If you are an expatriate working in a GCC country — whether it is Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, or the UAE itself — and you want to visit another emirate or take a short trip within the UAE, you must obtain an e-visa before you arrive. This visa is separate from the tourist visas issued to regular visitors, and it reflects an agreement between GCC member states to simplify travel for their residents.

Who is eligible for the GCC resident e-visa?

The UAE e-visa is available to non-GCC nationals who hold a valid residence permit in one of the following GCC countries:

  • Saudi Arabia (Iqama)
  • Kuwait
  • Qatar
  • Bahrain
  • Oman
  • United Arab Emirates (to visit other emirates)

Important: If you hold the nationality of a GCC country (Saudi, Kuwaiti, Qatari, Bahraini, Omani, or Emirati), you do not need a visa to enter the UAE at all. This e-visa applies only to residents who are not citizens — for example, an Indian expat with a valid Saudi iqama or a Filipino with a valid Kuwait residence visa.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To qualify for the UAE e-visa as a GCC resident, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Valid GCC residence permit: Your residence permit must be valid for at least one year from your intended arrival date in the UAE. Some sources cite a minimum of six months; check the official GDRFA portal to confirm the requirement for your country of residence.
  • Valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from your arrival date.
  • Approved occupation: Your profession — as listed on your GCC residence permit — must be on the UAE's list of approved occupations. This list is evaluative and changes periodically. High-level officials, doctors, engineers, and other professional categories are generally eligible, but domestic workers and certain other roles may face restrictions.
  • Change of occupation rule: If your occupation changes after your visa is issued, your entry permit becomes invalid. Ensure your current role matches what is stated on your residence permit.

What documents do you need?

The online application requires a simple set of documents, all submitted digitally:

  • Passport copy: Clear scans of the first and last pages of your passport.
  • Residence permit: A clear copy of your GCC residence permit (iqama, residence visa, or electronic extract) showing your profession and the validity period.
  • Passport photograph: A recent colour photograph with a white background, passport-sized, taken within the last six months.
  • National ID (conditional): If you hold a Pakistani, Afghan, Iraqi, or Iranian passport, you must also provide a copy of your national ID.

All document scans should be clear, in JPG, PNG, or PDF format, and no larger than 100 KB per file.

Fees and processing time

The official fee for a UAE e-visa for GCC residents is AED 250 (approximately USD 68) plus 5% VAT, bringing the total to around AED 262.50. If you apply through an intermediary service, fees may be higher.

Processing time is typically 1 to 3 working days, with most approvals arriving within 24–72 hours. Processing may take longer during peak travel periods or if your application requires manual verification. Plan accordingly and apply well before your intended travel date.

How to apply step-by-step

The application is entirely online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Here is the process:

  1. Visit the official portal. Go to https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae (GDRFA, Dubai) or the ICP portal for other emirates.
  2. Register as a user. Create an account with your email address and contact details.
  3. Select the visa service. Choose "Entry Visa for Residents of GCC Countries."
  4. Fill in your details. Provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, GCC country of residence, and profession.
  5. Upload documents. Scan and upload your passport, residence permit, and photograph. Ensure all scans are clear and within the size limit.
  6. Review and submit. Double-check all information for accuracy, then submit your application.
  7. Pay the fee. Pay AED 250 plus VAT by credit or debit card on the secure payment gateway.
  8. Wait for approval. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Your approved e-visa will be sent to your email address within 24–72 hours, along with your application reference number.
  9. Track your application (optional). You can monitor your application status on the same portal using your application number or passport number.

Validity and extensions

Entry permit validity: Your e-visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must enter the UAE within this 30-day window, or the visa expires and you will need to apply again.

Length of stay: Once you enter the UAE, you are permitted to stay for up to 30 days from your arrival date.

Extension: You can extend your stay for an additional 30 days once, while remaining in the UAE. Extension must be requested before your current visa expires. Apply through the ICP or GDRFA office in your chosen emirate; extension fees vary by authority.

Multiple entries and companions

The standard 30-day e-visa allows single entry only. If you require multiple entries within a short period, check whether the GDRFA offers a multiple-entry variant for GCC residents, though this is not yet widely advertised.

If you are traveling with dependents or companions — such as a spouse, children, or domestic staff — each person must apply separately and pay the visa fee individually. You can use the same email address for all applications and track them together, but each applicant requires their own documents and fees.

Important conditions and restrictions

  • Visa purpose: The e-visa is strictly for tourism, family visits, and short-term travel. It is not valid for employment. If you intend to work in the UAE, you must obtain a work visa through an employer.
  • Entry to all emirates: Once approved, your visa allows entry to all seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. You can enter any emirate first; there is no restriction.
  • Overstaying: Do not overstay your visa. Remaining in the UAE after your visa expires results in daily fines, potential travel bans, and deportation. Always leave on or before your visa expiry date.
  • Residence permit validity: Your GCC residence permit must remain valid throughout your stay in the UAE. If it expires or your employment status changes (and your occupation changes on your residence permit), your UAE visa becomes invalid immediately and you may be denied entry or denied exit.
  • Non-refundable fee: Visa fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected by the immigration department.

Frequently asked questions

Can GCC citizens get this visa?

No. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates do not need a visa to enter the UAE. They can arrive without any pre-visa arrangement and are often granted a multiple-entry 180-day visa on arrival. This e-visa is only for non-citizen residents.

What if I am Indian and live in Saudi Arabia?

You are fully eligible. As long as you hold a valid Saudi iqama (residence permit), you can apply for the UAE e-visa for GCC residents. Simply gather your documents and apply through the GDRFA portal.

My residence permit expires in three months. Can I still apply?

It depends on the exact requirement. The official rule states your residence permit must be valid for at least one year from your arrival date in the UAE. If your permit expires in three months, you likely do not meet the requirement. Some sources cite six months; confirm with the GDRFA before applying.

What if my occupation has changed since I got my residence permit?

You must update your residence permit with your new occupation before applying for the UAE e-visa. If your occupation has changed and is not updated on your permit, your e-visa may be approved but you could be denied entry to the UAE because the stated profession no longer matches your role.

Can I apply for my family in one application?

No. Each family member must submit a separate application and pay the visa fee individually. However, you can use the same email address to track all applications together.

How do I track my application?

Log in to the GDRFA portal using the email address you provided at application. Go to "Status Inquiry," enter your passport number or application reference number, complete the CAPTCHA, and you will see your current visa status and approval date (if approved).

I was rejected once. Can I reapply?

Yes. You can submit a new application, but the visa fee is non-refundable. Before reapplying, contact the GDRFA to understand the reason for rejection. Common reasons include an occupation not on the approved list, an expired or invalid residence permit, or an incomplete or inaccurate submission. Address these issues before your next attempt.

Is the e-visa linked to my passport electronically?

Yes. Once approved, your e-visa is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print it; immigration officers will verify it in their system when you arrive. However, it is wise to keep a copy of the approval email for your records.

Official links and resources

Apply directly through these official government portals:

Avoid unofficial third-party sites that claim to simplify the process; they charge extra fees without adding value. The official GDRFA portal is straightforward and requires no intermediary.