The UAE has suspended entry of passengers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal on all national and foreign flights with effect from May 12 (Wednesday) at 11.59 pm.

As per an announcement made by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) on Monday, transit flights are also suspended, with exception of those travelling to the UAE and bound for the four countries.

While the entry of all passengers from the four countries is suspended, UAE citizens, diplomatic missions, official delegations, businessmen's flights, and Golden Visa holders are exempted from the new regulations by the NCEMA.

However, exempted travellers are required to present mandatory negative PCR test results performed no more than 48 hours before the flight. The tests must be administered by accredited laboratories and results must carry valid QR code.

Passengers are also required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival in the UAE and on days four and eight of their stay in the country. In addition, they will have to undergo a 10-day quarantine in the UAE.

Meanwhile, cargo flight between the UAE and the four countries will continue to operate as usual.

The NCEMA has also called on passengers to contact the relevant airlines to reschedule their flights affected by the announcement and ensure their safe return to the final destination without delay or inconvenience.

The UAE has taken the decision in view of the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases across the countries.