With the sudden onset of Covid-19 cases across the UAE, several tourists have had to alter their travel plans due to airport closures. Now, there is good news for them that came in the form of announcement from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), clarifying that those who have been unable to leave the UAE due to travel restrictions are legally permitted to remain here temporarily.
Effective today, the 24th March 2020, all passenger flights and transit through the airports in the UAE would be suspended for two weeks.
Although the visitors have been given advance notice regarding the closure, some people have found themselves effectively stuck in the UAE longer than intended due to international border closures and flight cancellations. Meanwhile, the Emirates News Agency has confirmed that a specific mechanism for visitors affected by suspension of passenger flights would be announced in the coming days.
Both Emirates and Etihad have suspended majority of their services, and no tourist visas are being issued for the UAE. Further, there are restrictions on residents re-entering the UAE. Irrespective of whether you are a UAE resident, or somebody who has been staying longer than expected, it is important to pay attention to the latest advice from authorities to stay home, and to only venture out for essential work, food and medicines.
