Expired UAE visa holders can return home with new permit: NCEMA

Starting September 12, fully vaccinated UAE residents who have been staying in one of the 15 countries listed under restricted travel for over six months can return under a new entry permit.

Taking to their official Twitter handle, the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) said they can rectify their visa status upon re-entry.

All travellers must be inoculated with vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It comes after the UAE further eased restrictions for residence visa holders from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Uganda, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa and Afghanistan.

All travellers will need approvals from the ICA, and valid vaccination certificates that have been approved by relevant authorities before flying to the UAE.

They will also need a negative PCR test with 48-hour validity from accredited laboratories that have a QR Code, and a quick laboratory test (RP-PCR) before boarding the plane.

Once travellers arrive in the UAE from these countries they must undertake PCR tests on fourth and eighth day after their arrival.

Children under the age of 16 will be exempt from these procedures.

It comes after the UAE eased entry guidelines for UAE residence visa holders from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Uganda on August 5.

#NCEMA & ICA: Permitting to return of fully vaccinated with #WHO approved vaccines- holders of valid UAE residence visa coming from the countries previously on the suspended list, starting from 12 September 2021. pic.twitter.com/BgkJ8yT0GX

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) September 10, 2021