GCC Residents Granted 30-Day Extension on UAE E-Visa

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Great news for GCC residents! The UAE Digital Government recently announced that residents of GCC countries and their companions can now apply for a 30-day e-visa to enter the UAE. What's even better? This e-visa can be extended for an additional 30 days. This is a significant change, especially since GCC residents previously had to leave the country to apply for a new entry visa if they needed an extension.

Who Needs an E-Visa?

The e-visa is a must-have for residents from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar looking to visit the UAE. You can easily apply online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or via the smart channels of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Important Conditions for E-Visa Applications

When applying for the e-visa, GCC expatriates and their companions should keep the following conditions in mind:

Approval Notification: E-visas will be sent to your registered email once your application is approved.
Traveling with a Sponsor: If you're a GCC expat or a family member traveling with a GCC citizen, your application won't be approved unless the sponsor is traveling with you.

Entry Permit Validity

GCC Residents: The entry permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, allowing a stay of 30 days from the date of entry. This visa can be extended for an additional 30 days.
Companions of GCC Citizens: The entry permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, allowing a stay of 60 days from the date of entry. This visa can also be extended for an additional 60 days.

Conditions for Entry Denial

Be aware of the following conditions that may result in entry denial:

If a GCC resident's visa is expired or canceled upon arrival, entry will be denied.
If the profession of the GCC resident has changed after the entry permit was issued, the holder may be denied entry.

Residency and Passport Validity Requirements

To ensure a smooth entry into the UAE, GCC residents must meet the following validity requirements:

Residency Validity: Your GCC residency must be valid for at least one year from the date of arrival.
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date.

How to Apply for the E-Visa

Ready to apply for your entry permit? Here’s how:

Visit the GDRFAD Website: Go to https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.
Register: Sign up as a user and select the appropriate service.
Complete the Application: Fill out the required fields.
Required Documents:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- A copy of your residence permit or an electronic extract that includes your profession and residence validity.
- A personal photo with a white background.
Payment: After submitting your application, pay a fee of AED 250 plus VAT.

Once your application is approved, your e-visa will be sent to your email.