Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced the suspension of entry for passengers from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on all flights of national and foreign carriers as well as transit passengers coming from them, effective from Friday, June 11th 2021 at 11:59.

This excludes transit flights coming to the UAE and heading to these countries.

This also includes suspending the entry of travellers who were in these countries over the past 14 days before coming to the UAE. Flights will continue however, as passengers will be allowed to be transported from the UAE to the three countries.

Excluded groups from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda including Emiratis and their first-degree relatives and diplomatic missions will be allowed to be transported to the UAE, provided that the stated precautionary measures will be taken.

The excluded category also includes official delegations and businessmen, provided that prior approval is obtained, and holders of golden and silver residency. Also excluded are those with vital jobs according to the classification of the Federal Authority for Identity and Nationality and crews of foreign freight and transit planes, provided that a negative lab test result for COVID-19 is obtained within 48 hours of departure and upon arrival and quarantine must be observed until departure.

The excluded groups will be obligated to take preventive measures, which include a 10-day quarantine and a PCR test at the airport and on the fourth and eighth days of entering the UAE. The duration of the PCR test will be reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours, provided that the issued tests are accepted by the approved labs holding QR Code.

The GACA stated that passengers coming from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda via other countries must have stayed in these countries no less than 14 days to be allowed to enter the UAE, though cargo will continue between the UAE and the three countries.

The GACA called on all passengers affected by the decision to follow up and communicate with their respective airlines to modify and schedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations without any delay or other obligations.