State carrier Emirates has notified that Dubai residents who are planning to travel abroad are required to must apply for permission from Dubai’s immigration service, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) though an online form before they book their tickets.
“Passengers must apply for approval to return to Dubai. All Dubai residents must do this, whether you are returning after the travel restrictions or you want to fly out of Dubai and return,” Official Statement Emirates Airline Website
Once approved, the passenger can approach any ticket booking platform online or an airline staff with the GDRFA reference number which will be required to book flights.
The airline stated that “If the application can’t be processed, you can try again later. Once you have your approval you can book your ticket and you will be asked to enter your GDRFA reference number.”
Dubai residents who have a visa from another emirate cannot use the GDRFA service and are advised to use a separate federal ICA/Tawajudi site.
With in the application, flyers are expected to agree that if they return to home as COVID-19 positives, they will carry the expenses of treatment and quarantine, via their insurance or otherwise
Moreover, all passengers landing in Dubai will be tested for the virus and are expected to isolate themselves until their results are ready, which takes several days.
