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Gulf News reported on July 31 that the UAE has introduced an electronic visa specifically for expatriates holding residency permits in other GCC countries, enabling them to secure entry approval before travel. The eVisa provides an initial stay of 30 days from the date of entry and can be extended once for an additional 30 days if authorities grant approval. Applicants must meet multiple criteria including a GCC residence permit with at least one year of remaining validity, a passport valid for six months and employment in a profession deemed eligible by UAE regulators. This facility covers residents from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia along with their companions.
The official UAE government platform advises all potential travellers to first verify qualification for visa on arrival, which extends to citizens of more than 80 countries and can be checked via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Those who do not meet visa on arrival standards must submit eVisa applications through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs platform for Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security for other emirates. The process emphasises digital submission to reduce processing times and eliminate the need for embassy involvement in routine cases. Eligible applicants receive the permit electronically prior to departure.
Al Jazeera reported in March 2026 that nearly 35 million foreign workers reside across the six GCC states, which together host a total population of around 62 million. The new eVisa forms part of successive immigration reforms the UAE has pursued since 2025, including the addition of specialised visit categories for artificial intelligence professionals, entertainment visitors, event attendees and cruise passengers as outlined by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. These adjustments have sought to strengthen regional connectivity while supporting the federation’s economic diversification goals and maintaining control over entry requirements.
The initiative simplifies previous arrangements under which many GCC residents needed to navigate more cumbersome application routes or exit the country to renew permissions. It targets short term visits for business, family or leisure purposes and integrates with existing digital infrastructure that has progressively shifted routine immigration transactions online. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has progressively expanded such facilitations to ease mobility for the large expatriate communities that sustain key sectors across the Gulf.
Guidelines from the official platform specify that the 30 day validity begins upon issuance for the entry permit itself, while the permitted stay period starts on the actual date of arrival in the UAE. Extension requests must be lodged before the initial period expires and remain subject to separate approval processes. The policy applies uniformly but requires strict adherence to the documented conditions to avoid entry complications at airports or other ports.
A Fragomen assessment of UAE visa developments through 2026 noted the unification of overstay penalties across all emirates alongside expanded online extension options for certain tourist and business visas. Such measures have contributed to improved processing efficiency and reinforced the country’s appeal to international talent and investors. The eVisa for GCC residents complements these reforms by addressing a specific gap in intra regional travel for expatriates who form a substantial portion of the workforce in neighbouring states.
