Planning Your UAE National Day Road Trip: A Guide

Are you gearing up for an exciting road trip across the GCC to celebrate UAE National Day? If so, you’re in for a treat! The region boasts stunning routes that are perfect for a long-weekend adventure. Whether you’ve already chosen your destination or are still contemplating, it’s crucial to get your logistics right, especially when crossing international borders. Whether you’re heading to Oman, Saudi Arabia, or even further afield to Qatar, understanding the rules and regulations is essential to ensure a smooth journey.

If you enjoy this content: Check out our list of 12 GCC road trips to start planning for the UAE National Day holiday!

Essential Vehicle Documentation

(Credit: Adobe) If you intend to drive across the border, having the correct documentation is vital before you set off on your journey. Here’s a checklist of what you need:

• Valid passport
• Driver’s license
• Car registration card
• Vehicle insurance information

If you’re driving a rental car or a vehicle that you are financing, ensure you obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the rental company or financier. This document is crucial for crossing the border and should be requested well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute complications.

For specific details on obtaining an NOC, reach out to your rental company or financer. For instance, you can consult the Emirates NBD process for more information.

Understanding Visa Requirements

(Credit: Adobe) For those planning a cross-border road trip, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with visa regulations to ensure a hassle-free experience. Before anything else, confirm that your passport is valid and has at least six months’ validity remaining.

Oman

(Credit: Shutterstock) If you’re a UAE resident, a visa is required to enter Oman. You can either opt for a 14-day visa on arrival or apply for a 30-day e-visa, depending on the duration of your stay. For a visa on arrival, remember to carry your valid Emirates ID along with your passport. Upon exiting the UAE, you’ll need to pay Dhs35, in addition to the Oman visa-on-arrival fee, which is approximately Dhs47.

Qatar

(Credit: Adobe) UAE nationals enjoy visa-free entry into Qatar. However, for most expats holding UAE residency, there are two visa-on-arrival options available, depending on your nationality. You can obtain either a 90-day or a 30-day visa on arrival. If you’re not eligible for a visa on arrival, you can conveniently apply for an e-visa by submitting your documents online.

Saudi Arabia

For UAE residents wishing to visit Saudi Arabia, you can apply for a Saudi e-visa, provided your passport has a minimum of six months’ validity and your residency document has at least three months remaining. The minimum age for individuals traveling without their parents is 18. Visit ksavisa.sa to submit your application. You will need to provide a passport photo, a copy of your passport, and a copy of your UAE residence visa. After filling out the online form and paying the necessary fees, some visas may be issued instantly, while others could take up to three working days to process. Make sure to plan accordingly!

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