GCC Visa Options for UAE Residents: What You Need to Know

1. Visiting the UAE: Entry Permits & eVisa for GCC Residents

If you reside in another GCC country and plan to visit the UAE, you’ll need an entry permit (visit visa/eVisa). According to the UAE government portal:

• GCC residents must apply for an entry permit online before arriving.
• The visa is valid for 30 days, and can be extended once for another 30 days.
• Your GCC residence visa must be valid, and the profession listed on it must match approved professions.

So if you are a UAE resident yourself, you benefit from this when returning from other GCC countries, or if you are a resident of a GCC country elsewhere.

2. Oman: eVisa & Visa-on-Arrival with Profession Criteria

For UAE residents travelling to Oman, there are several good options under GCC visa options for UAE residents:

• Oman offers a “GCC Resident Visa” via its eVisa portal, But only certain approved professions are eligible for this unsponsored visit visa.
• Alternatively, UAE residents whose profession is on the approved list can get a visa on arrival at the Oman border. Conditions include a valid passport (6 months), valid UAE residency, etc.
  
  

3. Qatar, Bahrain & Kuwait: Special Entry Permits & eVisa

Other GCC countries have also provided special options:

1. Qatar: UAE residents can apply for a ‘GCC Resident Visa’ through Qatar’s Hayya portal. Valid residency and return ticket, plus meeting accommodation requirements, are typical conditions.
2. Bahrain: UAE residents in skilled professions can get visa on arrival or apply for multiple-entry eVisas via Bahrain’s NPRA portal.
3. Kuwait: New policies allow UAE and other GCC residents to apply for tourist eVisa, or visa on arrival, depending on nationality and profession.
   
   

4. Saudi Arabia: Relaxed Rules for GCC Residents

Saudi Arabia has recently updated its visa policies under GCC visa options for UAE residents:

• GCC residents can now apply for Saudi tourism or visit visas regardless of their profession, this is a shift from earlier rules that restricted access based on profession.

Also, plans for multiple-entry eVisas are in motion for GCC expatriates.

5. What’s Coming: GCC Unified Tourist Visa

A major change is on the horizon under GCC visa options for UAE residents:

• The GCC is about to launch a Unified Tourist Visa pilot in Q4 2025.
• Once implemented, this visa will allow travel across all six GCC states. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait on a single entry permit. It aims to simplify tourism and travel between the member states.
  
  

6. Key Documents & Common Requirements

When applying under any of these GCC visa options for UAE residents, make sure you have:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• A valid UAE residency visa (if applying from UAE), usually with minimum validity (3-6 months depending on country).
• Proof of return ticket, confirmed accommodation, and possibly proof of your profession.
  
  

Conclusion

To sum up, there are multiple GCC visa options for UAE residents depending on which country you plan to visit, your nationality, and your profession. Oman and Saudi Arabia have relatively friendlier or more flexible options right now, especially for certain professions. Bahrain and Kuwait offer eVisas or visa-on-arrival for qualified residents. And the upcoming Unified Tourist Visa will be a game-changer once rolled out fully.

If you’re planning travel, always check the official immigration or diplomatic site of the country you intend to visit for the latest rules, these are updated frequently. Travel safely and enjoy exploring the GCC!

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