UAE Introduces 30-Day E-Visa for GCC Expat Residents
Expat residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now apply for a 30-day e-visa to visit the UAE, provided their residency is valid for at least one year and their passport for six months, the UAE Digital Government announced on Monday.
The new visa initiative allows a 30-day stay in the UAE, with an option to extend for an additional 30 days. However, holders must ensure their residency remains valid throughout their stay. Entry will be denied if their residence visa is expired, canceled, or if their profession has changed since the e-visa’s issuance.
The six GCC countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman—fall under this directive. Applicants can process their e-visas via the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or the smart channels of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).
The UAE Digital Government has also clarified guidelines, including:
- E-visas will be sent to registered email addresses post-approval.
- Family members, domestic workers, or companions of GCC residents can only travel if accompanied by their sponsor.
- For expats accompanying GCC citizens, entry permits are valid for 60 days from issuance, with a stay extendable for another 60 days.
This initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a prime travel destination, streamlining the entry process for GCC expats.UAE e-visa for GCC expats, 30-day UAE visa, GCC expats travel to UAE, UAE Digital Government visa updates, UAE residency visa rules
