Travel rules to enter UAE eased for Emiratis and GCC citizens as Eid Al Fitr break begins

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) have announced updates to the procedures for entering the country via various borders, which came into force on Friday, 29th April, 2022.

The updates will enable Emirati citizens to enter the UAE using their Emirates ID, with citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries also allowed to use their identity cards to enter the country.

The two authorities stressed that the updated procedures aim to facilitate travel for GCC citizens, in line with the country’s strategy of protecting the community’s health and safety, and the efforts aimed at supporting sustainable recovery and the return to normality.

UAE Al Hosn green pass validity extended 

The border rules come on a weekend when more covid restrictions were relaxed.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) announced Saturday that the validity of the Al Hosn green pass to enter ministries and federal entities to 30 days from 14 days for those that are fully vaccinated. 

The announcement was made in line with directives from the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA). 

FAHR said that the announcement was in line with the UAE’s ongoing low Covid-019 infection rate and was made in coordination with NCEMA and the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). 

The authority also called on ministries and federal authorities to abide by the procedures mentioned in its circular, and to continue using the Al Hosn app to ensure that employees and visitors are vaccinated prior to entry into federal government entities. 

In mid-April, the UAE eased Covid travel restrictions for unvaccinated citizens, allowing all unvaccinated individuals, including citizens and residents, to travel if they present a negative PCR test result taken 48 hours before departure.