COVID-19: UAE extends suspension for travellers from India
The end date for the suspension has not been announced
Abu Dhabi: The General Authority of Civil Aviation and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced on Tuesday that the suspension of entry for travellers from India would be extended. An end date for this suspension has not been announced as of now.
This suspension applies to travellers from India on all flights on national and foreign carriers, as well as for transit passengers coming from India, with the exception of transit flights travelling to the UAE and bound for India. This decision also includes extending the suspension of entry for travellers who were in India in the 14-day period prior to arrival in the UAE.
India's tally of coronavirus infections surged past 20 million on Tuesday, becoming the second nation after the United States to pass the grim milestone. The cases are expected to peak this week according to a report given by mathematical experts advising the authorities.
The suspension started on April 25 with a decision to extend after May 4. However, authorities announced last week that the suspension would stay in place until May 14. Tuesday's announcement clarifies that the suspension will stay in place, and residents and visitors would have to wait for the authorities to announce an end date.
UAE to India
The transport of passengers on flights from the UAE to India will continue, and so will the transfer of exempted groups from India to the UAE who have applied for exemption. Exempted travellers, including UAE citizens, those on diplomatic missions accredited by the two countries, official delegations, those traveling on business planes, and golden residence holders, will be subject to precautionary measures that include a 10-day quarantine and PCR testing at the airport and on the fourth and eighth days after entering the country.
Moreover, the required PCR testing period prior to travel has been reduced from 72 to 48 hours, and all tests must be administered by accredited laboratories that issue results carrying a QR code.
Oman has also extended the travel ban on passengers from India, and on people coming from any country if they passed through India during the 14 days prior to flying to Oman.
What about my flight?
14-day stay in another country
The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that travellers coming from India through other countries are required to provide proof of a period of stay in those countries of no less than 14 days in order to be allowed to enter the UAE. Cargo flights will continue to operate between the two countries.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation called upon all travellers affected by the decision to contact the relevant airlines to reschedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations without delay.
The UAE reiterated its support for India and its tireless efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its full solidarity with India in these challenging circumstances.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed its condolences to the government and people of India over COVID-19 victims and wished a speedy recovery to all COVID-19 patients and health and safety to the people of India.
The Ministry affirmed the depth of the historical and strategic friendship between the UAE and India, which is based on solid foundations of mutual respect, understanding, cooperation, and common interests. The Ministry also expressed its hope that India would overcome this difficult period as soon as possible.