UAE removes GDRFA, ICA approval for expats

  DUBAI – Expatriates or residence visa holders returning to the UAE can now travel to the UAE without a pre-travel approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA). Etihad Airways announced that “UAE residents with a valid visa who have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine will be permitted to fly to the UAE”. According to Etihad, travel is also permitted to expats who have been out of the UAE for more than six months. UAE-based airline Emirates confirmed that “all UAE residents can now travel to Dubai without GDRFA or ICA approvals”. India’s flag carrier Air India also confirmed that ICA or GDRFA approvals are no required for expats traveling back to the UAE. Sharjah’s Air Arabia announced that ICA or GDRFA approval is not required for any expat based in Sharjah or any other emirate. However, the airline advised passengers to check their entry status on uaeentry.ica.gov.ae before booking a flight and bring a photocopy of their passport and residence visa during the flight. “No prior approval is required if resident of Sharjah or any other emirate,” Air Arabia posted on its website. UAE authorities also announced on Friday (February 25) that vaccinated travelers heading to the UAE will no longer need to present a PCR test ahead of their travel. Vaccinated travelers must present an approved Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code. Unvaccinated travelers must submit a negative PCR test result taken not more than 48 hours ahead of their flight. ICA/Expat Media
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