Visas

Citizens of GCC countries do not require an Entry Visa or to be sponsored by a UAE national or resident in order to enter the UAE. They simply need to provide their passport or national ID issued by a GCC country at the point of entry. The validity of entry permits for GCC residents is 30 days.

Citizens of these countries are not required to apply for an Entry Visa prior to arrival. Instead, an entry visa is issued automatically upon arrival and it is valid for 30 days with a 10-day period for extension.

The list is subject to change; therefore it is advisable to check with the UAE embassy abroad or the airline before travelling to Abu Dhabi.

Anyone who does not have the privilege of visa-free entry or visa on arrival must apply for an entry visa ahead of travel.

You need a sponsor to apply for your entry permit. The sponsor can be:

• Airlines
• Hotels
• Tourism establishments
• Companies based in Abu Dhabi
• Individuals (UAE national or an expatriate who is already living in the country with a valid residence visa)

You must have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry.

You must not have been previously deported or banned from entering the UAE. A visa ban prohibits a person from entering the country or taking up a new job. If either of these conditions apply, you must obtain special permission to re-enter the UAE. Apply for an entry visa

Visa fees vary by type and usually take three to four business days to process. Urgent processing can be requested for an additional fee of AED 100. Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae

Visas are granted with a start and end date. Visa holders who stay beyond the expiration date of their visas and fail to obtain an extension are subject to financial penalties.

Tourist Visa and Visit Visa holders have a 10 day grace period to obtain an extension. If a tourist or visitor stays beyond the grace period, fines will accrue as follows:

Residents have a 30 day grace period to get a new Residence Visa or leave the country. If a resident stays beyond the grace period, fines will accrue as follows:

Holders of all visa types can modify their visa and transfer it into a Residence Visa while staying in the country. Applicants must meet the requirements for a residence visa, pay a fee of AED 500 in lieu of leaving and complete the process before the entry visa expires to avoid penalty.