Find quick answers to the most common Gulf visa questions. Tap a question to open it.
Yes, in most cases you need a residence permit, visa or another permit before entering one of these countries. Indian passport holders do not need a visa when they travel to the UAE and meet the entry requirements. The exact rules depend on your nationality, your reason for travel and the document you want to apply for. Check the requirements for your nationality before booking a flight.
Yes. Most Gulf countries offer an official visa status check online. You usually need your passport number or visa reference and your nationality. Our guides show you exactly where to check and what to enter for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Use our guide to check your UAE overstay and tourist visa fines using the official fine-checking services.
No. A visit visa allows temporary stay but does not permit employment. Working may lead to serious consequences, including fines and deportation.
No. Gulf Visa Guide is an independent information website. Details in our guides come from official government sources, but they should not be relied upon as official advice.
Visa rules in most countries change frequently. Always check the official sources before planning a trip.
A visa may have been cancelled. It might also be pending, or the information in your application could be incorrect. To be sure, check with the official visa authorities.
You can check it on the official Ministry of Interior (MOI) website without logging in, or in the Metrash app. Enter your QID number or passport number with your date of birth, and your nationality if asked. See our Qatar ID check guide for step-by-step help.
Use the portal of the authority handling your request. For most applications, use the ICP portal, and for Dubai-issued visas, use the GDRFA portal. You usually need your passport number and application or visa reference. See our UAE visa status guide for the exact steps.
The standard fine is AED 50 for each day you overstay. The earlier overstay fine waiver is no longer active, so do not rely on it. See our UAE overstay fine guide to check and pay your fine through the official services.
Yes, in many cases a UAE visit or tourist visa can be extended if you meet the conditions, but the rules depend on the visa type. Apply before your current visa expires, because an extension after expiry does not remove overstay fines. See our UAE visit visa extension guide for the requirements and process.
It depends on how long you stay in the transit area. If you stay under 8 hours inside the transit area, you usually do not need a visa. If you leave the airport or stay longer, check the rules for your nationality before you travel. See our Bahrain transit guide for the full 8-hour rule.
Use the official HRSD portal and enter your 10-digit Iqama number. The portal shows your Iqama expiry date. See our Iqama expiry check guide for the exact steps.
Oman offers a free 14-day visa for tourism to travellers from certain countries, with conditions that depend on your nationality. Check whether your nationality is covered and what documents you need before you travel. See our Oman visa guide for the full details.
There is no single processing time. It depends on the visa type, the authority handling it and whether your documents are complete. Apply early, and track your application on the official portal. See our UAE visa status guide to check your application.