IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has lifted its travel ban on 12 countries in southern Africa.

Key Points:

  • As of Jan. 29, authorities resumed flights from Botswana, Congo Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
  • Travelers from the countries listed above must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, take an additional rapid-PCR test at the airport of departure and another PCR test upon arrival in the UAE.
  • More information on country specific entry requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: Travel restrictions and health requirements may change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government now requires an appointment for those needing to submit biometrics for the issuance of the Emirates Identity Card.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals must book an appointment with the Federally Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security to submit their biometric data.
  • Individuals who have booked a biometrics appointment must provide one of the following:
    • Proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
    • A negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment.

Additional Information: If individuals are unable to attend their appointment, they must provide evidence and a reason for not attending and will be scheduled for the following day.

BAL Analysis: The new biometric appointment system may increase the time required to complete the residency visa process. BAL will continue to monitor changes in requirements and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Emirati government has announced it will implement a shorter national working week in 2022.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, federal government entities will be open:
    • Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    • Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Private companies retain the right to choose their own work schedules.

Additional Information: The Emirati government said it changed the national working hours with intentions to promote a healthy work-life balance and improve social well-being while advancing the country’s economic competitiveness.

BAL Analysis: The new working week intends to align the UAE’s financial and public sectors with the global market.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Emirati government has suspended the entry of travelers from South Africa and six other countries.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe in the 14 days before intended arrival are barred from entering the country.
  • UAE nationals, diplomatic missions, official delegations between UAE and the seven countries, and golden residence holders are excluded from the entry ban but must:
    • Have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure. The certificate must have a QR code.
    • Take a rapid-PCR test at the airport within six hours of departure, in which the result must have a QR code, and another PCR test at the airport upon arrival.
    • Undergo a 10-day quarantine and take a PCR test on the ninth day in the country.
  • Individuals will continue to be able to travel from the UAE to any of the seven countries listed above.

Additional Information: Official delegations are required to quarantine at the airport until the test result is received for them to continue their mission in UAE without the 10-day quarantine. Individuals coming from a third country who have been in one of the aforementioned countries in the 14 days before arrival must stay in that third country for at least 14 days before continuing to the UAE. The UAE is one of several countries to add entry restrictions in response to the emergence of the new virus variant.

BAL Analysis: The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus will make travel to the UAE from Southern Africa more difficult in the days and weeks ahead. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has launched a five-year multiple entry visa for international businesses with offices registered in Dubai.

Key Points:

  • The five-year multiple entry visa allows foreign nationals to visit their employer’s Dubai office and stay in the country for up to 90 days per year for the visa’s five-year duration.
  • Foreign nationals who need to stay longer than 90 days can apply for an additional 90-day extension.
  • Paid work activities are not permitted on this visa.

Additional Information: In October, the Emirati government announced a similar five-year tourist visa available in other emirates apart from Dubai. The new five-year multiple entry visa creates a path for travelers to stay and carry out unpaid business activities in Dubai.

BAL Analysis: The new visa is intended to simplify visa application procedures and provide more paths for foreign nationals needing to enter Dubai. BAL will continue to monitor visa-related developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has created a new residence visa for foreign nationals wanting to retire in the United Arab Emirates.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals are eligible for retirement residence visa if they do one of the following:
    • Invest in property worth more than one million UAE Dirham.
    • Show proof of at least one million UAE Dirham in a bank account.
    • Have an active income of at least 180,000 UAE Dirham per year.

BAL Analysis: The retiree visa scheme will allow qualifying foreign nationals who have worked in the UAE to stay in the country after retirement. Authorities hope the new program will boost foreign investment in the country. BAL will continue to monitor retirement visa developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The U.S. will soon lift entry restrictions for fully vaccinated nonimmigrant foreign nationals traveling from Europe and other areas that have been subject to “physical presence” entry bans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some European countries continue to enforce entry restrictions on travelers from the U.S., especially for travelers who are not fully vaccinated.

Entry requirements are as follows:

