UAE: Update on Visitor Visas-On-Arrival for GCC Residents
Type
E-journal
Date
21 Apr 2016
Jurisdiction
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Taxonomy
General Immigration & Nationality, Visas
Copyright
LexisNexis
Relevant company
Fragomen Middle East
Analysis
The electronic portal for obtaining e-visas for GCC residents travelling to the UAE is expected to be fully functional on 29 April 2016. GCC residents entering the UAE without pre-approved e-visas will be denied entry unless they qualify otherwise for a UAE visa on-arrival based on their nationality.
Following earlier alerts, as a result of delays and backlogs with the e-visa system, UAE Immigration Authorities are expected to once again, enforce the requirement for a pre-approved e-visa for GCC residents from 29 April 2016.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
GCC residents traveling to the UAE on or after 29 April 2016 must ensure they obtain an e-visa prior to their travels, as it is expected that UAE Immigration Authorities may not grant them visa-free entry on a discretionary basis.