The GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council is made up of six countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Formed in 1981, the GCC is a political, social, and economic alliance among the Middle Eastern countries that not just share borders but common religious values as well. The citizens of GCC countries are free to travel to the countries belonging to this group without any visa. Similarly, residents of all these countries automatically become a GCC resident. While a GCC resident may not have the same privileges as a GCC citizen, there are some advantages of being one. For instance, a GCC resident is eligible for visa on arrival or e-visa to most of the GCC countries. Let us talk about the details of Dubai visa for GCC residents.
Do GCC Residents Need a Dubai Visa?
While GCC citizens can enter Dubai or the UAE without a visa, the same is not true for GCC residents. All residents of GCC need to get a Dubai visa, unless they are from a country that is in the UAE visa-exempt list (some nations are eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival in the UAE). The one advantage is that GCC residents are eligible for e-visa. Residents of any of the GCC countries can apply for the UAE visa online, without the need to visit the UAE embassy or attend an interview. The entire Dubai visit visa application process is done online, including filling the application form, submitting the documents, and paying the visa fee.
Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Visa for GCC Residents
There are certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfil to be eligible for Dubai e-visa for GCC residents.
GCC Resident Permit: The first requirement is that you need a resident permit issued by any of the GCC countries. For instance, if you are a resident of Saudi Arabia and want to visit Dubai, you must have a Saudi Arabia residence permit. The validity of the permit or visa is also important. Your GCC country resident visa should have a minimum validity of six months. If your residence permit is expired or about to expire, your Dubai visa may not be approved.
Passport Validity: Along with the validity of your residence permit, your passport validity is also important when it comes to applying for a Dubai visa. Whatever be your nationality, your passport should have at least 6 months validity if you are planning to get a Dubai visa. If your passport is about to expire, you must first renew it before applying for the UAE visa.
Professions: GCC residents who are holding managerial, professional, or skilled roles in the GCC countries are eligible to apply for Dubai e-visa. For instance, this visa is applicable to doctors, healthcare professionals, teachers, engineers, managers, IT professionals, and business owners. People working in labour or unskilled job categories may not be eligible for Dubai e-visa as a GCC resident.
Age Requirements: To be eligible for Dubai e-visa from any of the GCC country, the applicant has to be at least 18 years of age. Minors will be issued a visa only if they are being accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Travel History: A person’s travel history is always considered before offering a Dubai visa. Previous visa rejections, immigration violations, and overstays will be considered before your visa will be approved.
Dubai Visa Validity for GCC Residents
The validity of Dubai visa for GCC residents is 30 days or one month. This can be extended for maximum one month. In short, GCC residents can stay in Dubai for maximum 60 days. There are two types of Dubai visit visas: single-entry and multiple-entry.
Dubai Visa
Easy Documentation
Online Payment Option
Express Working Days
Documents Required for Dubai Visa for GCC Residents
As a GCC resident, you need to submit certain documents while applying for Dubai or UAE visa.
Passport: A scanned copy of your passport is a must. You must include the pages that provide your personal details. Your passport should have minimum six months validity from the date of entering Dubai.
Residence Permit: A scanned copy of your valid residence permit from any of the GCC countries is also important. Copies of both the front and the back of the permit must be submitted.
Photographs: A scanned copy of your photograph is also required. The Dubai visa photo requirements include high-resolution image, colored photo, white background, and neutral expression. Head gear is not allowed, unless it is for a religious purpose.
Return Flight Tickets: You need to provide copies of your return flight tickets to ensure the visa official that you intend to return from Dubai/UAE before the validity of your visa expires. Tentative or open ticket bookings may not be accepted.
Proof of Accommodation: You need to provide proof that you have sorted out your accommodation in Dubai. This could be hotel reservation or letter of invitation from a UAE resident if you are planning to stay with your family member or friend. In case of the latter, you will have to provide the Emirates ID and tenancy contract of your family member or friend in the UAE.
Travel Insurance: A valid travel insurance that covers all unexpected or emergency situations that could happen during your stay in Dubai is important. While this is not a mandatory requirement, it is highly recommended.
Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you may also have to submit previous UAE visa copies, bank statements, marriage certificate, and cover letter explaining the reasons for visiting Dubai. In case of children, parents will have to provide their birth certificates. You may have to submit some additional documents as per your nationality.
Process of Applying for a Dubai Visa as a GCC Resident
Rayna Tours is a travel company that offers Dubai visa services to GCC residents. Here is how you can apply for a Dubai e-visa from any GCC country through Rayna Tours.
- The first step is to fill a simple online form. The form asks for some basic details like name, contact address, nationality, travel date, purpose of visit, etc.
- The next step is to scan all the important documents and submit them.
- The next step is to pay the visa fee. This can be done using a credit card through a secured payment gateway.
The visa executive at Rayna Tours will review your application and documents before submitting it on the official UAE visa portal. Once approved by the UAE visa officer, your Dubai visa will arrive in your email.
Conclusion
Getting a Dubai visa is not very difficult as a GCC resident if all your papers are in order. To make sure that you get your Dubai visa on time, do follow all the process correctly. You must also be aware of updated new Dubai visa rules to ensure that you do not make any mistakes while applying for a visa.
FAQs about Dubai Visa for GCC Residents
Q. What is the processing time for Dubai visa for GCC residents?
Q. What is the cost of Dubai visa for GCC residents?
Q. Is my Dubai visa fee refundable if my visa application gets rejected?
Q. What are the common reasons for Dubai visa rejection?
- Insufficient passport validity
- Factual or spelling errors in the application form
- Expired or almost expired GCC residence permit
- Previous immigration violations in the UAE
- Unclear purpose of visit
