UAE lists 7 reasons for which citizens, residents can travel abroad amid Covid-19

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has specified seven reasons for which UAE citizens and residents can travel abroad.

Travellers can apply for a permit through an 'exit registration service' launched by the authority on its website.

According to the website, the categories under which a permit can be applied for are as follows: Medical treatment, education, work, business, humanitarian reasons, entertainment, and Emiratis who reside abroad.

The permit will cost applicants a non-refundable fee of Dh50.

All applications must be supported with relevant documents such as Emirates ID copy, residency permit copy, valid passport copy, and proof of the reason for departure.

Supporting documents

The applicant must provide additional documents for each category.

»For treatment: A copy of an official medical committee's approval (if the treatment is to be conducted at the state's expense) or a letter of recommendation to travel approved by a medical committee (if the treatment is to be carried out at the traveller's personal expense).

»Education: A no-objection letter issued by the Ministry of Education.

»Work: A letter from the employer proving that the applicant's work, training or assignment is to be done abroad.

»Business: Businessmen seeking to travel must provide papers (such as contracts of commercial property) proving they have work abroad.

»Humanitarian reasons: A certificate of illness or death for first-degree relatives

»Leisure: Reservations at the entertainment destination.

»Emiratis residing abroad: They must provide either a copy of the marriage contract or proof of residence abroad.

According to local daily Emarat Al Youm, the authority stated that residents would need a negative Covid-19 test result in order to travel, and returning travellers would be required to apply for an entry permit as well as provide a recent negative Covid-19 test result.

It further stated that travellers must provide proof of international health insurance valid for the duration of the trip and for the destination country, and follow all precautionary measures put in place by airport authorities.