ICA permit not required for arrivals at Abu Dhabi airport

Our Correspondent

UAE residents stranded abroad do not have to get the mandatory ICA travel permit if they land in Abu Dhabi with effect from August 11, Abu Dhabi International Airport has informed various airlines.

According to an email notification sent to airlines on August 10, “UAE residents with valid visas arriving at the Abu Dhabi International Airport are now not required to get travel permit from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).” An official announcement regarding the travel permit is expected soon.

The COVID-19 precautionary measures taken by the UAE made ICA approval mandatory for UAE residents stranded abroad and wishing to return. Dubai resident visa holders have to obtain permission from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDDRFA) visa holders from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are required to register on the smart channels of ICA to get permit to travel to the UAE. Now, they will not need such permission if they arrive at Abu Dhabi Airport.

All other pandemic-induced travel requirements such as PCR test is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi or any other airport in the UAE.