UAE resumes issuing tourist visas for fully vaccinated tourists

By Team Newsable | First Published Aug 30, 2021, 11:42 AM IST

This comes a month before Dubai hosts the delayed Expo 2020 trade fair and amid a drop in coronavirus infections in the oil-rich Gulf country.

In a move that would bring relief to thousands of leisure seeking travellers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from today resumed issuing tourist visas to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 from WHO-approved vaccines from all countries.

This comes a month before Dubai hosts the delayed Expo 2020 trade fair and amid a drop in coronavirus infections in the oil-rich Gulf country.

Tap to resize

Latest Videos

Tap to resize

For Indians, it will mean, anyone who has completed both doses of Covishield will be granted visas as WHO is yet to approve Covaxin.

Both Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) jointly announced that application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries who have received the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines.

“This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth," the UAE’s official news agency WAM said.

Also read: Thailand develops robotic system to squeeze out more vaccine doses

UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority Tweeted Sunday: “Starting from August 30, application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries, provided that they are fully vaccinated with one of the WHO-approved Covid-19 vaccines.”

“The decision applies to citizens of all countries, including those arriving from previously banned countries. Arriving passengers on tourist visa must take mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport,” UAE’s Supreme Council for National Security announced Sunday, adding, that “previous rules for unvaccinated, including exempted categories, remain in place.”

Travellers who wish to receive the benefits provided to individuals vaccinated in the UAE, like visiting malls and public spaces in Abu Dhabi, can register their vaccination via the ICA platform or Al Hosn application.

WAM added that "passengers arriving on tourist visas must take a mandatory PCR test at the airport".

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

For more reliable and latest news