UAE 18 March 2020: Due to the suspension of all out-of-country visa applications effective March 17, foreign nationals with entry permits approved prior to this date are currently advised not to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as their entry permits have been automatically invalidated by the immigration system.
This applies to all categories of entry permits, according to immigration specialists Fragomen, including the following:
- An employment entry permit;
- A residence entry permit for dependents;
- A mission entry permit, and
- An entry permit for a visit visa, including visas for leisure, tourism, etc.
Although foreign nationals travelling with a copy of an entry permit may be allowed entry on a case-by-case basis, Fragomen recommends that they postpone their travel until the immigration authorities in the UAE provide further clarification around this matter. Otherwise, foreign nationals risk being denied entry to the UAE.
Immigration authorities in the UAE suspended all out-of-country visa applications effective March 17, as a measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
UAE temporarily suspends visas on arrival
The UAE has announced a temporary suspension on issuing visas upon arrival for holders of exempted passports, effective 01:00 (UAE local time) on Thursday, the 19th of March, 2020, as part of the precautionary and preventive measures adopted by the country to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Holders of diplomatic passports are exempted from this decision, noted the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the decision will apply to holders of exempted passports until a medical clearance process is activated at the departure country as part of global precautionary measures being undertaken to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
The decision comes within the framework of the UAE’s support for efforts by the international community to contain the virus, the statement concluded.
Emiratis temporarily prohibited from travelling abroad
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement notifying Emirati nationals not to travel abroad, effective immediately, and until further notice.
The move comes as part of the UAE’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, the statement read.
The Ministry added that it would continue to update the general public with all new and vital information, noting that all precautions currently being undertaken by the country are strictly to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the health and safety of all.
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