Good news for expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries! As of October 2024, the UAE has introduced a 30-day e-visa for expats living in GCC nations, allowing for easier and more efficient travel into the Emirates. This new policy is part of the UAE’s efforts to streamline travel procedures, offering flexibility for tourists, business travelers, and others who want to experience the vibrant lifestyle of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know, from eligibility to application.
What Is the New E-Visa Program?
The UAE government’s e-visa is available for expat residents in GCC countries who meet specific conditions. The visa grants a 30-day stay in the UAE, which can be extended for another 30 days, giving you ample time to explore everything the UAE has to offer, from Dubai Marina to the famous Palm Jumeirah.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this visa, expat residents in GCC countries must meet the following basic conditions:
- GCC residency that is valid for at least one year.
- A passport with at least six months of validity left.
- No changes in your profession after the visa is issued. If your job title changes, the visa may be canceled upon entry.
This means that expatriates working in various fields, such as hospitality at hotels like Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach or tourism, are eligible, provided they meet these conditions.
How to Apply for the E-Visa?
Applying for the e-visa is straightforward and done online through the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) platforms. Here are the key steps:
- Prepare Documents
Make sure you have a valid passport, GCC residency visa, a passport-sized photo, and proof of your profession. - Complete the Application
Fill out the online form with your personal details, travel information, and GCC residency status. - Submit and Pay
Upload your documents and pay the processing fee. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive the e-visa via email? - Review and Print
Once your e-visa is sent to you, check for any errors. You can either print a copy or keep it stored digitally on your device for border control checks.
What to Expect Upon Arrival?
When you arrive in the UAE, immigration officials will check that your GCC residency is valid for at least one year and that your passport is still valid for at least six months. If your residency or professional status has changed since the visa was issued, you may be denied entry.
Benefits of the 30-Day E-Visa
This new system is a significant improvement over previous visa application processes for several reasons:
- Convenience: Everything is done online, saving time and the hassle of embassy visits.
- Flexibility: You can extend your stay for an additional 30 days if you want more time to enjoy Dubai’s many attractions, like the Dubai Creek Harbour or Atlantis the Palm.
- Quick Processing: Most applications are processed within a few days, so you can plan your trip with ease.
Additional Guidelines for GCC Residents
For expats who are accompanying GCC citizens, the UAE offers a 60-day visa with the same extension possibilities. However, family members and domestic workers can only enter if they travel with their sponsor.
If you plan to stay near tourist hotspots, consider accommodation options like the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah or JBR Beach hotels, which offer a premium experience right in the heart of Dubai.
Why Is This Important?
This e-visa initiative not only makes travel to the UAE more accessible for GCC expats but also boosts tourism. Expats living in neighboring countries can now easily visit Dubai, whether it’s for a quick business trip or a leisurely holiday exploring Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, or even a desert safari.
Explore the UAE with Ease
The UAE has always been a top destination for tourists from around the world, and now, with the 30-day e-visa, it’s even easier for expatriates living in GCC countries to experience the country’s world-class attractions. From downtown Dubai to Legoland Dubai, the UAE offers a diverse range of activities and sights.
Also read: Good news for expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries! As of October 2024, the UAE has introduced a 30-day e-visa for expats living in GCC nations, allowing for easier and more efficient travel into the Emirates. This new policy is part of the UAE’s efforts to streamline travel procedures, offering flexibility for tourists, business travelers, and others who want to experience the vibrant lifestyle of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know, from eligibility to application.
What Is the New E-Visa Program?
The UAE government’s e-visa is available for expat residents in GCC countries who meet specific conditions. The visa grants a 30-day stay in the UAE, which can be extended for another 30 days, giving you ample time to explore everything the UAE has to offer, from Dubai Marina to the famous Palm Jumeirah.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this visa, expat residents in GCC countries must meet the following basic conditions:
- GCC residency that is valid for at least one year.
- A passport with at least six months of validity left.
- No changes in your profession after the visa is issued. If your job title changes, the visa may be canceled upon entry.
This means that expatriates working in various fields, such as hospitality at hotels like Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach or tourism, are eligible, provided they meet these conditions.
How to Apply for the E-Visa?
Applying for the e-visa is straightforward and done online through the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) platforms. Here are the key steps:
- Prepare Documents
Make sure you have a valid passport, GCC residency visa, a passport-sized photo, and proof of your profession. - Complete the Application
Fill out the online form with your personal details, travel information, and GCC residency status. - Submit and Pay
Upload your documents and pay the processing fee. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive the e-visa via email? - Review and Print
Once your e-visa is sent to you, check for any errors. You can either print a copy or keep it stored digitally on your device for border control checks.
What to Expect Upon Arrival?
When you arrive in the UAE, immigration officials will check that your GCC residency is valid for at least one year and that your passport is still valid for at least six months. If your residency or professional status has changed since the visa was issued, you may be denied entry.
Benefits of the 30-Day E-Visa
This new system is a significant improvement over previous visa application processes for several reasons:
- Convenience: Everything is done online, saving time and the hassle of embassy visits.
- Flexibility: You can extend your stay for an additional 30 days if you want more time to enjoy Dubai’s many attractions, like the Dubai Creek Harbour or Atlantis the Palm.
- Quick Processing: Most applications are processed within a few days, so you can plan your trip with ease.
Additional Guidelines for GCC Residents
For expats who are accompanying GCC citizens, the UAE offers a 60-day visa with the same extension possibilities. However, family members and domestic workers can only enter if they travel with their sponsor.
If you plan to stay near tourist hotspots, consider accommodation options like the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah or JBR Beach hotels, which offer a premium experience right in the heart of Dubai.
Why Is This Important?
This e-visa initiative not only makes travel to the UAE more accessible for GCC expats but also boosts tourism. Expats living in neighboring countries can now easily visit Dubai, whether it’s for a quick business trip or a leisurely holiday exploring Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, or even a desert safari.
Explore the UAE with Ease
The UAE has always been a top destination for tourists from around the world, and now, with the 30-day e-visa, it’s even easier for expatriates living in GCC countries to experience the country’s world-class attractions. From downtown Dubai to Legoland Dubai, the UAE offers a diverse range of activities and sights.
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