Combating coronavirus: Covid-19 test, 96-hour visa must for sailors to enter UAE

UAE - Crew changes are now allowed across the UAE's ports and waters, provided that strict safety measures are observed, the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime has announced.

Under the new protocol for the maritime sector, the authority said seafarers would need to obtain a 96-hour entry visa and undertake Covid-19 tests to enter the country.

"The shipping agent should bear the responsibility to return the seafarer to his ship or provide a safe medical shelter if the Covid test was positive, in accordance with the instructions imposed by the health authorities in the UAE," the authority said in a notice sent to firms.

Pre-registration of the crew members' itinerary - whether to join ships or return home - and self-monitoring of the traveller's health are mandatory, it added.

Captains shall provide port authorities with maritime health declaration forms, confirming that the crew is free of any Covid-19 symptoms or infectious diseases. Penalties shall be imposed on those who will present incorrect health declaration reports.

Dry docks and ship repair facilities will measure seafarers' temperature daily until their departure and restrict their movement to prevent unnecessary contact in the docks and maintenance workshops.

Ban stays on passenger ships

The ban on passenger ships calling and docking in the country's waters and ports shall be maintained, the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime added.

Any passenger ferry activity is currently prohibited, except those related to repatriating stranded passengers with the necessary approvals from the local authorities and embassies concerned.