GCC Residents: What a Future Unified Visa Means
A GCC citizen (national of a member state) and a foreign national residing in a GCC country hold different legal travel statuses.
GCC Citizens
Visa-FreeNationals of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait:
- Freedom of movement across all 6 member states using national ID or passport.
- No visa or entry permit required for travel between member states.
Foreign GCC Residents
Visa Required / e-VisaExpatriate residents holding GCC residence permits:
- Currently subject to individual member-state e-Visa or visa-on-arrival rules.
- Requires valid residence permit (min 3 months) and passport (min 6 months).
- Future unified visa aims to streamline multi-country movement for eligible residents.
Current Country Resident Portals
Until the unified system launches, GCC foreign residents should continue using existing national e-Visa portals:
UAE Residents
For travelling to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, or Kuwait, apply via respective national official e-Visa portals.
Saudi Residents (Iqama Holders)
Explore regional e-Visa options for GCC residents visiting UAE (GDRFA/ICP), Oman (e-Visa), Qatar (Hayya), or Bahrain (e-Visa).
Editorial Disclaimer for Residents
Do not copy speculative salary thresholds, approved profession lists, or unconfirmed fee structures from third-party blogs. Always verify rules directly with the destination country's official Ministry of Interior or Immigration portal.