Introduction
If you hold a passport from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, entering Dubai is relatively straightforward. However, specific guidelines and requirements still need to be adhered to. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the visa requirements for GCC passport holders traveling to Dubai in 2024.
Table of Contents
- Visa-Free Entry for GCC Passport Holders
- eVisa for GCC Residents
- Dubai On Arrival Visa
- Prearranged Dubai Visas
- Travel Insurance Requirements
- Visa Validity Check
- Frequently Asked Questions
Visa-Free Entry for GCC Passport Holders
Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit to enter the UAE. They simply need to present their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry. This visa-free policy facilitates hassle-free travel for GCC nationals.
Related eServices
- Apply for an entry permit to the UAE – ICP
- Apply for eVisa from GCC countries – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai
- Visa services of Etihad Airways
- Visa services of Emirates Airline
- Visa services of Fly Dubai
- Visa services of Air Arabia
eVisa for GCC Residents
GCC residents and their companions must apply for an eVisa before entering the UAE. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
eVisa Application
- Entry permit for residents in the GCC countries – GDRFA Dubai
- Issue entry permit for GCC residents – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
Notes and Conditions
- eVisa will be sent to the registered email address once the application is approved.
- Application for GCC expatriate residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens will not be approved if the sponsor is not traveling 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 traveling 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 canceled, entry will not be granted.
- If the profession of the GCC resident is found to be changed after the issuance of the entry permit, entry will not be granted.
- GCC residency must be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date.
- The passport of GCC residents must be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date.
Dubai On Arrival Visa
Citizens from certain countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter Dubai and can obtain a visa on arrival.
30-Day Visa on Arrival
Countries eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival include:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong, China
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Macau, China
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Vatican City
90-Day Visa on Arrival
Countries eligible for a 90-day visa on arrival include:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas Islands
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
Prearranged Dubai Visas
GCC residents originating from other countries need to apply for a visa before entering the UAE. This can be done via eVisa services provided by GDRFA Dubai or ICA.
Mandatory Requirements
- Valid Residence permit in any one of the GCC countries.
- Original passport.
- Colored photo.
- Pakistani ID card for the sponsored (optional).
Dubai e-Tourist Visas
- Single-entry or multiple-entry visas for 30 or 90 days.
- Can be extended twice for 30 or 90 days.
Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel advisories recommend having a valid insurance cover with coverage for COVID-19 when traveling to the UAE.
Coverage Details
- Area of Coverage: United Arab Emirates.
- Emergency Medical Coverage: AED 200,000.
- Repatriation Coverage: AED 7,500.
- Repatriation of the Deceased Coverage: AED 10,000.
- Loss of Passport Coverage: AED 250.
- Personal Accident Coverage: AED 25,000.
Visa Validity Check
Check the validity of your visa on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – ICA or through Amer-GDRFA in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do GCC citizens need a visa to enter Dubai?
No, GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter Dubai. They can enter using their GCC passport or national ID card.
2. Can GCC residents get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
No, GCC residents need to apply for a prearranged visa before arriving in Dubai.
3. How long is the eVisa for GCC residents valid?
The eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
4. What documents are required for a GCC resident to apply for an eVisa?
- Valid Residence permit in a GCC country.
- Original passport.
- Colored photo.
- Pakistani ID card for the sponsored (optional).
For more information, visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.
