India-UAE travel on hold until further notice

Our Correspondent

In the wake of the spiraling COVID-19 cases in India, the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced the entry for travellers from India on all flights on national and foreign carriers, as well as for transit passengers coming from India, stand suspended until further notice. An exception is made for transit flights travelling to the UAE and bound for India.

Travellers who were in India in the 14-day period prior to arrival in the UAE will also come under the suspension of travel list.

Flights between the two countries will continue to allow the transport of passengers from the UAE to India and the transfer of exempted groups from India to the UAE who have applied for exemption. Exempted travellers include UAE citizens, those on diplomatic missions accredited by the two countries, official delegations, those travelling on business planes, and golden residence holders. They will be subject to precautionary measures that include a 10-day quarantine and PCR testing at the airport and on the fourth and eighth days after entering the country.

The PCR testing period prior to travel has been reduced from 72 to 48 hours; all tests must be administered by accredited laboratories that issue results with a QR code.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that travellers coming from India through other countries are required to provide proof of a period of stay in those countries for no less than 14 days in order to be allowed to enter the UAE. Cargo flights will continue to operate between the two countries.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation called upon all travellers affected by the decision to contact the relevant airlines to reschedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations without delay.

The UAE reiterated its support and solidarity with India in the present circumstances.