The UAE Digital Government said on Monday that citizens of GCC nations and their visitors may apply for a 30-day e-visa to enter the UAE, which can be extended for an extra 30-day.
Residents of the GCC were formerly prohibited from extending their visas within the United Arab Emirates. They were required to depart the nation and, if necessary, apply for a new entry visa.
UAE E-Visa Extension
Residents of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar must have an e-visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai are the two options for processing the online application.
However, before applying for an eVisa, GCC ex-pats and their friends visiting the UAE should be aware of the following requirements:
Notification of approval: After the application is accepted, e-visas will be issued to the registered email address.
Traveling with sponsor: Applications from GCC expatriates and their family members traveling with GCC nationals will not be accepted if the sponsor is not also traveling.
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Validity of an Entry Permit:
- Residents of the GCC: The entry permit is good for 30 days after it is issued, allowing for a 30-day stay. An extra 30 days can be added to this visa.
- The admission permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, allowing GCC nationals’ companions to stay for an additional 60 days from the date of entry. An extra sixty days can be added to this visa.
Conditions for Entry Denial:
- Entry will be refused to GCC residents whose visas have expired or been canceled upon arrival.
- The bearer of the entry permission will not be allowed entry if it is discovered that the GCC resident’s occupation has changed since the permit was issued.
Validity of Residency: GCC residency must last for a minimum of a year after the date of arrival.
Validity of Passport: GCC citizens’ passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
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How To Apply?
Residents of the GCC can apply for entry permission by going to the GDRFAD website (https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae). Candidates must fill out the application, choose the relevant service, and register as users.
To enter the country, GCC expatriates must have a valid passport or other travel document, a copy of their residency permit, or an electronic extract that details their occupation and the duration of their stay.
Furthermore, a white-background personal photo is necessary. Applicants must pay a fee of Dh250 plus VAT after completing the application. The applicant’s email will receive the visa upon approval.