UAE Visa for GCC Residents
UAE visa is the only way to get a GCC resident a visa in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates. UAE visa for GCC residents is now available to a lot of people. The UAE authorities have made it easier to get this document by simplifying the rules. You don’t have to be a permanent resident of the U.A.E., and you don’t even have to leave home for this application process. How so? By making it online, as well as by making it easy enough for even a non-techy person (like me). This article will help you in your UAE visa application process if you are from the GCC countries and if you would like to visit UAE for business or pleasure purposes.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the Middle East. It was formed in 1971 when the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah joined together to form one country. The UAE has been an important player in global affairs ever since then.
The UAE offers a number of visa options for GCC residents. The most common option is the ‘GCC’ visa, which allows GCC nationals to stay in the country for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa. This visa can be extended up to six months at a time if necessary.
If you are interested in visiting the UAE and want to stay longer than 90 days, you should consider getting a ‘Resident Visa’. This type of visa can be extended up to five years each time it is renewed; however, it must be applied for every year that you wish to renew it (and no more than three times).
In order for this type of visa application process to work smoothly, it is important that you have all your paperwork ready ahead of time—including your passport and relevant paperwork from your home country (if applicable).
eVisa for GCC residents
GCC residents and their companions need to apply online for a visa to enter the UAE. The visa is valid for 30 days and is extendable once for 30 days.
eVisa application
GCC residents and their companions need to apply online for a visa and must obtain the same before arriving in the UAE.
- Apply for an entry permit (eVisa) to Dubai if you are an expatriate resident of one of the GCC countries – GDRFA Dubai
- Apply for an entry permit (eVisa) to UAE if you are an expatriate resident of one of the GCC countries – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.
Notes and Conditions
- eVisa will be sent to you to your registered email address once your application is approved
- Application for GCC expatriate residents and companions travelling with GCC citizens will not be approved if the sponsor is not travelling along with them
- GCC residents’ entry permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and they are allowed to stay for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa is extendable once for 30 days
- Entry permit for companions travelling with GCC citizens is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and they are allowed to stay for 60 days from the date of entry. The visa is extendable once for 60 days
- Upon arrival, if the GCC residence visa is found to be expired or cancelled, he will not be granted entry
- If the profession of the GCC resident is found to be changed after the issuance of his entry permit, the entry permit holder will not be granted entry
- GCC residency must be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date
- The passport of GCC residents must be valid at least 3 months from the arrival date. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in the Arabian Peninsula that consists of seven emirates. The UAE is located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. Its two largest cities are Dubai and Abu Dhabi.The nation has an area of approximately 438,500 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest Arab countries in terms of land area, but second-largest in population density at about 67 people per square kilometer. It’s also home to over 3 million expatriates from over 100 countries worldwide, with most of those coming from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.The capital city is Abu Dhabi with other major cities including Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah (the latter also known as Ruwais).UAE citizens have visa-free access to many European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain; most African nations including Morocco; Japan; China; South Korea; Malaysia; Brunei Darussalam; Indonesia
Conclusion
GCC residents can enter the UAE on a tourist visa but they cannot work. To be able to work in the UAE while on a visit, you need to apply for a residence permit at the Ministry of Labour and be sponsored by a company or an individual. In this case, the employer will obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Labour which will be submitted together with your work permit application for endorsement. This means that you are entering into employment by virtue of having received permission from the Ministry of Labour and not because you have been granted an employment visa by the UAE Embassy in your home country. You should bring along your original passport/travel document, Emirates ID or other GCC residency permit, two recent color photographs (passport size), a copy of your first page of the passport, visa form and personal data form which you can download online for free. You will also need to fill up the medical questionnaire in Arabic. If you do not have a passport, it is fine as this should be done before entering the UAE. For children under 21 years old, you will be asked to submit their birth certificate and those who are married must bring along their marriage certificate. You will also be provided with return ticket and telephone number in case you need any help during your visit.