Islamabad, Oct 16: UAE Allows GCC Residents to Extend E-Visas
The UAE Digital Government said on Monday that citizens of GCC nations and their guests can now apply for a 30-day e-visa to enter the UAE, with the option to renew it for a further 30-days.
GCC nationals have previously had to leave the UAE in order to apply for a new visa because extensions were not allowed there. Residents of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar must obtain an e-visa; applications can be made via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart channels or Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
However, there are specific conditions for e-visa applications for GCC ex-pats and their companions:
- Approval Notification: E-visas will be sent to the registered email upon approval.
- Traveling with Sponsor: Applications for GCC expats and companions (family members) will not be approved if the sponsor (GCC citizen) is not traveling with them.
Entry Permit Validity:
- GCC Residents: The entry permit is valid for 30 days from the issue date, allowing a stay of 30 days from the entry date. This visa can be extended for an additional 30 days.
- Companions of GCC Citizens: The entry permit is valid for 60 days from the issue date, allowing a stay of 60 days from the entry date, and can be extended for an additional 60 days.
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Entry Denial Conditions:
- Entry will be denied if a GCC resident’s visa has expired or been canceled upon arrival.
- If the resident’s profession changes after the issuance of the entry permit, entry will also be denied.
Residency and Passport Validity:
- GCC residency must be valid for at least one year from arrival.
- The passport of GCC residents must be valid for at least six months from the entry date.
How to Apply:
Residents of the GCC may apply by registering as users, choosing the appropriate service, and filling out the application on the GDRFAD website. A copy of the applicant’s residency permit, which must include their occupation and duration, a current passport or travel document, a white-background personal photo, and payment of Dh250 plus VAT are all required. The applicant’s email will receive the visa upon approval.
