Explained: Enter/Return Permit to UAE - Easy Steps

Entry permit needed for expatriate residents to return to the UAE

After months being closed, the UAE started welcoming resident back on 22 June. In line with this decision, a host of rules were laid out.

To begin with, if you are a UAE resident stranded outside, you will have to fill a Twajudi form or an ICA form. Those who wish to return must apply for a resident’s entry permit first.

Along with the application, you are required to submit these documents:

1. a coloured photo of the applicant
2. a copy of the residence visa
3. a copy of the passport
4. proof of the reason for exiting the UAE. This could be a letter issued from the applicant’s employer or a medical entity, if travel was for medical reason. If the travel was for education, a letter from the educational institute is needed. If the travel was for tourism, the airline ticket can be provided.

For visa holders of Dubai…

GDRFA Return Permit Service:

New system has been set up to facilitate the return of Dubai Residents stranded abroad. According to Dubai Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management firstly these residents are required to get an approval from GDRFA through its newly launched return permit service, once the application is approved, the residents can book air tickets.

The GDRFA return permit is meant ONLY for ‘Dubai Resident Visa Holders’. Residents from all other emirates will need approval from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

Let’s learn how to apply for Entry Permit and get easy approval through General Directorate of Residency and Foreign affairs Dubai in 5 easy steps.

Procedures for returning residents:

Step 1: Click Return Permit Link:

First step is to visit the official website of Amer GDRFA through below link.

https://bit.ly/2Vafh4E

We suggest everyone to use desktop/PC to fill the form as currently to mobile version is not working properly.

Step 2: Search Your Profile:

After clicking above link, you will be redirected to a page where resident need to search his/her profile in immigration system, you need to write following

• • Residence Number (File Num) from your Visa Page pasted on Passport
• • Nationality
• • Year of Birth
• • Clear the Captcha code and click search

Once search button is clicked, you will be able to see your English/Arabic name with nationality and visa expiry date, if the applicant details are correct click on continue button to begin form filling.

Step 3: Travel Information:

Choose the country you are stranded right now , and select DXB (Dubai International Airport) as a arrival airport. Mention email address on which you will receive entry permit approval mail, pass captcha and continue button.

Step 4: Upload Documents:

To avoid any delay in application processing; the uploaded documents should be authentic and clear. The attachment should be clear and legible before posting.  GDRFA staff  approve or reject your application by checking your uploaded copies

We request you to upload clear face and text (High Quality) documents otherwise your application will be rejected.

Require documents are:

• •       Valid passport copy
• ·       Residence    visa   Copy
• •       Emirates ID Copy (both sides)

If you have any other document such as labour card, passport size photo, air ticket etc you can upload it but the important one are Passport and Visa page. You can upload up to 10 documents. Once uploaded, click on continue.

Step 5: Fees and Payment:

Last step is to submit the application; the service is free of charge. Click post button to send your return permit application.

Once you clicked post button, you will be redirected to a confirmation page with details of your application name, number and the uploaded documents.

You will also receive an immediate mail from GDRFA Smart channel with your filled details.

Approval of Entry Permit:

Generally it take one or two days to approve the request (sometime minutes only) but as the service is reaching more and more people the system is taking more time to approve the requests, but need not to worry it will not take more than  a week time to approve your request

Once it is been approved, you will be informed through mail with above attached approval sample. After that you can than book ticket to travel Dubai.

Important Points:

• •       Only Dubai residence visa holders can apply for this service, but you can still take a chance and check if the system accept your visa number or not.
• •       Those applied for ICA Approval need to wait for their response, if rejected they can apply through GDRFA Return permit service.
• •       To get your application approve, upload clear and legible documents.
• •       When you get the approval then only book your tickets.
• •       Returning residents can fly with any of the airlines that have approved flights to Dubai airports.
• •       All arriving to Dubai must register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app.
• •       Arriving residents must complete Health Declaration form.
• •       Residents to bear the cost of COVID19 tests in UAE unless it is covered by the residents/applicants insurance.
• •       GDRFA organizes the arrival of residents.

GDRFA Return Permit Link: https://bit.ly/2YY2rb2

TRAVEL GUIDANCE FOR DUBAI RESIDENTS

The following process applies to all Dubai residents flying back to Dubai from abroad, and for residents who plan to fly out of Dubai and return.

Here’s a guide on all the protocols you need to follow:

• ·       Dubai residence visa must have return approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) https://bit.ly/2YY2rb2
• ·       Residents should book their flight tickets only after getting the approval.
• ·       Some airlines need your GDRFA Application Number to complete your flight booking
• ·       You must carry a printed copy of a negative PCR test certificate, in English or Arabic, IF:

o   Your point of origin is one of the countries or airports listed below.

§  Afghanistan

§  Bangladesh

§  Egypt

§  India

§  Iran

§  Nigeria

§  Pakistan

§  Philippines

§  Russian Federation

§  Sudan

§  Tanzania

§  USA - Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO), including passengers originating from California, Florida and Texas connecting to a flight from any of our airports worldwide to Dubai.

o   You travelled from the points listed below to another destination and took a connecting flight to Dubai.

o   Without a test certificate, you will not be accepted on the flight.

o   You certificate must be issued by the in your country of origin. You can find the full list of certified laboratories here. If you are returning from a country that does not have any accredited laboratories, you will be tested on arrival into the UAE.

o   Certificates must be issued no more than 96 hours before departure.

• •       All travellers to Dubai, including passengers with a connecting flight, must complete this health declaration form and give it to the staff at check-in.
• ·       You will also need to complete the quarantine undertaking form given to you on board if Dubai is your final destination. Hand this form to the Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival.
• ·       You must also declare at check-in that you have health insurance or will bear the costs for treatment and isolation if required.

Arriving in Dubai

• •       When you arrive in Dubai, you must take a PCR test at the airport and remain in your residence until you receive the test result.
• •       If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines. You must also download the COVID-19 – DXB

The UAE will continue to combat COVID-19, both at home and abroad, in order to serve the citizens and residents of the nation.