The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, National Crisis Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) spokesperson in a media briefing said that travel approval form the UAE Federal authorities a must for UAE citizen, and residents.

Dr Saif said, “All countries of the world still evaluate health conditions. We are following the situation closely and evaluate the procedures continuously in cooperation with the national carriers to determine the destinations allowed to travel to, as most of them are still closed to its airspace.”

The NCEMA spokesperson said, “Every citizen and residents intending to travel must submit an application through the http://smartservices.ica.gov.ae of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

“Travel for leisure or tourism will not be permitted in the current period, as it will be determined for specific reasons and categories that have been identified and based on the level of risk and health status in other countries.”

Dr Saif also said, “The categories and cases permitted for travel are for studies, medical treatment, diplomatic mission or mission, the official mission of government and private sector employees.”

Dr Saif said, “We advise those with chronic diseases not to travel, and it is not allowed for people over the age of 70 years not to travel except for sick patients travelling for treatment abroad.”