Etihad Reminds Travellers That Abu Dhabi Is Not Yet Open To Tourists

Etihad reminded tourists that the capital city of Abu Dhabi is not yet open to tourists. The airline said that only people with a valid UAE residency visa can fly into the capital. Those with tourist or visit visas will not be permitted to enter the capital. However, an exception is made for shipping with a 96-hour transit visa.

Dubai reopened to tourists on 7 July. Travellers are required to undergo a Covid-19 test before departure. Some passengers will also be tested on arrival, depending on the country they are coming from. Emirates recently announced compulsory Covid test for those travelling from 10 specific countries.

Those waiting for results must quarantine, until the test results are out. When the UAE closed borders in March, about 20,000 expats were stuck abroad. However, with restrictions easing, expats are slowly beginning to come back home.

Dubai Residents Can Now Fly Into Any Airport

In a recent update, GDRFA stated that Dubai residents who have been outside the UAE for 6 months can still enter the country if they have a valid residence visa. In addition, it also added that their return will depend on which country they currently are in. All those who wish to return to the UAE must take a Covid-19 test prior to departure. Besides, they must also obtain permission from GDRFA.

Dubai resident visa holders must first request for approval from GDRFA. Once the approval comes through, you can book your flight ticket. However, it is not essential that you only book your ticket with a Dubai-based airline. All airlines permitted to operate in DXB are allowed to transport residents to the UAE.

However, in case the country you are stranded in has not resumed flights, you will have to wait until flight operations resume. Besides, those who have received permission, but are unable to travel due to the airport being closed in the departure country must also wait until air bubbles to the UAE reopen. They must then re-apply for the return permit prior to travel. In addition, Residents Returning To UAE Must Receive A ‘GREEN’ ICA Message. However,  Abu Dhabi Residents No Longer Need Entry Permit To Return To The UAE.