Are you planning to visit any of the Gulf countries for tourism or work purposes? If yes, then you must know about the visa requirements, procedures, and documentation before applying for a visa. Gulf countries are famous for their oil wealth, skyscrapers, shopping, and luxurious lifestyle. They have become increasingly popular among tourists and expats due to their cosmopolitan cities, ancient cultures, and natural beauty.

This guide provides an overview of the visa requirements, procedures, and documentation for Gulf countries, including the latest updates and changes to visa policies across different Gulf countries.

Key Takeaways

• Visa requirements, procedures, and documentation vary depending on the Gulf country you want to visit
• Most Gulf countries issue tourist visas, business visas, and work visas for foreigners
• Some Gulf countries offer a visa-free entry or visa on arrival for specific nationalities
• You need to consider several factors while applying for a visa, including visa validity, processing time, visa fees, and required documents
• Gulf countries may impose restrictions or bans on travelers from certain countries or regions

Bahrain

Bahrain is a small archipelago in the Persian Gulf and a popular tourist destination. It offers eVisa and Visa on Arrival to visitors from eligible countries. Tourists, businessmen, and workers can apply for a visa through the eVisa portal or directly at the port of entry.

The visa requirements and fees for Bahrain are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: BD 29 (USD 77), valid for 14 days and can be extended for another 14 days
• Business Visa: BD 78 (USD 207), valid for one month and can be extended for another two months
• Work Visa: BD 98 (USD 260), valid for three months, renewable up to two years

Kuwait

Kuwait is an oil-rich country located in the Arabian Peninsula. It has a diverse culture, modern infrastructure, and booming economy. Kuwait issues different types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas.

The visa requirements and fees for Kuwait are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: KD 3 (USD 10), valid for three months and can be extended for another three months
• Business Visa: KD 10 (USD 33), valid for one month and can be extended for another two months
• Work Visa: KD 30 (USD 100), valid for three months, renewable up to one year

Oman

Oman is a beautiful country located in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It attracts tourists and expats with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Oman issues different types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas.

The visa requirements and fees for Oman are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: OMR 20 (USD 52), valid for one month and can be extended for another month
• Business Visa: OMR 50 (USD 130), valid for six months and can be extended for another six months
• Work Visa: OMR 50 (USD 130), valid for one year, renewable up to three years

Qatar

Qatar is a wealthy nation located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is known for its modern architecture, world-class museums, and sports events. Qatar issues different types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas.

The visa requirements and fees for Qatar are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: QR 100 (USD 27), valid for one month and can be extended for another month
• Business Visa: QR 200 (USD 54), valid for one month and can be extended for another month
• Work Visa: QR 200 (USD 54), valid for one month, renewable up to five years

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and a significant player in the oil industry. It has a conservative Islamic culture, but it is gradually opening up to foreign tourists and investors. Saudi Arabia issues different types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas.

The visa requirements and fees for Saudi Arabia are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: SAR 440 (USD 117), valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 180 days
• Business Visa: SAR 2,000 (USD 533), valid for three months and can be extended for another three months
• Work Visa: SAR 2,400 (USD 640), valid for one year, renewable up to six years

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is a popular travel and business hub due to its modern infrastructure, shopping, and entertainment options. The UAE issues different types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas.

The visa requirements and fees for the UAE are as follows:

• Tourist Visa: AED 100 (USD 27), valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days
• Business Visa: AED 2,000 (USD 544), valid for 14 days and can be extended for another 14 days
• Work Visa: varies depending on the type of visa and duration of stay

Conclusion

Gulf countries offer an impressive range of travel and work opportunities for foreigners. However, obtaining a visa can be a complicated process due to varying requirements, procedures, and documentation. It is crucial to research and prepare before applying for a visa to avoid any delays or rejection.

FAQ

Which Gulf countries offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival?

Some Gulf countries offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival to specific nationalities. For example, citizens of the GCC countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, can travel to other GCC countries without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival. Similarly, citizens of certain countries, such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, can obtain a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to some Gulf countries, depending on their nationality.

What are the common documents required for a Gulf country visa?

The required documents for a Gulf country visa vary depending on the type of visa and country. However, some of the common documents include a valid passport, visa application form, passport-size photographs, hotel bookings, flight tickets, travel insurance, and financial statements. You may also need to provide additional documents, such as a letter of invitation, employment contract, or medical certificate, depending on your visa purpose.