UAE eVisa guide for GCC residents: Who can apply and how to get the entry permit

GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents planning to visit the UAE can apply for an electronic entry permit before travelling if they meet the eligibility conditions laid down by the country's immigration authorities.

The UAE eVisa allows eligible expatriates living in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to enter the country without going through the traditional visa application process. The permit allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days, subject to approval, according to the UAE's official immigration authorities.

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Before applying for an eVisa, travellers should first check whether they qualify for a UAE visa on arrival. The UAE provides visa-on-arrival access to citizens of more than 80 countries. Those eligible do not need to apply for an eVisa and can verify their status through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Who can apply for a UAE eVisa?

According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, the eVisa service is available to foreign nationals who hold a valid residency permit issued by one of the GCC countries.

Applicants must have a GCC residence permit with at least one year of validity remaining, a passport or travel document valid for at least six months, and an eligible profession approved by the UAE authorities. The profession is verified during the application process, and the applicant must not be subject to any restrictions that prevent entry into the UAE. The visa is issued only after approval by the relevant authorities.

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Applicants are required to submit a valid passport or travel document, a copy of their GCC residence permit or valid GCC ID showing their profession and the validity of their residency, along with a recent passport-size photograph with a white background. Depending on the application, the authorities may request additional supporting documents.

How to apply online

For travel to Dubai, GCC residents can submit their application through the GDRFA Dubai Smart Services portal. After registering as a new user, applicants need to select the GCC Resident Entry Permit service, complete the online application form, upload the required documents and pay the applicable fees.

Once the application is approved, the electronic visa is sent to the applicant's registered email address. The approval must be obtained before travelling to the UAE.

Those travelling to emirates other than Dubai, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, must submit their application through the online platform of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Fees, validity and extension

According to the official guidelines, the GCC residents' entry permit costs Dh250, in addition to five per cent VAT. Additional service charges may apply depending on the application channel used.

The entry permit remains valid for 30 days from the date of issue and allows the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days from the date of entry. It can be extended once for another 30 days, subject to approval by the authorities.

GCC residents may also choose to apply for a UAE visit visa through an authorised travel agency. Depending on the type of visa, the agency can assist with the application process and arrange visa sponsorship in accordance with UAE regulations.