(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Though a recent circular sent out by Etihad Airways suggests that GCC residents would not be granted visas on arrival at UAE immigration checkpoints UAE officials have said that the earlier deadline for October 1 still remains valid.
It has however been suggested that it would be better for travellers to use the new online e-visa form and apply for an e-visa ahead of their travel.
The circular sent out by Etihad to its branch offices and partners earlier this month reads: 'Entry requirements for GCC residence permit holders: GCC residence permit holders are required to apply for an e-visa in order to obtain an entry to the UAE. They will no longer be eligible for a visa on arrival. Timatic will be updated accordingly.' The circular adds that the changes were 'effective immediately'.
An Etihad official told Muscat Daily 'We received official confirmation from our head office on June 10. We are informing our agencies accordingly. Though this states it is effective immediately we still have people traveling to the destination without an e-visa.'
Meanwhile an official from the Emirates airlines' Oman office said 'We still have not received any official confirmation from our head office and passengers have been travelling as usual.'
Some travel agencies told Muscat Daily that they have been informed about the change by their airline partners and would be informing their customers about these. A travel consultant at Bahwan travel said 'We have received an official circular that advises us to implement the change immediately. People will now have to get a visa in advance. We will be informing our customers travelling to UAE.'
An official spokesperson from Travel Point confirmed that they were aware of the issue. She said 'We are aware of the change as we have received a notification. We shall keep our customers updated about it. We will be updating our customer database soon about the change. From October 1 it will be mandatory and right now the authorities are likely working on a trial basis.' She added 'The form is a bit lengthy. We will also be assisting our customers fill the form who wish to make reservations with us.'
Shahas Hanif general manager Majan International Agencies Travel & Tourism said 'We have received one circular from Etihad. Apart from that no other airline or authority has notified us. We are waiting for further clarity on the matter. We would like to inform our customers immediately about the change and people need to be prepared if there is a change.'
A travel agent who travelled to UAE on work last week said that he was given a visa on arrival but was also advised by the immigration officials at the counter to apply for an e-visa the next time.
Speaking to Muscat Daily a representative of EDNRD (the UAE immigration authority) said 'We have not been notified about any changes yet. GCC residents currently have both options available - you can either get an e-visa or a visa on arrival.'
In an official media release on June 1 Maj Gen Mohammed Ahmed al Marri Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) said that the residency department in Dubai was working to facilitate the procedures for all visitors and residents to the country.
Maj Gen Marri said 'We encourage everyone coming from GCC countries to apply for entry permits through the online service.'
Earlier in May the GDRFA-Dubai had confirmed that visas for GCC residents who wish to travel to UAE will be available only through an online application from this October.
GCC residence permit holders could apply online for a visa on arrival as long as they met the eligibility norms as before.
According to Dubai immigration authorities the change will be applicable to enter UAE by road air and sea ports.
To apply for a UAE e-visa online go to www.ednrd.ae/GCCIND/login.do
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