Photographed by Domen / Van De Velde for Vogue Arabia
As per the latest update by UAE authorities, residents and citizens will not be permitted to travel overseas for leisure and tourism. The announcement was made at a briefing on Wednesday, July 1 by Salem Al Zaabi, acting chief of state for emergency, crisis, and disaster in the UAE, who stated that tourism is not a valid reason to travel from the UAE at this stage, and also outlined the categories of travelers who will be allowed.
The statement said: “We confirm that leisure and tourism will not be permitted in the current period. Essential travel is permitted as already outlined but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis according to risk levels and health status in other countries.”
The categories and situations permitted for travel include medical treatments, studying, business trips, diplomatic missions, humanitarian reasons as well as those who want to return to their home countries. According to the officials, anyone planning on traveling this summer must first apply for a permit from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and also adhere to all safety measures in their destination country.
Key guidelines for those travelling outside the #UAE.#YouAreResponsible#We_Are_All_Responsible pic.twitter.com/cbqukiXzoN
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) July 1, 2020
This application process must be supported with documents proving the reason for travel along with a fee of AED 50. After submission, approvals will be granted based on the risk level of the country and the purpose of the journey. Once approved and prior to boarding the flight, travelers are required to take a PCR Covid-19 test within 48 hours of leaving the UAE and present a medical certificate proving they are clear of the virus.
The categories of people who have been strongly advised against traveling are people with chronic illnesses and those over the age of 70 unless the trip is for medical treatment. Visiting high-risk countries has also been discouraged by the authorities who said that special permission must be sought for those nations.
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