Residents of GCC countries and their companions can now apply for a 30-day e-visa to enter the UAE, with the option to extend it for an additional 30 days, as announced by the UAE Digital Government on Monday.
Previously, GCC residents were required to exit the UAE to apply for a new visa, as extensions were not permitted within the country. The e-visa is mandatory for residents of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, and applications can be submitted through Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the smart channels of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
However, there are specific conditions for e-visa applications for GCC ex-pats and their companions:
- Approval Notification: E-visas will be sent to the registered email upon approval.
- Traveling with Sponsor: Applications for GCC expats and companions (family members) will not be approved if the sponsor (GCC citizen) is not traveling with them.
Entry Permit Validity:
- GCC Residents: The entry permit is valid for 30 days from the issue date, allowing a stay of 30 days from the entry date. This visa can be extended for an additional 30 days.
- Companions of GCC Citizens: The entry permit is valid for 60 days from the issue date, allowing a stay of 60 days from the entry date, and can be extended for an additional 60 days.
Entry Denial Conditions:
- Entry will be denied if a GCC resident’s visa has expired or been canceled upon arrival.
- If the resident’s profession changes after the issuance of the entry permit, entry will also be denied.
Residency and Passport Validity:
- GCC residency must be valid for at least one year from arrival.
- The passport of GCC residents must be valid for at least six months from the entry date.
How to Apply:
GCC residents can apply through the GDRFAD website by registering as users, selecting the relevant service, and completing the application. Applicants must provide a valid passport or travel document, a copy of their residence permit (including profession and validity), a personal photo with a white background, and pay a fee of Dh250 plus VAT. Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email.
GCC residency must be valid for at least one year from arrival. However, KSA issues residency only 1 year for their residents, so there is no way the validity would be 1 year while applying . I think they need to provide more clarity on this subject.