Foreign residents in GCC countries now need to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before travelling to the UAE, according to an announcement from the UAE Digital Government.
This requirement aims to streamline the entry process and enhance security measures for visitors.
The e-Visa permits a 30-day stay in the UAE, with a one-time extension available for an additional 30 days. Applications can be submitted through the official websites of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Once approved, applicants will receive their electronic visa via email.
Key conditions for obtaining the e-Visa include the necessity for residency in the GCC country to be valid for at least one year at the time of entry.
Additionally, the applicant’s passport must have at least six months of validity remaining upon arrival in the UAE. Importantly, family members or dependents of GCC residents will not receive visit visas unless their family sponsor is travelling with them.
For companions of GCC citizens, the entry permit offers a longer validity period, allowing a stay of 60 days from entry, extendable for another 60 days. However, if you change your job after the e-visa has been issued that will invalidate it.
In addition to the e-visa, the UAE provides options for transit visas. A 48-hour transit visa is free of charge and non-renewable, while a 96-hour transit visa is available for Dhs50, also non-renewable. Applicants for transit visas must apply before travelling and ensure their passports meet the required validity periods.
This new policy represents a significant step in enhancing travel processes for foreign residents in the GCC, making it easier to visit the UAE.
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