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Updated 5 May 2022

After a long period of doubt and uncertainty, thousands of residents stranded in their home countries due to the travel suspension can now finally breathe a sigh of relief as the UAE is taking a step towards normalcy by easing their Covid-19 precautionary measures across the border. Residents from all around the globe can now travel to the UAE without the need for ICA or GDRFA approvals.

The following is the breakdown of the return permits for residents outside of the UAE.

Table of Contents

Return permit to Abu Dhabi

As per Etihad’s travel update page, obtaining approval from the ICA is not required to enter Abu Dhabi.

You must prove that you’re fully vaccinated and hold a negative PCR test result issued within 14 days before you enter public places in Abu Dhabi. You can do this by presenting the health app from your country of residence, or the Al Hosn app.

If you’d like to use the Al Hosn app, you must register via the ICA Smart Travel Service before you fly to Abu Dhabi. Otherwise, it’s not mandatory to register. Thus it is recommended that you register via the ICA Smart Travel Service before you fly to Abu Dhabi.

By registering via the ICA, you’ll be able to use the Al Hosn app when you land in Abu Dhabi. You’ll be required to present the Al Hosn app or the official health app from your country of residence to prove your vaccination status before you enter any public place in Abu Dhabi.

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Return permit to Dubai

As confirmed by the authorities, GDRFA or ICA approval is no longer required by the UAE residents travelling to Dubai. Therefore, UAE residents from all over the globe can now travel to Dubai without pre-travel or registration on the GDRFA or ICA/ICP portals.

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