Dubai holidays have not been possible for several months due to the coronavirus crisis. The UAE entered a very strict lockdown in March, shutting down its borders completely. The country is now starting to ease its tough measures.
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Consequently, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its travel advice for the UAE.
In the newest update from yesterday, the FCO detailed the range of financial support from the government that Britons can access while they are unable to return due to coronavirus restrictions.
“If you’re in the UAE, and have exhausted all other options to cover essential living costs while you wait to return home, you could apply for an emergency loan for your living costs from the UK government,” said the FCO.
“You can only apply if you normally live in the UK and you cannot return home.
“This last-resort option is for those most in need, and you would need to repay the loan when you are back in the UK.”
Last week it was announced that some foreign residents, including British Nationals, are being allowed to return to the UAE.
This will be based on criteria set by the UAE authorities.
“British residents who wish to return to the UAE will have to get approval from the UAE authorities and should continue to apply online on the UAE Entry Permission Service website,” explained the FCO.
“Applications will be assessed by the UAE authorities based on their own criteria and, if approved, you will be issued with a unique reference number.
“You will need this reference number to book one of the limited flights being operated with effect from 9 May from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi and Dubai by Etihad and Emirates airlines.
“There are also details about additional restrictions for passengers before and during flights and information about what you can expect on arrival in the UAE.
“These flights are sold and operated by Etihad and Emirates airlines so you do not need to contact the British Embassy for any further travel permissions or documentation.
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“Please note that the availability of flights may change at short notice.”
The UAE has very strict measures for those entering the country in a bit to limit the spread of the virus.
The FCO clarified: “Stringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival in the UAE which may include, but are not be limited to, a mandatory Health Authority test on arrival, mandatory quarantine for at least 14 days and follow up testing before you can be released from quarantine.
“Once released from quarantine you must continue to comply with all measures put in place by the UAE authorities to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”
Tourist and cultural sites have been closed temporarily in Dubai and the UAE.
Pharmacies and supermarkets remain open while Dubai shopping malls, markets and commercial outlets will be open for restricted hours.
Social distancing and other measures continue to apply.
For now, though, Britons are unable to travel abroad unless for essential” purposes.
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