Directory of Visa Categories for Gulf Countries

The Directory of Visa Categories for Gulf countries refers to a classification system of different types of visas available for foreign nationals wishing to visit, work, or reside in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, which include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. These categories can generally include:

• Tourist Visa: For short stays for tourism purposes, typically issued for a few weeks.
• Business Visa: Issued for individuals attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
• Work Visa: Required for foreigners seeking employment in Gulf countries, often tied to a specific employer.
• Residence Visa: For those who wish to live in the country long-term, often linked to employment or family sponsorship.
• Transit Visa: Issued to individuals passing through a Gulf country on their way to another destination.
• Student Visa: For international students enrolled in accredited educational institutions.
• Family/Dependent Visa: For family members of expatriates residing in the country, typically spouses and children.
• Diplomatic and Official Visas: For government and diplomatic representatives.
• Visit Visa: For short stays to visit family, friends, or for medical purposes.

Each Gulf country may have its own specific regulations and processes for issuing these visas, but generally, they are categorized based on the purpose of entry and length of stay.