The visa and permit system works according to rules and regulations set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship-ICA and its affiliated Directorates of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in each emirate.
Entry permit and visa policies
Visa on arrival
Over 50 nationalities are not require to apply for visa to Abu Dhabi in advance and the list is growing. For visitors whose country of nationality appears on the above list, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE.
They are able to board their flight and proceed to Immigration, where their passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa free of charge and renewable for similar period.
Citizens of Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican State can get a free-of-charge entry visa upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Furthermore, Citizens of these countries can get a 90-day multiple entry visit visa, free of charge and valid for 6 months from the date of issue for a stay of 90 days: Austria; Barbados; Brazil; Belgium; Bulgaria; Chile; Costa Rica; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Grenada; Hungary; Honduras; Iceland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Montenegro; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Seychelles; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; and Uruguay.
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE. GCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.
Travelers from countries not listed above attending an exhibition or a conference will need to arrange a visa in advance of travel through their own travel agent, by approaching the UAE consulate or by seeking assistance from the congress secretariat or simply apply online.
Meeting Minds Experts, the WONCA 2020 PCO would be able to issue a visa invitation letter as part of the conference registration process for registered and paid delegates.
Alternately visas can be obtained through hotels or selected airlines.
Please note:
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
The list may vary from time to time; therefore, it is advisable to check with the airline you are flying with or the UAE embassy before traveling to the UAE.