Inspired by the extensive European Schengen travel visa system, it has unanimously approved a unified tourist permit for GCC countries. This unified visa will hasten unrestricted movement among residents of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
While the visa style is still in the process of implementation, citizens of GCC nations can still benefit from their current visa-free travel privileges. Also, other residents can enjoy smooth travel through e-visa services.
Here’s a breakdown of the process for applying for an e-visa in each Gulf nation:
Saudi Arabia
As a UAE citizen, you enjoy visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. Although, residents have the option to apply for e-visa, which grants a validity period of 1 year and permits stays of up to 90 days. The e-visa is available in two types, single entry e-visa, and multiple entry e-visa.
Requirements:
- Passport (the passport should not expire in the next six months after the e-Visa is issued.)
- ID card
- Bank details
- Place of accommodation, though not compulsory
- A passport-sized photo with a white background.
- Email address
- Guardians’ information such as phone number, residence and ID, and approval if you are underage, in need of medical assistance, or handicapped.
Visa application process:
- Access the official website of the Saudi Arabia eVisa portal or visit – https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/
- Create an account
- Fill the online application form with your accurate details
- Upload scanned copies of your passport and a recent photograph
- Load up a digital copy of your valid UAE visa or residency permit
- Enter the necessary medical information and select one of the available medical insurance options.
- Pay the visa fee online using the available payment methods.
- Await approval notification via email, which will include the e-visa if approved.
Oman
UAE citizens can travel to Oman visa-free, while residents can opt for e-visa. Visitors can apply for this visa online through the Royal Oman Police website, allowing a stay of up to 28 days. Visitors can extend their visas for an extra week if need be.
Documents Required:
Valid passport
Passport photo
Resident permit
Visa application process:
- Visit the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa website. You’ll see an option to apply for a tourist visa at the bottom of the website.
- Create an account – provide your email address, password, and nationality and verify your account.
- Click “Apply for visa” and “Apply for unsponsored visa.” Then, fill out the online visa application form with the required details.
- Upload digital copies of your passport, photograph, and any supporting documents as specified.
- Pay the visa fee online using the provided payment methods.
- Await approval notification via email, which will contain the e-visa if approved.
Qatar
Nationalities from 102 countries can enter Qatar visa-free, and all others can apply for an e-visa using the Hayya platform online.
Depending on the passports they hold, UAE residents have the option to obtain either a 90-day or a 30-day visit visa for Qatar via the Hayya platform online.
The Qatar e-Visa application is straightforward and uncomplicated. It consists of 3 easy steps which are;
Fill in the application form with your personal data and travel details
Upload the essential documentation in PDF format, and
Make the payment for the processing of your application.
Required documents:
- Proof of accommodation in Qatar
- Details of your return travel
- Copy of your passport (with a minimum validity of six months)
- Copy of your residence permit or visa to any one of the eligible countries stated above
- Documents stating the applicant’s current employment status and occupation
Visa application process:
- Visit the official website of the Qatar Ministry of Interior’s Qatar e-Visa portal.
- Register for an account.
- Fill in the online visa application form with the required details.
- Upload digital copies of your passport, photograph, and supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee online through the provided payment gateway.
- Once processed, you will receive the e-visa via email.
Bahrain
Bahrain offers various types of visit visas tailored to the residency status and duration of stay for GCC residents and visitors.
Required terms of service:
- You must be outside Bahrain when applying for this visa.
- You must have had a current resident permit of a GCC country for at least 3 months.
- Your resident permit for a GCC country must be valid for at least another 3 months.
- If you are a GCC resident permit holder, your occupation should not be a laborer
- The visa is issued and paid online.
Entry conditions:
- Applicant must not take up any paid or unpaid employment during the visit to Bahrain.
- Passport must be valid for at least six months.
Required documents:
- Copy of the applicant’s passport. (Family Page and any additional information page).
- Copy of GCC residence permit valid for 3 months
- Copy of valid confirmed return air ticket.
- Copy of hotel booking in Kingdom of Bahrain. But in the event you are staying with a relative/friend, please provide a copy of their ID reader’s print out.
Visa application process:
- Go to the official eVisa Bahrain website. https://www.evisa.gov.bh/
- Choose the type of visa you want
- Complete the online application form with accurate information.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport, photograph, and any other requested documents.
- Pay the visa fee using the available online payment options.
- Receive the e-visa confirmation via email once it’s approved.
Conclusion
For more information about UAE visas, you can contact our visa consultants in Dubai for a free consultation.
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