steps.

Recommendations for Residents of the GCC

• Family Members and Domestic Workers: Only if the sponsor is traveling with the beneficiary will visas for family members, domestic workers, or companions of GCC citizens be granted.
• Validity for Accompanying Expats: If foreign nationals are traveling with GCC nationals, the entry permit’s validity will run out after 60 days, and it can be extended once for a total of 60 days of stay in the United Arab Emirates.

Conclusion

GCC expatriates now have more flexibility while visiting the UAE thanks to the new e-visa program, but to prevent visa refusal, make sure all residency and employment information is current.