{"id":1603,"date":"2020-08-15T10:46:13","date_gmt":"2020-08-15T06:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovindubai.com\/?p=32711"},"modified":"2020-08-15T10:46:13","modified_gmt":"2020-08-15T06:46:13","slug":"ica-and-gdrfa-approvals-for-uae-residents-returning-to-dubai-are-still-required","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovin.co\/abudhabi\/en\/latest\/ica-and-gdrfa-approvals-for-uae-residents-returning-to-dubai-are-still-required\/","title":{"rendered":"ICA And GDRFA Approvals For UAE Residents Returning To Dubai Are STILL Required – Confirms Emirates"},"content":{"rendered":"

ICA And GDRFA Approvals For UAE Residents Returning To Dubai Are STILL Required – Confirms Emirates<\/em><\/p>\n

We know these constant updates are getting a tad baffling but bear with us…<\/p>\n

The requirement of UAE return permits is leaving stranded residents and all those wishing to return to the UAE utterly confused, but here’s hoping some of your doubts get cleared up in this article.<\/p>\n

After confirming with an Emirates staff Mohammed Shafik, it was clarified that ALL those travelling onboard Emirates airlines back to Dubai are still required to present approvals from\u00a0the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, (GDRFA<\/a>) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, (ICA<\/b><\/a>).<\/p>\n

Please note that this rule is subject to change for returning Dubai residents any day now, as the Dubai Media Office previously confirmed on August 13 that the cancellation of entry permits was a UAE wide decision<\/h2>\n

Following the recent announcement that entry approvals would no longer be required, Dubai Media Office has confirmed that it is a UAE wide decision. However, following conversations with Emirates, Etihad and Air India Express, the airlines have yet to change their policies and have confirmed that if you hold a Dubai visa or are landing at DXB, you will still need to present ICA or GDRFA approvals. If you’re travelling, please do check with your airline on what info or documents will be required.<\/p>\n

All passengers are advised to regularly check the UAE Government Authority Website and with the concerned airline for the latest updates on travel.<\/em><\/p>\n

However, those\u00a0returning to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are NOT required to present an entry permit from the ICA or GDRFA<\/h2>\n

The overturn of ICA and GDRFA permits only applies to those re-entering Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.<\/p>\n

Before you book your flight on Eithad back to Abu Dhabi you will need to submit your passport number and Emirates ID number here<\/a> and will receive an instant verification of your UAE entry status \u2013 this will be based on your UAE residence visa validity.<\/p>\n

This (uaeentry.ica.gov.ae<\/a>) service is only for valid UAE residency visa holders as Etihad is not operating for those with UAE visit or tourist visas as of yet – recently confirmed by an Eithad staff member.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Travel Update: UAE residents no longer require online ICA approval to re-enter Abu Dhabi. Find out more at https:\/\/t.co\/0lamNE7al2<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/uANcC8slvd<\/a><\/p>\n

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) August 12, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n