UAE residents wishing to return no longer need ICA approval

Expatriates from the UAE who are stranded in their home countries or other foreign countries following the international travel restrictions following the Coronavirus pandemic can now heave a sigh of relief because the UAE government announced that they will no longer need entry permits issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to enter the UAE. The announcement made a few weeks ago coincides with the start of the new academic sessions in educational institutions and the restart of commercial and social activities in the UAE.

 Under the new rules, travelers to the UAE are not required to apply for an entry permit and they will automatically get approval if they desire to return to the UAE. But the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has asked those who want to return to the UAE to upload their – ID number, passport, and nationality – on their official website so that their documents can be verified for authenticity.

Seven step procedure

The ICA has given details of a seven-step procedure that residents of the UAE must follow to return back to the country.

Step 1

Update data:  Residents will have to update their information on the website which can be either the Emirates ID number, passport number or the citizenship number. Residents are advised to update their personal data through the site.

Step 2

Take a COVID-19 test before departure:  Those wishing to return to the UAE must have a valid negative PCR Covid-19 test result from a government – accredited laboratory from the country they are coming from. The airlines that are carrying these passengers must check that these tests are not older than 96 hours ahead of departure.

Step 3

Book a return ticket to the UAE:  The applicants can then book a return ticket to the UAE.

Step 4

Show the COVID-19 negative test to the airlines:  Returnees should show their COVID-19 negative results to the airline authorities before they board their flight to the UAE.

Step 5

Take a COVID-19 test on arrival:  Those coming to the UAE must take a COVID-19 test as soon as they arrive at the UAE airport, they are landing in.

Step 6

Download the government app: Returnees must download the government app-Al-Hosn to help in contact tracing and control the spread of COVID-19.

Step 7

Follow the mandatory quarantine period: Those landing in the UAE must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period and violating it can lead to a fine of 50,000 Dirhams.

Apart from this, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has extended the deadline for holders of expired entry permits and visas from August 11, for one month, during which they can leave the country and avoid paying fines.

The UAE authority is urging residents who are allowed to leave their country to do so and within the set deadline to ensure their return to the UAE.