GCC residents to now require e-visa for the UAE

Have family coming to visit from Oman this weekend? Well listen up…

As of last Friday April 29, expats living in the GCC will need to get an online e-visa before arriving in the UAE.

People from countries that automatically get a UAE visa on arrival (like those from the EU, see below for the full list) don’t need to worry, but those from any other countries will now need to get the e-visa issued before they travel to the UAE.

The news was sent to travel agents in Oman, who were told “effective April 29, 2016 all GCC residents/permit holders will need to pre-apply for an on-line visa prior to their travel to Dubai”.

*NOW READ: Getting, renewing or cancelling a UAE visa is now easier*

Previously, GCC residents of certain professions didn’t require visas for the UAE, even if their passport would normally require one.

There has been talk of the e-visa for around a year now, but it seems that as of Friday April 29, if anyone who needs an e-visa tries to fly to the UAE they will not be allowed on the flight.

The new rules also apply to the busy land borders between GCC countries and the UAE.

The Times of Oman reported that the new rules would affect more than 1.5 million Omani residents.

There are fears that the new visa system will affect last minute travel plans, particularly for business people who often have to fly in and out of the UAE. The visa should only take about 24 or 48 hours to process, however.

Click here to visit the website where you can apply for the visa.

Countries that don’t need a pre-arranged visa to visit the UAE (and so also don’t have to worry about the e-visa):