UAE temporarily canceled visa-free regime with Russia since March 19

The UAE authorities decided to close the borders for all foreign tourists, including Russians, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The decision entered into force since March 19, 2020. The period of the restrictive measure has not yet been determined.

In the evening of March 17, the UAE government made a formal decision on introducing a temporary ban on entry into the country for all foreign tourists, including Russians. The government document states that from March 19, all visas on arrival and transit visas are suspended, and the visa-free regime for citizens of countries that use it is canceled. The duration of the restrictive measure is not indicated in the document.

The UAE has suspended the issuance of entry visas since March 17. However, these restrictions did not apply to citizens of countries with which the UAE has a visa-free regime or a visa on arrival regime. Accordingly, Russian tourists had the right to freely travel to the UAE. Now, citizens of the Russian Federation will not have such an opportunity.

All unused travel visas will be canceled automatically, the visa fee will be refunded. Holders of resident and guest visas (visit visa) located in the UAE will be able to renew their visas according to the standard rules.

Holders of UAE resident visas located abroad can return to the UAE, however they will be required to undergo a quarantine regime established by the authorities.