UAE to resume issuing tourist visas Monday

As the daily number of Covid-19 positive cases continues to drop that country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said that as from Monday next week, it will resume issuing tourist visas to those who have been fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The move comes as the daily cases of people that have fallen victim to the devastating scourge is sliding in the country, having gone lower than 1,000 since last week. The vaccination rate was closing on the 92 percent mark, the highest in the world after Malta.

Both the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) jointly announced that application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries who have received the World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines.

The UAE’s official news agency WAM said: “This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth.”

Travellers who wish to receive the benefits provided to individuals vaccinated in the UAE, like visiting malls and public spaces in Abu Dhabi, can register their vaccination via the ICA platform or Al Hosn application.

 FRANK CHISOM