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Reviewed September 2023

With the lifting of travel restrictions, numerous tourists from various parts of the world are excited to explore the Emirates and experience its breathtaking sights and amazing travel spots. GCC travellers who wish to enter the UAE must secure a visa to stay in the country. For more information, please continue reading.

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Yes, UAE borders are now open for travellers from all over the world. Passengers travelling to UAE from all countries (GCC included) are also no longer required to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a result of PCR test.

Residents of the GCC must apply for an e-Visa (also known as an entry permit) and obtain them before travelling to the UAE. They can apply through GDRFAD if they wish to enter from Dubai and through Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security if they wish to enter the other Emirates in the UAE.

However, GCC residents do not need a visa if they are sponsored by UAE residents. In other words, they can enter the UAE visa-free.

UAE Family Visa 2023: How to Get UAE Sponsor Visa for Your Family?

New entry permit to Dubai for GCC residents

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) has introduced a fresh entry permit system for GCC residents. This online service aims to provide advance entry permits for individuals residing in GCC nations, aiming to enhance the entry experience into the UAE and simplify related procedures.

There are a few terms and conditions the GCC resident must take note of:

They must have a valid residence permit for at least a year.
No restrictions exist that prevent the traveler from entering the country should exist.
Their work or residency card needs to include their profession.

UAE visa & Dubai Entry Permit for GCC residents application process

Required documents

Below are the documents that you need to prepare before applying for the e-Visa:

A valid residency proof in any one of the GCC countries
Original passport
Work card or civil identity card
Coloured photograph

Applying for Dubai Entry Permit for GCC residents through GDRFA Amer

To obtain the Dubai Entry Permit by GDRFAD provided for GCC Residents, you must first log in to the GDRFAD Amer service website. The Ministry of Interior’s GDRFAD is in charge of controlling travelers’ entry and exit through Dubai. Below are the steps to obtain your e-Visa:

Visit the GDRFAD website
Register a new user account (in case you haven’t registered)
Choose the required service
Fill the application
Attach the required documents
Pay the fees due for the service
Submit the request

Applying for UAE e-Visa for GCC residents through ICA to Abu Dhabi & other Emirates

Below are the steps to obtain your e-Visa through the ICP:

Access the website of the ICA Smart Services
Look for the e-Visa service
Fill out your personal information
Attach the required documents
Pay the service fee

Important note:

After your application has been approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your registered email address.
GCC expatriate residents and companions travelling with GCC citizens will be rejected unless the sponsor travels with them.
If the GCC residence visa is found to be expired or cancelled upon arrival in UAE, they will be denied entry.
If the GCC resident’s profession differs from when they applied for the entry permit, entry will be denied.
The GCC residency permit should be valid for at least 3 extra months from the date of arrival.
The passport of GCC residents must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date of arrival.

The cost for this is AED 250 plus 5% Value Added Tax. If your application is approved, you will receive the entry permit in 48 hours, as stated by GDRFAD.

UAE & Dubai visa for GCC resident’s validity

The entry permit for GCC residents has a validity period of 30 days from the issue date and permits a stay of 30 days from the day of entry. The entry permit for companions traveling with GCC citizens has a validity period of 60 days from the issue date and permits a stay of 60 days from the date of entry.

Please note that GCC residents can no longer extend their visas within the UAE. They must leave the country first and apply for a new entry visa.

The cheapest method would be to take a bus to Oman and apply for a visa extension there. Another way is to fly to the nearest Middle East airport and travel back to the UAE.