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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has announced that a new Green Visa is available to foreign nationals seeking residency in the country.

Key Points:

  • Entrepreneurs, investors, highly skilled professionals and top achievers are eligible to apply for the Green Visa without being sponsored by a business.
  • Green Visa holders may sponsor parents and children who are 25; previously, visa holders could only sponsor their male dependents until they were 21.
  • Green visas hold validity for five years while the golden visa is 10 years. As of now, the two visas only differ in the visa duration.

Additional Information: The Emirati government further explained that the Green Visa will be a continuation of its existing visas schemes and work alongside the golden and tourist visas. The government has not provided additional information on eligibility requirements or application guidelines.

BAL Analysis: The new Green Visa will allow foreign nationals the ability to enter the country without an employer sponsorship. More details on how the system will work should be announced in the coming weeks. BAL will continue to monitor Green 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 Emirati government recently announced that it has opened tourist visa applications to fully vaccinated individuals from all countries.

Key Points:

  • As of Aug. 30, all fully vaccinated individuals from any country may apply for a tourist visa.
  • Individuals who are arriving on tourist visas must take a PCR test at the airport.
  • All previous heath protocols remain in place; unvaccinated individuals will not be able to apply for a tourist visa.
  • Tourist visa holders may carry out business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, trainings and associated activities.

Additional Information: To be eligible for tourist visas, individuals must have received a World Health Organization approved vaccine. Individuals may register their vaccination certificates through the Al Hosn application or ICA platform to receive additional benefits.

BAL Analysis: 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.

Authorities recently announced that passengers from 70 countries do not need to apply for visitor visas before traveling to Abu Dhabi.

Key Points:

  • Under a change that took effect Aug. 17, individuals from 70 countries may obtain visitor visas upon arrival in Abu Dhabi.
    • The list includes travelers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Russia, the U.S. and the U.K.
  • If individuals are already in the UAE, and their resident visas have been cancelled or tourist visas have expired, they may apply for a long-term single-entry tourist visa.
  • More information on different available visitor visas can be found here.

Additional Information: Indian citizens are now eligible to apply for a visa upon arrival in Abu Dhabi if they have a passport with at least 6 months of validity and a U.S. visitor visa, U.S. green card or hold U.K. or EU residency that is valid for at least 6 months. All pre-arranged entry visas, including new residence visas, that were issued before March 17, 2020, have now been canceled.

BAL Analysis: 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 Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) recently announced that valid residency visa holders traveling from restricted countries must apply for pre-entry approval.

Key Points:

  • All valid residency visa holders traveling from restricted countries must apply for pre-entry approval on the ICA website.
    • Dubai residents must obtain entry approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
  • To be eligible for pre-entry approval, individuals must have:
    • Received their full vaccination in the UAE.
    • Had 14 days pass since the last dose was administered.
    • Obtained a vaccination certificated approved by UAE official authorities.
  • Individuals are exempt from the vaccination requirements if they are:
    • Medical personnel working in the country.
    • Residents working in education.
    • Students in the UAE.
    • Workers in the federal or local government.
    • Completing medical treatment in the UAE or in need of humanitarian considerations.

Additional Information: Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate with QR code linked to the original results. The test must have been conducted within 48 hours of departure at an approved laboratory. Pre-entry approval is mandatory is mandatory to return to any airport in the UAE besides Dubai. More information for Dubai’s entry requirements can be found here.

BAL Analysis: 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 United Arab Emirates updated its travel requirements for individuals arriving from India and five other countries.

Key Points:

  • All passengers with a valid UAE residence visa may travel to and through Dubai from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda if they meet the following requirements:
    • Dubai visa holders must apply for pre-entry approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
    • Travelers must have a valid COVID-19 PCR test certificate conducted within 48 hours of departure.
    • Travelers must conduct a rapid PCR test 4 hours before their scheduled departure.
    • Travelers must conduct a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
  • UAE citizens are now exempt from the above requirements except for completing a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
  • UAE residents flying from any of the above countries no longer need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter Dubai.

Additional Information: All other individuals who have been in one of the aforementioned countries within 14 days of intended arrival are barred from entering Dubai. Only PCR tests from certified labs that issue QR codes linking to the original results will be accepted.

BAL Analysis: 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.