Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has revoked the ICA approval for UAE residents. If you are a frequent UAE traveler, you will find the whole process much quicker now.
Since COVID-19 has largely subsided globally, the UAE government has eased its travel policies to enable better movement. Anyone traveling to UAE does not need an ICA approval before arriving in any of its ports.
This means that people can now travel to UAE with ease. This wasn’t the case before. Everyone had to get approved by the ICA before traveling to and from UAE. But now, all those processes are not required.
Let’s learn what ICA approval is and what its cancellation has in store for us.
What is ICA approval?
UAE nationals visiting the UAE from any country are no longer required to obtain permission from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Previously, ICA had to approve your application before you got permission to travel into and out of the UAE. It is now a discontinued process in the UAE.
This has been seen as a welcome relief by many who have been eager to travel again.
See also: Complete Guide to ICA Smart Services
Latest Update on ICA approval for UAE residents
UAE residents, visitors, and tourists will be able to travel to Dubai without the need for approval from the ICA in 2022. GCC citizens can also travel to Dubai without ICA approval to travel. They can simply show their national ID card and enter.
However, everyone needs to present one of these things to enter Dubai:
- A valid COVID-19 vaccine certificate that proves you are fully vaccinated.
- Negative covid 19 PCR test result within 48 hours before arriving at the airport.
- COVID-19 recovery certificate that shows you recovered from COVID-19 in the last 30 days.
All of these certificates must also have a QR code. [1]u.ae, “Travelling to the UAE, … Continue reading
Similarly, to enter Abu Dhabi, you don’t need a COVID-19 rt PCR test result if you have proof of full vaccination. If you aren’t fully vaccinated, you must show a negative result from a test done less than 48 hours before your flight. [2]u.ae, “Travelling to the UAE, … Continue reading
See also: Check this Dbd guide on – How to check UAE visa status online, where we have shared a detailed step-by-step guide with images.
Why is ICA approval for UAE residents not required to present?
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to drop, many countries are starting to loosen their restrictions on international travel. UAE has followed the trend and made it easier to travel into the country.
For travelers and residents of the United Arab Emirates, this means that they no longer need to obtain ICA approval for travel. This is a welcome relief for many who have been eager to travel again.
While people are exercising caution, there is no doubt that this is a positive step forward in the fight against COVID-19’s harsh effects on international travel and tourism.
See also: List of visa-free countries for UAE residents
What are the benefits of this policy for UAE residents?
UAE has been working hard to get its travel industry back on track following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since ICA approval is no longer required for travelling from one Emirates to another, the travel industry has bounced back.
This will come as a relief to many who have been struggling to navigate the complicated approval process. The whole process could be quite complicated to some people when ICA approval was necessary.
These policies are welcomed by all residents and tourists, as they will boost the economy and make life easier.
See also: Complete guide on Unified number UAE
FAQs on ICA approval in UAE
Is ICA approval still required for UAE residents?
No, ICA approval for UAE residents is not required anymore. The policy was removed to facilitate easier movement within UAE and boost tourism.
How long will ICA approval for UAE residents not be required?
ICA approval has been deemed unnecessary since early 2022. There is no confirmation on when this policy will last, so it might be the norm from now on.
How long has this policy been in effect?
This policy has been in effect since February 26, 2022. It is still in effect as of April 2024.
Final thoughts
The ICA approval for UAE residents is no longer required as of 2024. People have responded positively to the policy and are eager to travel again.
The ICA approval process was very bothersome when it was mandatory.
Following the COVID-19 epidemic, the UAE has worked hard to get its tourism sector back on track. The travel business is expected to recover, and no requirement of ICA approval will surely help.
We hope you got the information on what ICA approval is and if it is still required. We would greatly appreciate it if you help us spread the word.
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About the author
Arijit Negi
Arijit Negi is an expatriate living in Dubai for 18 years. He completed his degree in Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mumbai. Arijit focuses on providing helpful guides and information for ex-pats living in UAE and visitors to the UAE.
