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Updated February 2025
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Do GCC residents need visa to enter the UAE?
Depending on the nationality of the traveler, they may need to apply for an eVisa (entry permit) ahead of travel. Some nationalities may be eligible for a visa exemption of a visa on arrival to the UAE, while GCC citizens will be able to travel into the country with only their national ID.
Residents of the GCC must apply for the eVisa/entry permit and obtain it before travelling to the UAE. They can apply through GDRFAD if they wish to enter from Dubai and through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) if they wish to enter the other emirates in the UAE.

Entry permit to Dubai
General requirements
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) has introduced a fresh entry permit system for GCC residents.
There are a few terms and conditions the GCC resident must take note of before applying:
- They must have a valid residence permit for at least a year.
- No restrictions exist that prevent the traveller from entering the country.
- Their work or residency card needs to include their profession and must be on the list of professions approved for issuing the visa.
- The validity of their passport or travel document is no less than 6 months.
Required documents
Below are the documents that you need to prepare before applying for the e-visa/entry permit:
- A valid passport or travel document to enter the country.
- A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.
- Personal photo (white background).
Fees
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.
Application process
The Ministry of Interior’s GDRFAD is in charge of controlling travellers’ entry and exit through Dubai. Below are the steps to obtain your e-visa:
- Log in to the Smart GDRFA website
- Register as a user.
- Choose the service.
- Fill in the data.
- Pay the due fees.
- After approval, the visa is sent to the user’s email.
Entry permit to Abu Dhabi & other emirates
There are a few terms to observe before applying:
• Passport validity must not be less than (6) months when applying for visa.
Required documents
Below are the documents that you need to prepare before applying for the e-visa/entry permit:
- A valid passport or travel document to enter the country
- Valid residence visa from one of the GCC countries with a validity of at least 3 months
- Personal photo (colored, white background) that matches the requirements by the ICP
GCC residents applying through ICP and planning to travel with dependents or companions may need to provide additional documents.
Application process
- Access the website of the ICA Smart Services
- Login using UAE Pass or register for one
- Select the ICP department for the emirate you’re travelling to
- Search for the entry permit service
- Click “Start Service”
- Fill in your information and upload the required documents
- Once completed, you will receive an application number that you can track
Fees
- Request fees: AED 100
- Issue fees: AED 100
- e-Services fees: AED 28
- ICP fees: AED 22
- Smart Services fees: AED 100
Services fees may vary depending on the information in the application.
Entry permit validity
The entry permit for GCC residents to Dubai and the other emirates is valid for 30 days from the issue date and permits a stay of 30 days from the day of entry. This visa can only be extended once to an additional 30 days.
Please note that if your residence permit has expired or you have changed your profession after your entry permit was issued, your visa will be invalid.