Explanation of validity, required documents and application process
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The GCC countries, following the example of the widespread European Schengen visa system, have agreed to introduce a unified tourist permit. This special visa will facilitate people from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait to travel between these countries without any restrictions.
Although the new unified visa is still being established, citizens of GCC countries can still travel freely without needing a visa. Additionally, residents of other countries can use convenient e-visa services for their travels.
Here is a simple explanation of how to apply for an e-visa in each Gulf nation:
Saudi Arabia
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can visit Saudi Arabia for tourism without needing a visa. But for residents, there is the option to apply for an e-visa. This electronic visa is valid for 1 year and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. There are two types of e-visas: single entry and multiple entry. The fee for a single entry visa is Dh452.
Requirements:
- Passport (must be valid for at least six months after obtaining the electronic visa)
- ID card
- Bank details
- Accommodation details (optional)
- A small photo with a white background.
- Email address
- Information about your guardians, such as their phone number, address, and identification, especially if you are a minor, need medical help, or have a disability.
- Go to the official Saudi Arabia eVisa portal or visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/.
- Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
- Fill the online application form with correct details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport and a recent photo that meets the requirements.
- Upload a digital copy of your valid UAE visa or residence permit and provide your residential details.
- Please check all information to ensure it is correct.
- Provide all necessary medical information and choose one of the health insurance options.
- Pay the visa fee online using the available payment methods.
- Wait for an approval notification via email, which will include your e-visa if approved.
Oman
UAE citizens can go to Oman without needing a visa, but residents have the option of obtaining an e-visa. You can apply for this visa online on the Royal Oman Police website and it allows you to stay for 28 days. If you need more time, you can extend your visa for one more week. The visa costs 5 OMR.
Required documents:
- Valid passport: Make sure you have a scanned copy of your passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to enter Oman.
- Passport photo: You will need a recent photo with a white background.
- Residence permit: Have a copy of your valid residence permit. It should still be valid when you enter Oman.
Visa application process:
- Go to the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa website. Look for the option to apply for a tourist visa at the bottom.
- Create an account by providing your email address, setting a password and indicating your nationality. Make sure to verify your account.
- Click “Apply for Visa” and then “Apply for Non-Sponsored Visa.” Complete the online visa application form with all the required details.
- Upload digital copies of your passport, photograph and any supporting documents as required.
- Pay the visa fee online using the payment methods provided.
- Wait for an approval notification via email. If your visa is approved, the email will include your e-visa.
Qatar
Qatar allows visa-free entry to citizens of 102 countries, while others can apply for an e-visa using the online Hayya platform.
Residents can choose between a 90-day or 30-day visit visa for Qatar, depending on their passports. UAE residents who need a Qatar e-visa will pay QAR 100.
The process for applying for the Qatar e-visa is simple. It involves three easy steps: completing the application form with personal and travel details, uploading the required documents in PDF format and making the payment for processing the application.
Required documents:
- Proof of accommodation in Qatar: This could be a hotel reservation or your host’s address.
- Return (or onward) trip details
- Copy of Passport: Make sure it is valid for at least six months.
- Copy of Residence Permit or Visa: Must be from one of the eligible countries mentioned above and must be valid for at least 30 days.
- Documents that demonstrate employment status and occupation
Visa application process:
- Go to the official Qatar e-Visa portal website of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar.
- Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.
- Complete the online visa application form with all the required details.
- Upload digital copies of your passport, photograph and supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee online using the payment gateway provided.
- Once processed, you will receive the e-visa via email.
Bahrain
Bahrain offers different visit visas designed to suit residency status and length of stay for both GCC residents and visitors. These include:
- Two-week single entry visa for GCC residents
- One month multiple entry visa for GCC visitors
- Three-month multiple entry visa for GCC residents
- One-year multiple entry visa for GCC residents
Each type of visa has its own conditions and validity period. Additionally, Bahrain offers visa-on-arrival services for eligible individuals. Visa fees vary depending on the length of the visit.
Required Terms of Service:
- The applicant must be outside Bahrain when applying for this visa.
- The applicant must have had a valid residence permit in a GCC country for at least 3 months.
- The applicant’s residence permit for a GCC country must be valid for at least another 3 months.
- Applicants with GCC residence permits must not have worker occupations.
- The visa is issued and paid for online.
Validity conditions:
- If the visa expires before entry to Bahrain, the applicant must apply again and pay another fee.
Entry conditions:
- The applicant must not undertake any paid or unpaid employment during the visit to Bahrain.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months.
Required documents:
- Copy of the applicant’s passport (Family page and any additional information pages).
- Copy of GCC residence permit valid for 3 months.
- Copy of a valid and confirmed return air ticket.
- Copy of hotel reservation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Alternatively, if you are staying with a family member/friend, please provide a printout of the ID reader.
Visa application process:
- Visit the official website of eVisa Bahrain: https://www.evisa.gov.bh/.
- Select the type of visa needed (tourist, business, etc.).
- 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 e-visa confirmation via email once approved.
Kuwait
Travelers with a valid UAE passport can enter Kuwait without a visa. However, if you hold a foreign passport and a GCC residency card, you must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Kuwait. This rule applies to all foreigners living in the United Arab Emirates. The electronic visa issued by the Kuwait portal allows stays of up to 30 days.
The Kuwait online visa application process for UAE residents is quick and easy. It involves providing basic personal details, passport information and answering some security questions.
Requirements:
- Eligibility: Persons applying for a Kuwait visa from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates must be:
– UAE resident with a GCC residence permit valid for at least 6 months.
– A citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below. - Passport validity: The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
- Security: There should be no security restrictions preventing the applicant from entering Kuwait.
- Visa Compliance: Visitors must comply with all conditions of their visa while in Kuwait. Those who have violated visa terms in the past, such as overstaying, may be denied a new visa.
Visa application process:
- Complete the online application form for Kuwait e-Visa.
- Please ensure that all information provided matches your passport exactly.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport, photograph and any other required documents.
- Pay the visa fee online using the available payment options.
- Receive the electronic visa by email once processed and approved.
- All notifications and updates related to Kuwait e-Visa will be sent via email after submitting the online application form.
Kuwait eVisa processing time is usually 24 hours, except Fridays, Saturdays and holidays in Kuwait. However, in some cases, applications may take longer, up to three (3) business days, after completing the Kuwait e-Visa application form.
News Source: Khaleej Times
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