UAE temporarily suspends visa on arrival; don't travel abroad, Emiratis told - GulfToday

UAE temporarily suspends visa on arrival; don't travel abroad, Emiratis told

  • 19 Mar 2020
HongKongAirportVirus-750x450

Travellers wearing face masks arrive at Hong Kong Airport on Wednesday. AFP

The UAE has announced a temporary suspension on issuing visas upon arrival for holders of exempted passports, effective 01:00 (UAE local time) on Thursday, the 19th of March, 2020, as part of the precautionary and preventive measures adopted by the country to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Holders of diplomatic passports are exempted from this decision, noted the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in a statement on Wednesday.

AmsterdamAirport-750x450 Travellers wearing facemasks walk with their luggage at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam. AFP

According to the statement, the decision will apply to holders of exempted passports until a medical clearance process is activated at the departure country as part of global precautionary measures being undertaken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

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The decision comes within the framework of the UAE's support for efforts by the international community to contain the virus, the statement concluded.

Emiratis banned from travelling abroad

Earlier during the day, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement notifying Emirati nationals not to travel abroad, effective immediately, and until further notice.

The move comes as part of the UAE's efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, the statement read.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it would continue to update the general public with all new and vital information, noting that all precautions currently being undertaken by the country are strictly to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of all.

WAM

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