Want to travel to the UAE? See what GDRFA, ICA approval for residents
To travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the following requirements must be met:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- A valid visa (if required)
- A valid return or onward ticket
- Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- A valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test results from within 96 hours of departure
It is important to note that the entry requirements for the UAE can change at any time, and may vary depending on the individual’s country of origin and the specific emirate they are planning to visit. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information and any additional requirements that may apply.
It’s also important to be aware that these regulations are subject to change based on the COVID-19 situation, so it’s always best to check with the authorities before making any travel plans.
Residents of the UAE are required to obtain approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in order to travel outside of the country. This includes obtaining an Exit Permit or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.
The approval process can vary depending on the individual’s residency status and the specific requirements of the GDRFA or ICA. In general, residents will need to provide certain documents such as a valid passport, Emirates ID, and proof of residence in order to obtain the necessary approval. These documents can be submitted through the GDRFA website or the ICA website.
It’s important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining GDRFA or ICA approval can change at any time, so it’s best to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information. In addition, the Exit permit requirements may be waived in case of emergency and urgent travel.
As per the recent update from the UAE flag carriers, UAE citizens are not required to obtain permission from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) when traveling to the UAE. This means that UAE citizens from all over the world may now travel to the UAE without having to pre-register on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP/ICA) webpage.
However, it is important to note that some emirates such as Sharjah and Abu Dhabi continue to require residents and visitors to register their immunization and entrance status on the ICA smart services site.
Reference Links:
- UAE government page https://ica.gov.ae
FAQ’s
1. What are the requirements for traveling to the UAE?
To travel to the UAE, you need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, a valid visa if required, a valid return or onward ticket, sufficient funds for the duration of the stay, and a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR test results from within 96 hours of departure.
2. Can the entry requirements for the UAE change at any time?
Yes, the entry requirements for the UAE can change at any time and may vary depending on the individual’s country of origin and the specific emirate they are planning to visit. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
3. Are residents of the UAE required to obtain approval to travel outside of the country?
Yes, residents of the UAE are required to obtain approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in order to travel outside of the country. This includes obtaining an Exit Permit or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.
4. What documents do residents of the UAE need to provide in order to obtain GDRFA or ICA approval?
Residents of the UAE will need to provide a valid passport, Emirates ID, and proof of residence in order to obtain GDRFA or ICA approval. These documents can be submitted through the GDRFA or ICA website.
5. Are UAE citizens required to obtain permission from GDRFA or ICA when traveling to the UAE?
No, UAE citizens are not required to obtain permission from GDRFA or ICA when traveling to the UAE. However, some emirates such as Sharjah and Abu Dhabi continue to require residents and visitors to register their immunization and entrance status on the ICA smart services site.
