Dubai residents travelling to UAE - How to get GDRFA approval

Dubai: With some UAE residents now being allowed to enter the UAE, following an announcement by the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) on August 3, you may be wondering how you can apply for approval to return to the UAE, if you have been stuck outside the UAE.

If you are a Dubai visa holder travelling from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda, you will need to apply for an approval with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.

To do so, follow these steps -

Step 1: Visit the GDRFA website

Visit the following link - https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx

Step 2: Search for applicant

You will then need to search for the applicant through the residence visa number. You will also need to provide your nationality and year of birth.

Step 3: Provide travel details

The system will then generate the basic details like your name in English and Arabic as well as your passport number.

Below this ‘Applicant information’ there will be a section for travel information. Enter the country you will be arriving from and the airport you will land at. Check the box to confirm you will bear the expenses of quarantine if you are infected with COVID-19.

Step 4: Upload documents

Upload documents including your passport copy, photograph, PCR test result and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Confirm the details of your application and click send.

If approved, you will receive an official notification from the GDRFA through email.