Dubai: Travelling from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka to the UAE? If you are confused about the latest travel guidelines, here is a roundup of the updated COVID-19 protocols that need to be adhered to.
As per the website of Emirates airlines, UAE residence visa holders coming fromBangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka andSudan must have an approval from either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Porst Security (ICA).
The website also states: "This [requirement] does not apply to passengers who have other visas, such as newly issued residence or employment visas, short stay or long stay visa, holders of 10 year UAE Golden visa, Investor or Partner visa, visit visa or visa on arrival."
Complete list of documents required:
1. ICA or GDRFFA approval.
2. Anegative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate with a QR code for a test conducted within 48 hours, validity should be calculated from time the sample was collected, prior to departure, from an approved health facility.
3. A negative COVID‑19 Rapid PCR test report with a QR code for a test conducted at the departure airport within six hours of departure.
How to get an approval from the ICA
Step 1: Visit the ICA website
You would need to visit the following link - https://beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/issueResidentEntryPermission/request/708/step1?administrativeRegionId=1&withException=false
Step 2: Fill in application form
Enter the following details:
2.Passport Number
3.Passport Type - Select from a drop-down menu - Ordinary passport, Diplomatic passport, etc.)
4. Current nationality - Select from a drop-down menu
your details like your name (for your Arabic name, it will be auto-filled after you enter the name in English), gender, date of birth, place of birth, expected arrival date, port of arrival and departure and email address.
Entering all the details correctly – including your email address – is important, as a QR code will be sent to your email.
Step 3: Check the Capcha box.
Once you apply for the approval, you will receive a notification on the website itself, as well as through an email on your registered email address.
How to get an approval from GDRFA
For Dubai visa holders, you will need to apply for an approval with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. To do so, follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the GDRFA website
Visit the following link - https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx
Step 2: Enter your Residence Number
You will then need to search for your application in the system through the Residence Number. The residence number is the 'File number' on the residence visa stamped in your passport. For Dubai visa holders, the number would start with 201. You will also need to provide your nationality and year of birth.
Check the box for 'I'm not a robot' and click 'Search'.
Step 3: Provide travel details
The system will then generate the basic details like your name in English and Arabic as well as your passport number.
Below this ‘Applicant information’ there will be a section for travel information. Enter the country you will be arriving from and the airport you will land at. Check the box to confirm you will bear the expenses of quarantine if you are infected with COVID-19.
Step 4: Upload documents
Upload documents including your passport copy, photograph, PCR test result and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
Confirm the details of your application and click send.
If approved, you will receive an official notification from the GDRFA through email.
As someone deeply familiar with international travel regulations and protocols, especially pertaining to the UAE, I can confidently elaborate on the multifaceted process involved in adhering to the updated COVID-19 guidelines for travelers from specific countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Sudan.
The recent travel guidelines set forth by Emirates airlines and the UAE government necessitate several key elements for those holding UAE residence visas from the aforementioned countries. These requirements include obtaining approval from either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA).
To secure this approval, travelers must prepare essential documentation:
- Approval from GDRFA or ICA: Applicants need to apply through specific online portals provided by the authorities, providing personal details, passport information, and travel specifics.
- Negative COVID‑19 PCR Test Certificate: This should include a QR code and must be conducted within 48 hours before departure from an approved health facility.
- Negative COVID‑19 Rapid PCR Test Report: This test should also have a QR code and must be conducted within six hours of departure at the departure airport.
For those requiring ICA approval, the process involves:
- Visiting the ICA website.
- Filling in the application form with accurate details, including UAE identity and passport numbers, nationality, personal information, arrival and departure specifics, and an email address to receive the QR code.
For GDRFA approval (pertaining specifically to Dubai visa holders), the process entails:
- Accessing the GDRFA website and providing residence numbers, nationality, and birth year.
- Entering travel details such as arrival country and airport, agreeing to cover quarantine expenses if necessary.
- Uploading essential documents including passport copies, photographs, PCR test results, and COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
Upon successful approval, notifications are sent via email from the respective authorities, confirming permission to travel to the UAE.
Understanding and complying with these intricacies demonstrate a profound understanding of the process and the necessary steps individuals from these countries must take to travel to the UAE while adhering to the latest COVID-19 protocols.
