You can quickly apply for an eVisa online if you reside in any of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and intend to travel to the UAE. The UAE’s immigration authorities offer the service, and both GCC citizens and their guests are granted visas.
Here’s how to submit an online visa application.
Applying for eVisa for GCC residents through ICP
GCC citizens may apply for an eVisa via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security’s (ICP) website, icp.gov.ae. The steps are as follows:
– Visit the service link for ‘Issue entry permit for GCC residents’ here: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html?administrativeRegionId=1#/serviceCards/42
– Upload your documents.
– Make the payment through your credit or debit card.
– You will then receive your eVisa through email.
Documents required
ICP states that in order to apply for the service, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- A valid residency in one of the GCC countries (required)
- Original passport (required)
- Colored photo (required)
If you are traveling with a GCC resident, you may also be required to submit some additional paperwork, such as “proof of kinship.” It may also be necessary for nationals of some nations to present their national ID card.
Visa cost
Request fees – Dh100
Issue fees – Dh100
E-services fees – Dh28
ICP fees – Dh22
Total: Dh250
Applying for eVisa for GCC residents through GDRFA
Through its website, gdrfad.gov.ae, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs also provides the service online. The steps are as follows:
– Visit the service link for ‘Entry permit for residents in the GCC countries’ here: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services?id=ee043e4a-5c61-11ea-0320-0050569629e8
– Click on ‘Start service’.
– Register for the GDRFA by entering your email address and choosing a password.
– Put your documents online.
– Use your credit card or debit card to make the payment.
Your eVisa will then be sent to you through email.
Documents required
– Original passport
– Original residency visa in one of the GCC countries upon arrival
– Work card or civil identity card
Visa cost
According to GDRFA, the visa costs Dh200.
How long is the visa valid for?
Your stay is permitted for 30 days from the date of arrival, and your entry permission is only good for GCC residents. The website of the UAE government, u.ae, states that the visa can be extended once for 30 days.
The entry permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issuing, and guests traveling with GCC nationals are permitted to stay for 60 days from the day of admission. One 60-day extension is allowed for the visa.
However, if the GCC residency visa is discovered to be invalid or expired upon arrival in the UAE, or if it turns out that the occupation has changed since the entry permit was issued, entry will not be permitted.
Important details to remember include the fact that your passport and GCC residency must both remain valid for at least three months after your arrival.
Also Read: UAE visa for job seekers: Everything you need to know