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    COVID-19: Do I need an ICA or GDRFA approval to come back to the UAE?

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    COVID-19: Do I need an ICA or GDRFA approval to come back to the UAE?

    Depending on the arrival airport and airline, the requirements may vary


    Published:  July 16, 2020 18:22 Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

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    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    UAE residents stuck outside the UAE have gradually started returning to the UAE. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    2 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    But if you are still wondering whether you need to apply for an ICA or GDRFA approval, here is all you need to know. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    3 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Air India Express, one of the airlines operating during the special flights announced between the UAE and India, provided detailed guidelines to people returning to the UAE. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    4 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    If you are arriving at Dubai airport, you would need a valid GDRFA approval, along with a negative COVID-19 test result. Apply for the approval here: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitServiceForm.aspx Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    5 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    The RT-PCR test must be done at a government-approved laboratory. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    6 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Read the detailed guidelines for Dubai-bound passengers here: https://gulfnews.com/1.1593005179979 Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    7 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    You would also need to download the COVID-19 DXB Smart app. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    8 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    If your GDRFA approval is expired, you will not be allowed to board. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    9 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Returning to Abu Dhabi - you would need an ICA approval. Apply for the approval here: https://beta.smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/issueResidentEntryPermission/request/708/step1?administrativeRegionId=1&withException=false Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    10 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    You may also need a negative COVID-19 test result, if you are returning from certain countries, including India. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    11 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    You would also need to sign a quarantine undertaking form. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    12 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    If your ICA approval has expired, you will not be allowed to board. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    13 of 25
    which approval do i need
    Returning to Sharjah - you can apply for an ICA or GDRFA approval. Image Credit:
    14 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
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    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    16 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    If the approval has expired, you will not be allowed to board. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    17 of 25
    which approval do i need
    According to Air India Express, you can travel to Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah using the ICA approval. Image Credit:
    18 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    The GDRFA approval is valid if you are travelling to Dubai or Sharjah. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    19 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Is COVID-19 RT-PCR test mandatory? Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    20 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    21 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Airports are also conducting the test on arrival. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    22 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    23 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    24 of 25
    Which approval do i need - ICA or GDRFA
    Can I travel from India to the UAE on a tourist visa? Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
    25 of 25
    which approval do i need
    The special flights operating between India and UAE are currently only for returning UAE residents. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
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