UAE expatriate residents have the unique advantage of exploring the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Whether you prefer the convenience of an eVisa or the freedom of visa-free travel, there are various options available to you.
Traveling to GCC countries from the UAE has been made effortlessly accessible for residents, thanks to the availability of visa on arrival and eVisa services. These options are determined by factors such as nationality and profession.
Exciting developments have recently unfolded in Saudi Arabia, granting GCC residents the opportunity to apply for an eVisa regardless of their profession. In addition, Oman has expanded its list of eligible categories for visa on arrival and visa-free entry. If you’re a UAE resident seeking to explore the GCC, it’s essential to be aware of the diverse visa options at your disposal.
Discover Visa Options for Visiting Saudi Arabia
According to visitsaudi.com, the official tourism platform of Saudi Arabia, there are three categories of visitors eligible for a visa on arrival:
Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents
In a recent announcement, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism stated that all expatriate residents in GCC countries, regardless of their profession, can now apply for an electronic tourist visa, known as the eVisa.
Furthermore, first-degree relatives of GCC residents and domestic workers accompanying their sponsors are also eligible for the eVisa. However, the dependents must possess a valid residency visa from a GCC country, as outlined on the website of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
As a UAE resident, acquiring this eVisa enables you to visit family and friends, explore the country, and perform Umrah at any time, except during the Hajj season.
Important Conditions for the Saudi eVisa
Before applying, GCC residents must meet the following requirements to ensure eligibility for the Saudi eVisa:
Explore Qatar’s Diverse Visa Options
As per the official tourism platform of Qatar, visitqatar.com, let’s explore the diverse range of visa options offered to visitors:
Visa on Arrival
Citizens from over 95 countries are eligible for visas on arrival in Qatar. However, the duration of stay and specific requirements vary based on nationality.
For instance, some nationalities may be permitted to stay up to 90 days, while others are eligible for a 30-day stay in the country. You can find the list of countries eligible for visa on arrival on the Qatar Tourism website.
Visa Waiver for Specific Nationalities
Certain nationalities, including India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Iran, and Thailand, can obtain a visa on arrival in Qatar only if they have a hotel reservation made through the Discover Qatar website (www.discoverqatar.qa). The duration of stay for these nationalities is 30 days.
Additionally, Indian, Pakistani, and Iranian nationals must hold a return ticket.
Hayya Card Holders
The Hayya Card, initially introduced for visitors attending the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has had its validity extended until January 24, 2024, for non-resident fans and organizers. If UAE residents hold a Hayya Card, they have the opportunity to travel to Qatar without the need for a visa, as long as they satisfy certain travel criteria:
Hayya Card holders visiting Qatar can enjoy benefits such as the “Hayya with Me” feature, e-gate access at state ports, and exemption from fees.
New Qatar GCC Resident Visa for All Professions
Recently, Qatar announced that residents of GCC countries, regardless of their profession, can now apply for a GCC Resident Visa through the new Hayya Portal (hayya.qa) and stay in Qatar for up to 30 days.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must hold a valid residency of at least three months, and their job title must match the profession stated on their residence visa.
Discover Oman’s Visa Options for UAE Residents
As per the Royal Oman Police (ROP) announcement, tourists from over 103 countries can enter
Oman visa-free for up to 14 days. The complete list of eligible countries can be found on the ROP website.
Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents
UAE residents, regardless of their nationality, are eligible for a visa on arrival in Oman as long as they work in an approved profession recognized by the Royal Oman Police. The list of approved professions can be accessed through the evisa.rop.gov.om website.
Important documents required for the visa on arrival:
The visa can be issued as a single-entry permit, valid for one month, or a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, provided that each stay does not exceed one month.
Oman eVisa for GCC Residents
If you are a UAE resident planning to travel to Oman, you can apply for an eVisa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days.
The eVisa, known as the “GCC Resident Visa,” can be obtained through Oman’s official eVisa platform, evisa.rop.gov.om. However, only professions approved by the Royal Oman Police are eligible for the online visa. There are over 30 professions that qualify for the eVisa. If your occupation is not eligible, you must apply for a sponsored tourist visa through an authorized travel agency.
Discover Bahrain’s Visa Options for UAE Residents
Bahrain grants visa on arrival to over 60 nationalities, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 14 days, as stated by Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports, and Residency Affairs (NPRA). The eligibility list can be checked on the following link: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/list-of-onarrival-visa-country.html
Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents
According to the NPRA, UAE residents working in skilled professions are eligible for a visa on arrival in Bahrain, allowing them to stay for up to two weeks on a single-entry permit.
Conditions to be fulfilled for the visa:
Multiple eVisa for Bahrain
UAE residents working in skilled professions can also apply for a multiple-entry eVisa for Bahrain, available in three categories:
The multiple-entry visa can be applied for through the NPRA eVisa portal, www.evisa.gov.bh, or through authorized travel agents.
Explore Kuwait’s eVisa Options for UAE Residents
The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait allows visa upon arrival for nationals from over 50 countries. The complete list of eligible countries can be found on the official eVisa website: https://evisa.moi.gov.kw/evisa/home_e.do
Kuwait eVisa for GCC Residents
If you are a UAE resident whose nationality is not on the visa-free entry list, you can still apply for an eVisa or tourist visa for GCC residents.
Documents required for the eVisa application:
Applicants must also have an approved profession, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, judges, consultants, members of the public prosecution, university teachers, journalists, press and media staff, pilots, system analysts, pharmacists, computer programmers, managers, businessmen, diplomatic corps, owners, managers, and representatives of commercial companies and establishments and university graduates.
To obtain a Kuwait eVisa for GCC residents, you have the option to apply through the designated eVisa platform of Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) at evisa.moi.gov.kw. Alternatively, you can also seek assistance from an authorized travel agent in your country of residence.
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