UAE Suspends Visa on Arrival for ALL Travellers

The UAE has temporarily suspended visas on arrival as part of the precautionary measures against the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

This will be effective starting 1am (UAE Local Time) on 19th March 2020 – Thursday. This new announcement was announced via WAM, the UAE official government news agency.

Also Read: UAE Coronavirus Cases to be Treated FREE of Cost Even Without Insurance

visa on arrival suspension uae

UAE Visa on Arrival Suspension starting March 19, 2020

Initially, visa on arrival was still approved for nationalities of countries who are eligible to get it when they arrive in the UAE. It was only Entry Visa applications that were temporarily suspended. However, with this new announcement, even those exempted passport-holders are now included in the suspension.

The statement mentions: “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.”

Diplomatic passport holders are still exempted from this decision.

In another news report, UAE locals have been temporarily prohibited from travelling abroad.

What this Means for UAE Residence Visa Holders
UAE expats who have valid residence visas are still able to enter the country. This decision also does not affect people who have visas issued before March 19.

For those who are in UAE under tourist visas, you may explore opportunities to extend your tourist visa in case you wish to stay in the UAE.

Please stay tuned for more updates.

Below is a Tweet from Emirates News Agency:

Below is the full report from WAM News Agency:

UAE temporarily suspends visas on arrival amid COVID-19 developments

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.

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.

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