UAE Issues New Procedures for Residents Returning to the Country

UAE authorities have replaced re-entry registration with a new procedure for residents arriving in any Emirate except Dubai

On Wednesday morning, authorities announced via their official Twitter that special approval for resident traveling to the UAE (except to Dubai) will no longer be in place starting August 12.

Under the previous guidelines, all UAE residents who wish to return to the country had to apply for approval beforehand from the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. Now, residents will be permitted to travel into the country, only if they follow the new procedures.

The official tweet read: "#NCEMA and the @ICAUAE approved the second phase for the return of residents, starting from 12/08/2020, aligned with end of the summer vacation for educational establishments and the continued return of shopping centers and services."

"In order to facilitate returns, the @ICAUAE has developed the current procedures by replacing registration and waiting for approval to automatically granting pre-approval without the need to submit an application and start the procedures for the return trip," the tweet thread continued.

The new procedures for returning UAE residents include updating data, including a valid Emirates ID and passport number at this smart services government portal.

Doing so will allow residents to travel to the UAE with no need for a lengthy registration and approval process.

Note that residents who wish to land in Dubai will be required to apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs immigration service to return to the country, and provide a negative Covid-19 test.