GCC residence permit holders will not be eligible for the visa on arrival facility at airports in the UAE from May 15, according to various sources. They should apply for e-visa in order to obtain entry into the UAE, source said.

“However, the new rule will be strictly implemented from September 1 this year only. It may be because the new requirement has not been publicized widely and many people have already bought the tickets and finalized their travel plans,” the source added.

However Dubai based Khaleej Times news paper reported that online application and online payment of visa fees have been introduced for expatriates staying in the GCC on residence visas in order to spare them from the hassle of waiting in queues at the Dubai International Airport.

‘GCC Individual Services’ on www.ednrd.ae gives detailed information and instructions the GCC expatriates with residence visas need to know, prior to applying for UAE entry permits.