Residents returning to the UAE have a host of requirements. However, the most important ones are a negative PCR test result and checking the validity of travel on a the ICA website. UAE government urges residents to check these prior to departure. The advice comes after some residents were reportedly stranded at Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports on 17 August.
Returning Residents DO NOT Need ICA Approval
Residents travelling to Abu Dhabi no longer require ICE approval. The Federal Authority for Identity will automatically grant pre-approval, without applying. Those traveling must update their personal data, ID number and passport number here. However, the update is optional for those who wish to verify the authenticity of their data and travel documents.
In addition, authorities also urged travellers to check the validity of their documents on the ICA website. Most residents received a green message, giving them a go-ahead for travel. However, a few others received a red message which read: “We will consider the possibility of rescheduling your travel date after 60 days to preserve your safety. We thank, and appreciate your understanding.” Passengers stranded at the airport were expected to have received the red message.
#India2UAE: Your Ultimate 7-Step Guide To PCR Test & Approvals
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 uaeentry.ica.gov.ae to check the validity of their documents. Once you receive a GREEN message, you are permitted to travel. Those who receive a red ICA message must reconsider their travel plans.
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.
First Published: August 19, 2020 9:29 AM