Dubai and the UAE have been introducing strict travel restrictions for several weeks in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. The Middle Eastern country currently has 4,521 cases of the virus, at the time of writing. Now, the UAE has updated its rules on visas and entry permits.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have subsequently alerted Britons to the new changes in its latest travel advice.
This is what British travellers need to know about the new Dubai and UAE rules.
The FCO explained online that visas and entry permits have had their validity extended until the end of the year.
“On 13 April, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced that visas and entry permits that expired after 1 March 2020 are now valid until the end of December 2020,” said the FCO.
READ MORE: Dubai flights: UAE announces even more flights for stranded Britons
“This includes visit visas, residency visas and ID cards.
“For residents it applies to those both inside and outside the UAE.
“For visitors it applies only to those who are still in the UAE.”
The UK government has warned that there “are currently extremely limited commercial options available to return to the UK from the UAE.”
DON’T MISS
The FCO’s current travel advice is as follows: “If you live in the UK and are currently visiting the UAE, you’re strongly advised to return now by commercial means.
“Don’t run the risk of getting stranded. You should continue to contact your airline or tour operator regarding any possible return flights.
“This will ensure any demand is logged in the airlines own assumptions about the number of people waiting to return to the UK.
“The British Embassy is in constant contact with the local authorities, airlines and other diplomatic missions to explore all possible avenues.”
Today Dubai-based airline Emirates announced it has updated its COVID-19 travel waiver policies as coronavirus continues to sweep the globe.
The policies have been concentrated into one simplified approach for rebooking and refunds on tickets issued in all its global market.
Emirates is offering three options to its customers affected by flight cancellations and travel restrictions.
These are: keep your ticket, request a travel voucher or apply for a refund.
