To fight against Covid-19, the UAE has suspended all ‘new-entry’ visa holders, including those issued before March 17, 2020. Holders of the newly-issued visit, tourist and residence visas will be barred from entering the country.

The FAIC had earlier said that the suspension did not apply to visas issued before March 17. However, the FAIC issued a notification on March 17, which was communicated to UAE and international airlines by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company.

The UAE also suspended issuing visa on arrival from Thursday.

Etihad Airways on their website stated that all pre-approved visas, including residence visas, are invalid.

All pre-arranged entry visas (including new residence visas) issued before March 17, 2020, have now been invalidated and will not be accepted for entry into the UAE.

The FAIC circular to airlines that “Effective March 17, please be informed that all types of entry visa issuance have been temporarily suspended until further notice, except diplomatic passport holders and those eligible for visa on arrival or have visa exemption.”

Furthermore, all airlines have been instructed not to carry UAE residents who stay outside the UAE exceeds six months and have been barred from carrying residents who have lost passports with UAE visa.

“Emergency visas will be issued for urgent cases. i.e. medical, etc. All these instructions are to be applied immediately and until further notice from the authorities.” Furthermore, Etihad airlines announced all pre-arranged entry visas, including new residence visas, issued before March 17 have now been invalidated and will not be accepted for entry into the UAE.