Published: 02.08.2026
Foreign nationals holding valid residence permits in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia can apply for a UAE electronic entry permit before travel. Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months, at least one year remaining on their GCC residence permit and an eligible occupation; the permit allows a stay of up to 30 days and may be extended once for another 30 days.
According to sources, the entry route for GCC residents is fully digital, but approval must be obtained before departure. For relocation, this mainly simplifies an exploratory trip, housing search or preparations for a subsequent status application, while holding GCC residency alone does not guarantee approval. The remaining validity of the regional residence permit, the applicant’s occupation and consistency across documents are important, so applicants should check them in advance. This is most relevant to non-UAE residents living in neighbouring Gulf countries.