UAE, 12th August 2020: From today, expatriate residents stranded outside UAE will no longer require entry permits issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to enter the UAE.

The move has been announced on Tuesday by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship as part of the second phase of the return of expatriate residents to the UAE.

The travelers need not apply for an entry permit and automatic approval will be given to those who wish to return to the UAE. 

However, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has advised those wishing to travel upload their data- ID number, passport, and nationality – on the https://uaeentry.ica.gov.ae link to confirm the authenticity of their travel documents.

However, Expatriate residents must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test before flying. Airlines need to guarantee that all passengers have the negative PCR result issued by accredited centers not more than 96 hours prior to arrival in the UAE.

All precautionary and preventive measures will be applied to all residents upon arrival in the country in compliance with the health and preventive protocols in place, including laboratory tests and home quarantine in compliance with the recommended measures to guarantee their health and safety.

On Monday, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship issued a decision extending the deadline for holders of expired entry permits and visas from August 11, for one month, to allow them to leave the country and exempted them from fines.