Take note before flying into Dubai Airport…

If you’re a UAE resident flying into Dubai, it’s worth noting that the travel rules have been updated once again. If you hold a residency visa from any emirate other than Dubai, you will need to obtain ICA approval before flying into Dubai Airport.

Following delays at Dubai International Airport yesterday, a spokesperson for Dubai Airports confirmed that the hold ups were the result of an update in travel regulations, in line with the directives of UAE authorities.

According to reports in Gulf News and Khaleej Times, the delays have stemmed from returning UAE residents having the incorrect approval form.

Which approval form do you need?

If your residency visa was issued in Dubai, and you’re flying into Dubai Airport, you need to have approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You can access the GDRFA approval form here.

If your residency visas was issued in any other emirate, even though you are flying into Dubai, you are now required to obtain ICA approval.

A statement from Dubai Airports read, “According to new travel requirements, travellers holding residence visa issued in other Emirates need approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to return to the country. Holders of residence visas issued in Dubai continue to require the approval of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to return to the UAE.”

How to fill out the GDRFA approval form for Dubai residents:

  1. All you’ll need to fill out the GDRFA approval form is your passport, visa and Emirates ID.
  2. Enter your visa number, country and year of birth
  3. Enter the country you’re travelling from and the port you’re arriving to (Dubai International Airport DXB)
  4. Enter your email address
  5. Upload copies of your documents – visa, passport and Emirates ID
  6. It will take you to a payment page, but don’t panic as it’s classed ‘Free of Charge’
  7. Submit your application
  8. Your application will be marked ‘under process’, for which you’ll receive an email

For residents of all other emirates:

  1. To fill out the uaeentry.gov.ae form, all you need to enter is your Emirates ID number, passport number, passport type and nationality.