United Arab Emirates visa and entry rules from Saudi Arabia

If you are a Saudi citizen

• GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE.
• A passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the UAE.
• The official page does not say which document a Saudi citizen shows at the border, so ask your airline which one to carry.

If you live in Saudi Arabia on another passport

• Dubai’s immigration authority (GDRFA) offers an entry visa for residents of GCC states, their family members and domestic workers who live with them. You need a valid GCC residence permit and no entry restriction on your record.
• Your profession must be on the UAE’s approved list. The official page does not publish that list, so the authority decides when it reviews your application.
• Documents: a recent colour photo on a white background, a certified copy of your passport including the outer cover (valid for at least 6 months), and a copy of your residence permit or an electronic extract showing your profession and the permit’s validity.
• The official page does not state how long the visa is valid, or the currency of the fees it lists. Check both on the portal before you pay.

How to apply (GDRFA smart services portal)

1. Register as a user on the GDRFA smart services portal.
2. Choose the entry visa for residents of the GCC.
3. Fill in the details and upload the documents listed above.
4. Pay the fees.
5. The visa is sent to you by email. The expected completion time is 48 hours.