Pre-travel medical exam being required of more Egyptian nationals

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Authorities in United Arab Emirates free zones are increasingly requiring Egyptian nationals to complete a medical exam in Egypt in order to obtain a UAE entry visa.

What does the change mean? Egyptian nationals should be sure to leave enough time to complete a medical test in Egypt if asked to do so.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Entry visas.
• Who is affected: Egyptian nationals applying for UAE entry visas.
• Impact on processing time: The change adds an administrative step to the visa process and may delay travel by a week or two.
• Business impact: Businesses may need to adjust timelines or start dates for Egyptian nationals who are delayed.

Background: The change took effect in recent months, but does not appear to be universally applied. Not all Egyptian nationals have been asked to complete a medical test before traveling to the UAE, nor has the change been implemented throughout the UAE. BAL is aware, however, of the extra requirement being applied in at least some cases in the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, the Dubai Airport Free Zone and the Dubai International Financial Center Free Zone. Applicants who are asked to complete a medical test in Egypt are required to pick up their visas in Cairo rather than travel to the UAE with an electronic copy of their visa. Upon arrival in the UAE, they are required to complete the standard medical test that is required of all entry visa applicants.

BAL Analysis: Egyptian nationals should prepare for the possibility of being asked to complete a medical test before traveling to the UAE. The trend is of particular consequence to Egyptian nationals living abroad because they may be required to return to Egypt before they can complete visa processes ahead of travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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