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Reviewed April 2024
With the world becoming increasingly connected, UAE residents are seeking to explore new destinations, and ease of travel has become an essential factor. For UAE residents looking for a hassle-free travel experience with short, affordable flights and easy visa regimes, the cities of the GCC region offer a great option.
If you’re a UAE resident planning to travel in the GCC region, Wego will provide everything you need to know about obtaining GCC visas in this article.
Table of Contents
GCC visa regimes for GCC nationals
The Gulf Cooperation Council aims to strengthen economic and political ties between six Middle Eastern countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. The simplified visa regime for GCC nationals reflects the strong ties and cooperation between the member states.
Allowing GCC nationals to travel freely between member states without a visa encourages local tourism, facilitates trade and commerce, and promotes regional cooperation. Since GCC countries share many cultural and historical ties, the free movement of people between member states reinforces cultural exchange and fosters social bonds, making it easier for families to visit each other in other member states.
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Saudi visa for UAE residents
UAE nationals can visit Saudi Arabia without a visa and may use their National ID cards to enter the Kingdom. However, Emirati residents who hold passports from non-GCC countries, i.e., UAE expats, must obtain a tourist visa through either the embassy or Saudi Arabia’s online visa portal.
The cost for the Saudi e-visa is SAR 462 (AED 472), plus fees for full health insurance.
For more detailed information on Saudi Arabia’s visa requirements for UAE residents, please refer to our dedicated article.
Qatar visa for UAE residents
UAE nationals do not need a visa to enter Qatar. However, UAE residents who are foreign nationals will need to apply for an e-visa or visa waiver on arrival, depending on their nationality.
UAE residents who require a Qatar e-visa will have to pay QAR 100 (AED 100).
For more detailed information on Qatar’s visa requirements for UAE residents, please refer to our dedicated article.
Bahrain visa for UAE residents
Emirati passport holders can enter the Kingdom of Bahrain visa-free. However, foreign nationals residing in the UAE must apply for a Bahrain e-visa or visa on arrival, depending on their nationality.
The price for general visit visas to Bahrain varies, ranging from around AED 87 for a two-week single-entry visa to AED 428 for a one-year multiple-entry visa.
For more detailed information on Bahrain’s visa requirements for UAE residents, please refer to our dedicated article.
Kuwait visa for UAE residents
UAE citizens can use their national ID card instead of a visa to enter Kuwait. However, foreign residents in the UAE will need to obtain a pre-arranged visa through the Kuwait e-Visa portal.
Kuwaiti e-visas cost KWD 3 (AED 36) per applicant, along with an additional KWD 1 (AED 11) service fee.
For more detailed information on Kuwait’s visa requirements for UAE residents, please refer to our dedicated article.
Oman visa for UAE residents
Citizens of the UAE can enter Oman visa-free at any port of entry, provided they show their national ID, a confirmed hotel booking, health insurance, and a return ticket. Foreign nationals, although residing in the UAE, will need to possess a pre-arranged visa before departing for Oman.
The cost of Oman tourist visas is about AED 48.
For detailed information about the Oman visa requirements for Emiratis, check out our dedicated article.
