Guide to Applying for a Travel Report in the UAE

Now that the government has eased travel restrictions under certain conditions, it’s important that returning residents, especially foreign nationals, comply with the guidelines set by the government to ensure safety, legality, and convenience of their travel.

In this guide, we will share some of the basic things you need to know about a UAE travel report – what is it, how much it cost, where to get one, and who should get it. If this is something you need to acquire soon, make sure to read until the end of this short guide.

Guide to Applying for A Travel Report in the UAE

Here’s What You Need to Know About Applying for a Travel Report in the UAE

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICA) approval is a necessary form of certification for entry into the UAE. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship is commonly known as the UAE entry and exit certificate (FAIC). For a variety of reasons, ex-pats who have lived in the UAE and UAE residents require a trip record. Previously, all UAE citizens were needed to have it, but now travelers with UAE residence permits must obtain authorisation from the ICA in order to re-enter the country.

With the new laws, UAE residents do not need ICA approval to return home after a foreign visit, however expats need ICA approval from MOFA UAE as well as a valid UAE national identity card (Emirates ID) to return home.

Who Needs an ICA Travel Report?

You may require a travel report in a variety of circumstances.

  1. Cancelling a residence visa while outside the UAE – This is done to see if the person is within or outside the country.
  2. Firm closure – If a company is closing, the owner must show that no employees on the company’s visa are still employed.
  3. Moving to a new country – the country to which you are relocating may request your travel history in order to undertake background checks.

Purpose of an ICA Travel Report

The record of travel history to and from the UAE is mentioned in a UAE entry and exit certificate. When someone travels to another nation, their passport is stamped with a visa stamp. This record is considered the travel history of a person named in an FAIC-approved ICA report.

Information You Can Get from an ICA Travel Report

  • Arrival & departure destinations
  • Passport number
  • Transaction type (entry or exit)
  • Transaction date (date of travel)
  • Port name and port type (Airport / Seaport)

You can apply for a UAE entry and exit certificate as:

  1. Single Entry/ Exit Travel Report mentioning the most travel status
  2. Detailed Entry/ Exit Travel Report with full travel history inside and outside the UAE.

You can also get a personalized report based on your travel history and movement record both inside and outside the UAE. After FAIC clearance, you can obtain your ICA report from the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). You must send a copy of your passport and a copy of your Emirates ID with your application for an entry-exit report in the UAE. In the UAE, an ICA report can cost between 200 AED and 300 AED.

Where to Get a UAE Travel Report

Dubai visa holders can now apply for immigration services online using the DubaiNow app. This service includes obtaining a trip record for one’s dependents. You can also get this document from Amer Centers, Tasjeel, ICA Customer Happiness Centers, and authorized typing centers.

What are the Documents Required?

If you are applying for a travel report in person, you must have the following documents with you:

– Sponsor’s or applicant’s original Emirates ID

– Applicant’s original passport with visa page copy

– Passport-sized photograph

How Much Does an ICA Travel Report Cost?

  • Overall travel report for employees: 276 AED
  • Overall travel report for family: 240 AED
  • Sponsor and sponsored: 256 AED

You can file for a UAE entry and exit report on your own through the ICA website, but you risk receiving a red signal from the authority if you lack sufficient expertise and comprehension of the process. It is preferable to get advice from a professional agency during the process in order to receive a green light for authorisation to visit the UAE effortlessly and promptly.

Applying for an ICA Travel Report in the UAE

The official website http://ica.gov.ae or the smartphone app ICA UAE eChannels can be used to apply for an ICA Travel report.

In a few simple steps, a user must first register and create an account with UAE Pass, then submit the application, pay the fees, and obtain the entrance permit by email.

In line with this, customers should exercise caution when giving correct and authentic information. Here are some reminders given by the ICA:

  • When applying for renewal or replacement, double-check that your ID number and expiration date are valid.
  • To avoid delays in the processing of your application, double-check the information you enter into the digital application form before paying the fees.
  • In the digital application form, double-check that details such as phone number, email address, and delivery method are correct. The ICA will verify and validate the information you provide.

Is it safe to travel in Dubai? What measures did the government set in place?

  • The nationwide immunization program began in December 2020 and is moving along quickly.
  • The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with other relevant authorities, continues to place a high premium on the safety and well-being of all visitors to and inhabitants of Dubai. Dubai Tourism continues to work carefully under the World Health Organization’s guidance to maintain stringently high standards of public hygiene and safety, ensuring the safety and well-being of all inhabitants and visitors.
  • Dubai was also awarded the Safe Travels certification by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for its established safety protocols.

What are the international travel requirements when travelling to Dubai?

All visitors and residents arriving in Dubai from any country (including GCC nations) must have a negative PCR test certificate, which must be taken no more than 72 hours before to departure time.

Travellers from specific countries must have a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure, as announced on June 19, 2021, and effective June 23, 2021. Please read the links below for a list of nations where this is now valid:

  • Dubai Airports
  • Emirates
  • COVID-19 certifications that are negative must be printed in English or Arabic; PCR certificates in other languages are permitted if they can be authenticated at the originating station (the date and time of the test must be detailed). A valid QR code must be written on the certificate. There will be no handwritten, SMS, or digital certifications accepted.
  • UAE nationals are exempt from the above requirements but will be asked to take a PCR test upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, unless their place of origin mandates a pre-travel test.
  • Tourists may test at any lab in their country that has been accredited by their health authorities. If you’re flying with Emirates, you can find a list of accredited labs here.
  • Residents and visitors to certain countries may be required to take two COVID-19 PCR tests: one before leaving and another after they arrive in Dubai. For a list of destinations where this is relevant, please click here.

Do I need a COVID-19 Test when travelling to Dubai?

  • All visitors and residents arriving in Dubai from any country (including GCC nations) must have a negative PCR test certificate, which must be taken no more than 72 hours before to departure time.
  • Travelers from specific countries must have a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before to departure, as announced on June 19, 2021, and effective June 23, 2021. Please read the links below for a list of nations where this is now valid:
  • Airports in Dubai
  • United Arab Emirates
  • COVID-19 certifications that are negative must be printed in English or Arabic; PCR certificates in other languages are permitted if they can be authenticated at the originating station (the date and time of the test must be detailed). A valid QR code must be written on the certificate. There will be no handwritten, SMS, or digital certifications accepted.
  • UAE nationals are exempt from the above requirements, but will be asked to take a PCR test upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, unless their place of origin mandates a pre-travel test.
  • Tourists may test at any lab in their country that has been accredited by their health authorities. If you’re flying with Emirates, you can find a list of accredited labs here.
  • Residents and visitors to certain countries may be required to take two COVID-19 PCR tests: one before leaving and another after they arrive in Dubai. For a list of destinations where this is relevant, please click here.
  • Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has introduced revised entrance protocols for passengers, effective June 23, 2021, as part of reducing inbound travel restrictions. When visiting Dubai, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Residents arriving from specific countries should have taken two doses of a vaccine authorised by UAE authorities.
  • Travelers coming from specified countries should perform a quick PCR test four hours before leaving.
  • To find out where all of the above requirements apply, click on the following links: Emirates | Dubai Airports

The key to a safe travel is knowing what you need to prepare for because once you cover the essentials, you’ll know what to deal with, and hopefully, everything will turn out smoothly as one would expect.

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