Questions about visas and scholarships have been raised as people begin to leave the United Arab Emirates on repatriation flights or remain in other countries unable to return due to grounded flights and closed borders. However, the dates of people’s residency visas that expired during the Covid-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates would be extended till the end of the year.
This decision was made by the authorities in the UAE to assist residents, businesses, and companies amid strict lockdown measures that were put in place to prevent and control the spread of the virus. In addition, the system created for Dubai visa holders to obtain GDRFA approval when returning to Dubai has been scrapped. This implies that the approval of The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs( GDRFA) is no longer required for Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai.
This decision will make it easier for Dubai visa holders abroad to return to the country without having to undergo the pre-travel process.
Travel Requirements For Dubai Residence Visa Holders Travelling To Dubai
Rules for Travelling from South Africa and Nigeria
Travelers that have transited through South Africa and Nigeria in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country. However, UAE nationals and members of diplomatic missions are exempted from this rule although they are required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate from recognized laboratories. Visit the official website to know more.
Rules for Travelling from India to Dubai
Passengers who have transited through India in the past 14 days will not be allowed to travel from any other point into the UAE effective 24 April 2021. They are required to take a COVID 19 PCR test not more than 48 hours before departure and present the result while checking in. Laboratory results will only be accepted from recognized labs that generate a QR code linked to the original report.
Transiting in Dubai
Travelers transiting through Dubai from the following countries are required to present a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, as well as to follow any rules required by their final destination. The certificate is strictly required to be a PCR test. Antibody tests and home testing kits will not be accepted in Dubai. An official, printed certificate in English or Arabic, must be presented to check-in. SMS and digital certificates are not accepted. However, PCR certificates in other languages can be accepted if they can be validated at the originating station.
These countries include:
- Ukraine
- Kenya
- Russia
- Pakistan
- Poland
- Philippines
- Slovakia
- Egypt
- Vietnam
- Nigeria
- Eritrea
- Lebanon
- Georgia
- Israel
- Czech Republic
- Nepal
- Montenegro
- Iran
- Jordan
- Guinea
- Ghana e.t.c.
To see the complete list, visit the official website.
Exemptions from PCR Tests
- UAE nationals are not required to take a Covid-19 PCR test before departing for Dubai. They will be tested when they arrive in Dubai.
- Children below 12 years and travelers with a moderate or severe disability are exempted from taking a COVID-19 CPR test. Moderate or severe disability here implies neurological disorders, intellectual or developmental disabilities. All other passengers including those who are physically challenged are mandated to hold a negative Covid-19 CPR test certificate as per the requirements.
On arrival, passengers may need to take another Covid-19 PCR test. Once you take the test at the airport, you are mandated to remain in your residence until you receive the test result. If the test result is positive, you will be required to be in isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority Guidelines.
Dubai Residence Visa Holders Leaving Dubai
People with Dubai residence visas leaving Dubai are only required to do PCR tests if the country they are traveling to mandates them to do so. However, on return, the return-process above applies to them.
Passengers traveling to Amsterdam and Copenhagen are required to have a negative rapid Covid-19 test certificate before traveling. This test can be taken at Emirates Terminal 3 departure next to Costa before the check-in thermal scanners and Gate B05. Both places are located at the Dubai International Airport.
Resumption Of Flights In Dubai
Travel restrictions are in place in many countries around the world. However, Emirates is monitoring the situation and hoping to resume services as conditions allow.
