Coronavirus: UAE visa suspension begins today

Effective today, the UAE has suspended all visas to foreigners. The only exceptions are diplomatic passport holders and those eligible for visa on arrival.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs clarified the rule in a recorded message on their customer service number 8005111. (Coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates)

"Please be informed that all types of entry visa issuance has been temporarily suspended until further notice, except diplomatic passport holders and visa-on-arrival," said the message.

The Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship temporarily suspended the issuance of all entry visas to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The authorities concerned have not specified till when the visa suspension will be in place. According to the FAIC, the "decision will be valid until a mechanism for medical examination has been established in the countries of departure as part of other global measures taken for the common good of all nations".

The suspension does not apply to those who have had visas issued prior to March 17.