You may be wondering if you have been stuck outside of the UAE and would like to move back in following an announcement made by the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) on August 3.
As per NCEMA, the following requirements must be met by passengers coming from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria, and Uganda:
- Get the necessary approvals from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
- From the country’s relevant authorities, vaccination certificates are required.
- You must submit your PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result within 48 hours of departing, provided that the test is from an accredited laboratory and carried with a QR Code, and that laboratory test is conducted before boarding the plane.
- Follow all precautionary and preventive measures upon arrival, including PCRs and quarantine upon arrival, as well as follow-ups.
Approval from ICA:
1. Visit the ICA website –
https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/registerArrivals
Click on ‘Register arrivals’
https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard
2. Fill in the application form like name, gender, date of birth, expected arrival date, port of arrival and departure, and email address.
3. Fill in your passport details
4. Enter UAE details like UAE address and mobile number.
5. Provide details of your COVID-19 vaccine and PCR test dates
6. Upload all the required documents like passport copies, photographs, PCR test results, and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
7. Confirm details, and hit the send button
If approved, you will get an official notification from the ICA by email.
Approval from GDRFA:
If you are a Dubai visa holder, you will need to apply for approval with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. To do so, follow these steps.
1. Visit the GDRFA website click on
https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx
2. Now, you are required to search for the applicant by the residence visa number. Furthermore, you will be asked for your nationality and birthdate.
3. You will then be able to see the basic information, such as 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 and airport from which you will arrive. IF infected with COVID-19, you must check the box to confirm you will pay the quarantine costs.
4. Upload required documents like passport copy, photograph, PCR test result, and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
Confirm and send the application.
If approved you will receive an official notification from the GDRFA by email.