Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE's digital government says that residents of the GCC countries who want to visit the UAE have to get an e-visa as this is a must-have for entering the country.

The UAE's digital government also detailed 8 conditions which are to be fulfilled for getting and applying for e-visa.

Residents of any GCC country must get an e-visa to enter the UAE before travelling, the digital government said, noting that this visa allows them to stay in the country for 30 days from the date of entry, with the option to extend it once for another 30 days.

Additionally, it says that visa applications can be submitted via the entry permit service for GCC residents through the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA), or alternatively, via the entry permit service for GCC residents via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Once the e-visa application is approved, the visa will be sent to the email address provided in the application, the DGOV said.

The family members or domestic workers employed by residents or escorts of GCC citizens must be accompanied by their sponsor in order to be allowed to travel to and enter the UAE.

The validity of the entry permit for a resident of the GCC countries is 30 days from the date of issue, with a duration of stay in the country of 30 days from the date of entry, extendable once for 30 days, the DGOV added.

The entry permit for GCC citizens is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and the holder is allowed to stay in the country for 60 days from the date of entry. Extensions are possible for a further 60 days, but only once.

A GCC resident or escort will not be allowed to enter the country if his/her residency is found to be expired or cancelled.

Similarly, the holder of the entry permit will not be allowed to enter the country if his/her job in residency is found changed after applying for the visa.

In addition, the residency and passport of visitors must have at least three months of validity upon arrival at UAE ports of entry.