Dubai: The United Arab Emirates will let in Indians holding its resident visa again from Thursday, Aug 5, however riders do apply. The much-awaited relaxation after banning the entry of Indian nationals to the kingdom over COVID-19 fears could be availed now only by those have received the two mandatory doses of vaccine against the disease while in the UAE. Moreover, they should have completed 14 days after taking the last dose.
The permitted category of resident visa holders as well as those who are allowed to arrive without taking the COVID-19 vaccine need to register on the designated portal and get the nod prior to flying to the UAE.
Several Indian nationals who wanted to return to the UAE of late were stuck as the Emirates continued with its ban as the pandemic took a worse turn.
Those who have Dubai visa should apply online at https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/homepage.aspx which is the official website of the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the Government of Dubai. They should also upload a Covid-negative certificate on the site.
For Emirates other than Dubai
Travellers to the other Emirates of the UAE should apply on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
The applicants are required to upload a negative RT-PCR test report done 48 hours prior to the departure.
A rapid test would be done at the airport in India before boarding the plane.
RT-PCR test on landing
Moreover, the permitted fliers have to undergo an RT-PCR test upon their arrival in the UAE. They have to quarantine at home for 10 days, wearing the tracking watch.
They also have to undergo the RT-PCR tests on the 4th and 8th days of their arrival.
"Travellers who have uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report, done 48 hours before the departure, should be careful while mingling with others as their journey will be cancelled if they test positive in the rapid test that is done at the airport," Micro Health Laboratories CEO Noushad alerted.
Wait on for those vaccinated in India
Pavan Kapoor, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, hopes that people with residency permit who have been vaccinated in India would be considered for entry in the next stage.
Discussions about the same are progressing. However, entry would be denied in case the resident visa has been expired, he added.
The unvaccinated entrees allowed
Those who are employed in the health, education and government sectors in the UAE as well as students and those who need to complete a course of treatment too could travel to Dubai without getting vaccinated.
Among the above, those with Dubai visa should register on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the rest should apply with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Children and students
As of now there are no instructions or guidelines regarding the vaccination of children below 12. As per an earlier statement they are allowed to accompany their parents.
There are no travel restrictions for students as well.
