The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) recently announced that valid residency visa holders traveling from restricted countries must apply for pre-entry approval.

Key Points:

  • All valid residency visa holders traveling from restricted countries must apply for pre-entry approval on the ICA website.
    • Dubai residents must obtain entry approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
  • To be eligible for pre-entry approval, individuals must have:
    • Received their full vaccination in the UAE.
    • Had 14 days pass since the last dose was administered.
    • Obtained a vaccination certificated approved by UAE official authorities.
  • Individuals are exempt from the vaccination requirements if they are:
    • Medical personnel working in the country.
    • Residents working in education.
    • Students in the UAE.
    • Workers in the federal or local government.
    • Completing medical treatment in the UAE or in need of humanitarian considerations.

Additional Information: Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate with QR code linked to the original results. The test must have been conducted within 48 hours of departure at an approved laboratory. Pre-entry approval is mandatory is mandatory to return to any airport in the UAE besides Dubai. More information for Dubai’s entry requirements can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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