As it is now, the residents and nationals of the GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, have the liberty to visit the UAE without restrictions. Some new changes that have been made to the visa requirements of the UAE reaffirm that GCC citizens do not require a visa for any purpose of visit, such as tourism, business, or otherwise. Nevertheless, for nationals of GCC countries, depending on their profession, they may require a visa to enter the UAE. There are specific permits for those categories of residents in the GCC member states, hence making the process less time-consuming. This guide gives information on the types of visas, requirements, and processes of applying for visas for GCC residents and citizens ; therefore, it is easy to read with updated information about the latest reforms and digitisation in the region for ease of travel. Visitsvisa welcomes GCC citizens and provides the best platform for applying for their visa.
VisitsVisa offers a streamlined and hassle-free process for applying for your UAE visa online, ensuring convenience and efficiency every step of the way. Simply submit your application and let our expert team handle the rest, making your visa experience smooth and stress-free.
UAE Visa Fees for GCC Citizens in August 2025
GCC citizens do not need to apply for a visa before entering the UAE. They are eligible for a visa-free entry, allowing them to travel for short stays for both tourism and business purposes. Upon arrival, a GCC passport holder is granted a visa waiver, which is stamped directly onto their passport at immigration.
| Type of Visa | VISA FEE ($) | Express Delivery ($) | Insurance ($) | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 HR Transits | 159 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 7 Days E-Visa | 169 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 14 Days Single Entry | 189 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 30 Days Single Entry | 199 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 30 Days Multiple Entry | 299 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 60 Days Single Entry | 299 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 60 Days Multiple Entry | 529 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 60 Days Job Seeker | 599 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 5 Years Multi Entry Visa | 1599 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
| 2 Years Resident Visa | 2500 $ | 69 $ | 49 $ | Apply Now |
To apply for a United Arab Emirates visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Passport: Scanned color copy of your passport, including the first and last pages.
Photo- sized photograph taken against a white background.
Flight Booking: Travel itinerary or flight booking details.
Bank statements: Only for a few countries, like Pakistan and some African countries.
Hotel Proof: Proof of hotel reservation
Guarantor: Guarantor required for few countries
Additional documents: specific to your visa type (such as an invitation letter for a business visa or admission letter for a student visa).
GCC residents have multiple options when applying for a UAE visa, depending on the nature and duration of their visit. Whether you're planning a short-term leisure trip, a business visit, or looking to relocate for work, the UAE offers a range of visa options. Below are the detailed descriptions of each visa type available to GCC residents.
A Tourist Visa is the most common choice for GCC residents looking to visit the UAE for leisure or sightseeing purposes. This visa is available in two options depending on the length of stay: 30 days and 90 days.
The Business Visa is tailored for GCC residents visiting the UAE for professional purposes such as attending business meetings, conferences, or trade shows.
A Work Visa is essential for GCC residents planning to relocate to the UAE for employment. This visa requires sponsorship from an employer based in the UAE and is usually issued as part of the UAE residency process.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. This visa provides GCC residents with the opportunity to reside in the UAE for an extended period without the need for a local sponsor.
A Transit Visa is designed for GCC residents passing through the UAE on their way to another destination. This short-term visa is perfect for travelers who need a brief stopover in the UAE but don’t plan to stay for an extended period.
The fees for UAE visas for GCC residents depend on the type and duration of the visa. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current visa costs, including extension fees where applicable.
| Visa Type | Fee (in USD) | Extension Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (30 days) | $95 | $230 |
| Tourist Visa (90 days) | $200 | $230 |
| Business Visa (30 days) | $160 | $230 |
| Work Visa | Varies (depends on employment contract and company) | N/A |
| Golden Visa (5 years) | Varies (based on applicant category, such as investor or professional) | N/A |
| Transit Visa (48 hours) | Free | N/A |
| Transit Visa (96 hours) | $50 | N/A |
Note: Visa fees are subject to change based on UAE government regulations. It’s important to verify the costs at the time of application to avoid discrepancies.
Applying for a UAE visa as a GCC resident involves submitting a comprehensive set of documents to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Below is an in-depth guide to the necessary documents, along with detailed explanations and tips to help you prepare your application effectively.
To streamline your UAE visa application process, ensure that you have the following documents ready:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity, with at least two blank pages. |
| GCC Residence Permit | Valid for at least 3 months at the time of application. |
| Passport-Sized Photographs | 2-4 recent photos with white background. |
| Completed Visa Application Form | Accurately filled and signed form. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel booking or host’s residence details. |
| Return Flight Ticket | Confirmed return or onward travel ticket. |
| Proof of Financial Stability | Bank statements for the last 3 months. |
| Travel Insurance | Policy covering the entire stay with minimum required coverage. |
| Employment Proof | Employer’s letter, business invitation, or work contract (if applicable). |
By meticulously preparing and organizing your documents, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful UAE visa application, allowing you to enjoy your time in the United Arab Emirates without unnecessary complications.
By understanding and preparing all required documents thoroughly, GCC residents can navigate the UAE visa application process with confidence and ease.
For GCC residents, applying for a UAE visa is a simple process that involves the following steps:
Visitsvisa offers a simple and efficient way for GCC residents to apply for a UAE visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing the process:
Visitsvisa simplifies the UAE visa application process, making it convenient for GCC residents to apply online with minimal hassle.
| Category | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| GCC Citizens (Visa-Free Entry) | Yes |
| GCC Residents (Skilled Professions) | Yes |
| GCC Residents (Low-Skilled Professions) | No |
| Previous UAE Visa Violators | No |
Overstaying a UAE visa can lead to serious consequences, including fines and more. Here are the penalties as of September 2024:
A GCC resident is an expatriate living in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, or Bahrain. These residents hold valid residence permits and are typically granted easier entry into other GCC nations, including the UAE. However, the visa requirements for UAE entry depend on the resident’s nationality and profession. High-skilled professionals usually have a smoother process for obtaining a visa.
No, citizens of the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain) can enter the UAE without needing a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. However, they may need to apply for a visa if they intend to work or stay for more than 90 days or plan to engage in business or investment activities.
No, GCC citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, thanks to the visa-free agreement between GCC and the UAE. However, for extended stays beyond this duration, a visa will be required.
No, while GCC citizens enjoy visa-free entry for tourism, they cannot work in the UAE without obtaining a valid work visa. A work visa must be sponsored by a UAE-based employer.
To apply for a UAE work visa, you will need a job offer from a UAE-based company, which will sponsor your visa. The company will initiate the visa application process on your behalf. Visitsvisa can also assist with this process, providing guidance and support.
GCC citizens can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for an extension or another visa type.
Yes, tourist visas can be extended in some cases. You can apply for an extension either through Visitsvisa or the UAE immigration authorities, depending on your visa type and current immigration status.
You will generally need the following documents to apply for a UAE visa:
The processing time for a UAE visa typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days, depending on the type of visa. Visitsvisa also offers expedited processing options for urgent visa applications.
Yes, GCC nationals can apply for multiple-entry visas, especially if they need to enter and exit the UAE frequently for business or family visits. These visas are available for various durations, such as 30 or 90 days.
Yes, if you plan to receive medical treatment in the UAE and stay for more than 90 days, you will need a medical treatment visa. This visa requires a letter from a UAE-based hospital or medical facility confirming your treatment.
While GCC citizens can enter the UAE without a visa for short stays, it's recommended to have a return or onward ticket to avoid any issues at immigration. The UAE immigration authorities may ask for proof of your travel plans beyond your stay in the country.
