The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced travel suspension for UAE citizens to various countries including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, and Nigeria.

This move has come in line with the UAE's decision in June to ban passengers from these 14 countries until July 21 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The authorities have exempted UAE diplomatic missions, official delegations, emergency treatment cases, and authorised business and technical delegates from the decision.

The ministry and NCEMA issued a joint statement, marking the resumption of travel during the summer season. In the statement, the authorities noted that the travel season is coinciding with the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In this regard, the MoFAIC and NCEMA have called on all UAE citizens to adhere to precautionary measures in general, especially the COVID-19 countermeasures in the country. In addition, the two entities have urged UAE citizens to comply with preventative measures implemented by the destination countries they are travelling to.

The authorities have stressed the need for UAE citizens to comply with self-isolation measures if they get infected with COVID-19 during travel. They must notify the UAE embassies in destination countries in case they contract the COVID-19 infection. At the same time, they must adhere to all health protocols and requirements put in place by the host countries.

As per the statement, infected Emiratis can return to the UAE after receiving necessary approvals from relevant authorities in the host country as well as designated health departments in the UAE. While returning to the UAE, they are required to adhere to all safety requirements and precautionary guidelines in order to ensure safe repatriation.

In conclusion, the MoFAIC has urged all citizens to register with the 'Twajudi' service before travelling to the destination countries. The service is aimed at providing full support to citizens during their travel period.

WAM