Rules checked 11 November 2026Two ways into the UAE for a GCC resident
| Official GCC-resident entry visa | UAE tourist visa (our plans) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | GDRFA Dubai, online, applied for by you | GDRFA / ICP through an accredited tourism establishment such as our agency |
| Who can get it | Holders of a valid residence permit from a GCC member state whose profession is on the approved list, plus accompanying family and domestic workers | Any visitor who meets the UAE entry rules for their passport, whatever their profession or country of residence |
| Government fees | Application AED 100 + issuance AED 100 + service fee AED 52.50 | AED 200 (30 days) or AED 300 (60 days) plus VAT and small fees, included in our price |
| Processing | GDRFA states 48 hours; the visa is emailed | GDRFA states 48 hours; our normal service is 2 to 4 working days, Express available |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months | Valid for at least 6 months |
The official route is the cheaper one when you qualify, and we say so. People come to us when the portal rejects their profession, when the residence permit is close to expiry, when they want a 60-day or multiple-entry stay, or when they simply want someone to file it and answer the phone.
Saudi iqama, Qatar QID, Kuwait civil ID, Oman and Bahrain resident cards
The rule is the same for all five countries: GDRFA asks for a copy of the residence permit, or its electronic extract, showing your profession and the validity of the residence. That is your iqama in Saudi Arabia, the QID in Qatar, the civil ID in Kuwait, the resident card in Oman and the CPR / residence permit in Bahrain. The visa follows the passport you travel on, so the nationality rules still apply: some passports are visa-free or get a visa on arrival in the UAE regardless of where they live. Check yours on the page for your nationality, linked at the bottom of this page.
Requirements for the GCC-resident entry visa (GDRFA Dubai)
- A valid residence permit issued by one of the GCC member states.
- A profession that falls within the list of professions approved for this visa. GDRFA checks it when you apply; the list is not published on the service page.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- No restriction preventing entry into the UAE.
- Family members and domestic workers can be included as accompanying persons of the resident.
Documents for a UAE tourist visa through us
- Passport scan (front page), valid for at least 6 months.
- A recent colour photo on a white background.
- Your GCC residence permit, both sides.
- A return or onward ticket, or your planned route if you are driving in.
- Hotel booking or the address where you will stay, and health insurance valid in the UAE (you can add it at checkout).
GDRFA asks for an extra national ID card only from Iraqi, Pakistani, Iranian and Afghan nationals.
A visit or tourist visa does not allow work: the UAE government states that it is illegal to work without a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Government fees, for reference
GDRFA Dubai lists the government fee for a single-entry tourist visa as AED 200 for 30 days and AED 300 for 60 days, plus 5% VAT, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham (AED 500 more if you are already inside the UAE). The fee is the same for every nationality; only the documents differ. Tourist visas are issued only through accredited tourism establishments, such as a licensed travel agency or an airline. Our price for each plan is shown in the table above.
How long does a UAE visa take?
GDRFA Dubai states 48 hours for processing once the file is complete. Our normal service is 2 to 4 working days, or faster with Express at checkout. Apply at least 4 working days before your flight.
Extending your visa, and overstay fines
- A tourist visa can be extended inside the UAE, once or several times, up to 120 days in total. ICP lists AED 500 plus AED 100 for the extension.
- The overstay fine is AED 50 per day (ICP). Extend or leave before the visa expires.
Documents
- Passport scan (front page), valid for at least 6 months
- Photo on a white background
- Return or onward flight booking
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Hotel booking or host address
- GCC residence permit (iqama, QID, civil ID or resident card), both sides
How to apply with us
- Choose a plan above and fill the form (about 3 minutes).
- Upload a clear passport scan and a photo on a white background and your GCC residence permit (iqama, QID, civil ID or resident card).
- Pay online. We check everything and submit the application to the UAE immigration system.
- Your e-visa arrives by email, normally in 2 to 4 working days. Print it or keep it on your phone for check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Do GCC residents need a visa to enter Dubai?
How much is the Dubai visa for GCC residents?
Can Saudi iqama holders get a UAE visa online?
Can Qatar residents (QID holders) visit Dubai?
My profession is not accepted for the GCC-resident visa. What now?
Can my family travel with me on the GCC-resident visa?
How long does the UAE visa take for GCC residents?
Official sources
Checked on 11 November 2026: GDRFA Dubai: entry visa for residents of the GCC member states · u.ae: check if you need a visa to enter the UAE · ICP: entry visa for eligible nationalities · GDRFA Dubai: single-entry tourist visa · ICP: visit visa extension · u.ae: entry permits and visas · u.ae: work permits . Rules change; we re-confirm the rule for your passport before we apply. Visa decisions are made by the UAE immigration authorities.