  • Czech Republic. U.S. citizens and residents can enter the country if they have a residence permit or short-term visa issued by the Czech Republic or another EU country, or they have a long-term visa issue by another EU country. Travelers must complete an entry form before arrival and applicable health requirements. More information regarding entry restrictions can be found here.
  • France. The French government moved the U.S. to its “amber list” on Sept. 9. U.S. travelers who are not vaccinated must give a compelling reason to be able to enter France. No restrictions apply to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers. Additional entry requirements and heath measures can be found here.
  • Germany. Travelers who are coming from or have been in the U.S. within 10 days of entering Germany must be fully vaccinated or demonstrate an important reason for entering the country. More information can be found here.
  • Ireland. Fully vaccinated travelers coming from the U.S. can enter the country without COVID-19 testing. Those who are not fully vaccinated must take a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and quarantine for 14 days or until they receive a negative PCR test after 5 days. More information regarding entry requirements can be found here.
  • Italy. Individuals traveling from or have been in the U.S. within 14 days of intended arrival must present a PCR or rapid test that was taken within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of vaccination status. Travelers must complete the digital passenger locator form before entering the country. Additional entry requirement and information can be found here.
  • Netherlands. Officials designated the U.S. as a “high risk area” on Oct. 22. Only U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated or fall under an exemption category will be allowed to enter the country. Travelers arriving from the U.S. do not have to quarantine upon arrival. More information regarding entry requirements can be found here.
  • Poland. U.S. citizens and residents can enter the county but must quarantine for 10 days. Travelers may be exempt from the mandatory quarantine if they meet one of the exemptions listed here. More information on Poland’s entry requirements can be found here.
  • Spain. As of Sept. 6, U.S. travelers are subject to the general travel restrictions for non-essential travelers from third countries to EU and Schengen Area. Non-vaccinated U.S. travelers are banned from entering the country until further notice. A full list of travel restriction exemptions can be found here.
  • Sweden. Officials removed the U.S. from its safe-countries list on Sept.6. U.S. travelers may no longer enter the country for non-essential reasons, regardless of vaccination status. Beginning Nov. 5, fully vaccinated U.S. travelers can enter the country. More information on Swedish travel restrictions from the U.S. can be found here and here.
  • Switzerland. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents can enter the country. More information on entry requirements for those who are not fully vaccinated can be found here. Travelers can visit this website visit to check if they can enter Switzerland.
  • United Kingdom. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and residents must book and pay for a COVID-19 test, complete a passenger locator form and take a COVID-19 test on or before day two of arrival. Those who are not fully vaccinated must take a COVID-19 test within three days before arrival, book and pay for day-two and day-eight COVID-19 tests, complete a passenger locator form and quarantine for at least 10 days. More entry requirements, including the need to show proof of U.S. residency, can be found here.

Additional Information: Many European countries lifted bans on travel from the U.S. in June only to re-impose some restrictions in August and September after the European Union removed the U.S. from its “green list” of safe countries. Entry requirements and health protocols may change with little notice and travelers should be sure to check their destination country’s requirements before travel. Employers and employees should continue to consult their BAL professional before planning any international travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has published application requirements for five-year tourist visas in Abu Dhabi and other emirates apart from Dubai.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals must submit the following documents on this website when applying for the five-year tourist visa:
    • A personal photo (in color, not black and white).
    • A copy of the applicant’s passport.
    • Proof of medical insurance.
    • A bank statement showing the last six months with at least US$4,000 or foreign currency equivalent.
  • Five-year tourist visa holders can enter and leave the country multiple times but cannot stay more than 90 days annually unless they submit a visa extension application while in the UAE.

Additional Information: The five-year tourist visa is available to all nationalities and is designed to be nonexclusive.

BAL Analysis: Paid work activities are not allowed on the five-year tourist visa. BAL will continue to monitor tourist visa developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has removed the COVID-19 testing requirement to enter the Abu Dhabi.

Key Points:

  • As of Sept. 19, individuals are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test when entering Abu Dhabi but must be fully vaccinated.
  • Abu Dhabi residents and residents of other Emirates other than Dubai can check their return eligibility status here.
  • Dubai Residents should apply for return permit approval here.

Additional Information: Some nationalities are now allowed to return without a General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) approval. The notification will be flagged when the employee enters their file number on the GDRFA website. The decision to reduce testing requirements follows the committee’s announcement that that COVID-19 infection rate is at 0.2 percent of total tests taken. Recently, officials reduced travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for individuals arriving from many countries.

BAL Analysis: Inbound travelers now face fewer restrictions and requirements when entering Abu Dhabi. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Emirati government recently lifted its travel ban for qualifying foreign nationals from 15 countries.

Key Points:

  • As of Sept. 12, fully vaccinated foreign nationals who hold valid United Arab Emirates residence visas may return to the country from the following countries:
    • Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.
  • To be eligible to enter the country, travelers from the aforementioned countries must:
    • Submit an entry application and vaccination application through this website.
    • Provide a negative PCR test with a QR code taken within 48 hours of departure.
    • Take PCR tests on the fourth and eighth day of arrival.
  • Abu Dhabi residents and residents of other Emirates can check their return eligibility status here.
  • Dubai Residents should apply for return permit approval here.

Additional Information: Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the eligibility requirements. All previously announced heath measures remain in place for unvaccinated individuals from the aforementioned countries.

BAL Analysis: Individuals from the countries above will be able to enter the UAE if they have valid residence visas. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.