DUBAI: The UAE Digital Government has introduced a new electronic visa requirement for all foreign residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Effective immediately, residents wishing to enter the UAE must secure an electronic visa, allowing a 30-day stay, with the possibility of a one-time extension for an additional 30 days.
Applications can be processed through the official portals of either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security. Upon approval, the visa is sent directly to the applicant's registered email.
Family members and dependents of GCC residents, including support staff, must also adhere to these new rules, as they will not be granted visit visas unless they are accompanied by their sponsor.
Visa Conditions and Procedures
The Digital Government report outlines eight essential conditions and procedures for GCC residents and their companions to follow in order to obtain the electronic visa:
GCC Residents’ Permit Validity: The entry permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
GCC Companions’ Permit Validity: For companions of GCC citizens, the permit is valid for 60 days, with a 60-day stay, also extendable once.
Residency Requirement: Applicants must have a valid residency of at least one year in their respective GCC country.
Profession Changes: Any change in the applicant's profession after the visa is issued will render the visa invalid.
Expired Residency: Holders of expired or cancelled GCC residency cannot use the visa to enter the UAE.
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months upon arrival.
Transit Visas for Travellers
The UAE also offers two types of non-renewable transit visas for travellers passing through its airports:
48-Hour Transit Visa: This visa is free of charge and non-renewable.
96-Hour Transit Visa: Priced at 50 AED, this visa is also non-renewable.
These transit visas must be arranged through national airlines before travelling. Applications can be submitted via the UAE’s smart platforms, such as the Federal Authority’s E-channels or through the UAEICP smart app, available on Apple and Android devices. Travellers can also apply via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs' electronic channels.
Requirements for Transit Visas
To secure a transit visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
48-Hour Visa: A valid passport or travel document with at least three months’ validity, a personal photo with a white background, and a confirmed onward ticket to a third destination.
96-Hour Visa: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity, along with similar requirements as the 48-hour visa.
Departure Fees
Travellers departing the UAE via sea or land ports are subject to a 30 AED departure fee. However, this fee does not apply to UAE citizens, GCC nationals, or passengers arriving via tourist ferries.
With these new regulations, the UAE aims to streamline its visa processes while ensuring greater control over incoming travellers. GCC residents planning to visit the UAE are advised to make use of the UAE’s digital visa platforms to avoid any travel disruptions.