In the latest news released by the UAE Digital Government, people who maintain the status of expat residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are not eligible to apply for a 30-day e-visa to enter the UAE. They must hold a valid residency visa for at least one year.
The statement confirmed that expats who are residing in any one of the GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman and wish to travel to the UAE will require to apply for an e-visa before their travel. The e-visa will allow a stay of 30 days from the entry date and would be eligible for a 30 days extension only.
However, if your residence visa for any of the GCC countries is found to be expired or canceled, you will not be allowed to travel on e-visa. Also, it is important that the permit holder’s profession remains unchanged at time of the issuance of permit to apply for an e-visa. The residency permit should be valid for at least one year along with a passport having validity for no less than six months.
The e-visa is now a mandatory requirement for travelers and can be obtained via the websites of Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or by using the smart channels of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).