India opened up its international borders to multiple countries, including UAE in the month of December and has been witnessing a rising number of tourists and natives visiting the land after a long hiatus thanks to Covid. However, with the rise of the new Omicron variant, most countries are once again on the lookout hand have tightened all security measures along with putting new, stricter guidelines in place for international travellers. The new measures are mainly for passengers from the UAE visiting the cities of Mumbai and New Delhi which are prime hubs in the country.
As per the website of Emirates airlines, UAE residence visa holders coming from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Sudan must have approval from either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Porst Security (ICA).
The website also states: “This [requirement] does not apply to passengers who have other visas, such as newly issued residence or employment visas, short stay or long stay visa, holders of 10 year UAE Golden visa, Investor or Partner visa, visit visa or visa on arrival.”
Immigration guidelines for passengers arriving in UAE
- UAE Identity Number
- Passport Number
- Passport Type – Select from a drop-down menu – Ordinary passport, Diplomatic passport, etc.)
- Current nationality – Select from a drop-down menu
your details like your name (for your Arabic name, it will be auto-filled after you enter the name in English), gender, date of birth, place of birth, expected arrival date, port of arrival and departure and email address.
Entering all the details correctly – including your email address – is important, as a QR code will be sent to your email.
Step 3: Check the Capcha box.
Once you apply for the approval, you will receive a notification on the website itself, as well as through an email on your registered email address.
How to get an approval from GDRFA
For Dubai visa holders, you will need to apply for an approval with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. To do so, follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the GDRFA website
Visit the following link – https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx
Step 2: Enter your Residence Number
You will then need to search for your application in the system through the Residence Number. The residence number is the ‘File number’ on the residence visa stamped in your passport. For Dubai visa holders, the number would start with 201. You will also need to provide your nationality and year of birth.
Check the box for ‘I’m not a robot’ and click ‘Search’.
Step 3: Provide travel details
The system will then generate the basic details like your name in English and Arabic as well as your passport number.
Below this ‘Applicant information,’ there will be a section for travel information. Enter the country you will be arriving from and the airport you will land at. Check the box to confirm you will bear the expenses of quarantine if you are infected with COVID-19.
Step 4: Upload documents
Upload documents including your passport copy, photograph, PCR test result and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
Confirm the details of your application and click send.
If approved, you will receive an official notification from the GDRFA through email.