UAE expats stuck in India have started returning home from 12 July. India and UAE have allowed their airlines to carry people authorised to travel between the two countries. The scene at Dubai International airport was a rather emotional one, as the first Air India flight, AI1975, from Delhi, landed at Sharjah International Airport at 10.30 am on 12 July.
Air India announced that Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approved UAE Residents can travel on the Vande Bharat Mission flights operated by it and AI Express. However, the journey comes with a host of approvals and protocols. Here’s a step-by-step guide to approvals, and PCR test. On that note, GDRFA Approval Is A MUST For Dubai Residents Returning To UAE.
Meanwhile, Emirates Announces Mandatory Covid Negative Certificate For Travellers From 10 Countries.
1. Approvals
There has been a lot of confusion if residents traveling back to the UAE must secure approval from GDRFA or ICA. The UAE government has issued clarification on the same. Residents who are returning to Dubai or Sharjah from India, must get a valid pre-departure approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
However, those entering Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, DO NOT NEED an approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Air India Express recently clarified the same on its website on 12 August. Also read Abu Dhabi Residents No Longer Need Entry Permit To Return To The UAE.
Travellers can then update Emirates ID number, Passport number or citizenship number on this link: uaeentry.ica.gov.ae. However, this is optional for those wishing to verify the authenticity of their data and travel documents.
2. Covid-19 PCR Test
Residents travelling back to Sharjah, Dubai or Abu Dhabi must carry a valid negative covid-PCR test report. The test must not be older than 96 hours, prior to departure. Lastly, the test must be done only at an accredited lab.
3. Book A Return Ticket
Once you have completed the first two steps, you can book a return ticket to the UAE. ICA manages visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Meanwhile, UAE Announces One-Month Extension For Visitors With Expired Visas.
4. Submit The Negative Covid Test To The Airline
Before boarding, submit your negative covid test to the airline. This will then be checked based on the travel requirements. put out by the UAE government.
5. Take A Covid Lab Test On Arrival
All passengers must take a covid test upon arrival. The UAE airports have been conducting tests at the airports.
6. Download The Al Hosn Mobile App
All passengers arriving in the UAE must download the Al Hosn mobile app.
7. Abide By Quarantine Rules
All residents returning to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain must abide by a 14-day quarantine. Violating the rule can lead to a fine of AED 50,000.
Checklist Of Documents
- Valid GDRFA approval for those travelling to Dubai
- Negative PCR test result
- Health and declaration forms to be filled upon arrival
- Passport & a valid flight ticket
Until you can fly again, here are some weird virtual tours that you can take from across the world.