The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, (MOFAIC) has stressed that UAE citizens wishing to travel are required to follow travel guidelines and advice related to the coronavirus pandemic. With this intent, they must also make sure that they meet all requirements and take knowledge of all the information on preventative measures in effect at their desired destinations. In this perspective, the ministry launched a dedicated page for Emirati travelers on its official website, www.mofaic.gov.ae, featuring entry requirements of other countries and related updates, as well as the categories of people allowed to travel, relevant procedures, and tests required before travel. Abdulaziz Talib Al Habsi, director of the citizens affairs department at the ministry, stated that the launch of the page comes from the UAE's efforts to ensure the safety of international travel for Emirati citizens, stressing that it prioritizes their health and safety. Emirati citizens are required to undertake the required steps prior to travel, starting from visiting relevant websites to verifying if their destination country receives visitors, then booking flight tickets, and fulfilling the requirements set by the country of destination, he added. Al Habsi advised Emirati citizens to promote a positive image of the UAE by complying with local rules and respecting all laws, guidelines and preventive measures in effect, aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus at destinations they travel to, noting that such measures differ in each country, most notably as to quarantine periods. The ministry also urged UAE citizens desiring to travel abroad to register themselves and their family members in the "Tawajudi" service through MOFAIC's website or smart application (UAEMOFAIC), to enable it to assist them in cases of emergency. Al Habsi explained that if Emirati citizens contract coronavirus while abroad, they must immediately contact the nearest UAE diplomatic mission or the ministry's call center on 0097180044444. The diplomatic mission will then coordinate with local authorities to provide them with the best hospital for treatment and a quarantine facility, he said, adding that they will bear the cost of their treatment and quarantine , he further added. The ministry stressed that Emirati citizens returning to the UAE must undergo a PCR test showing negative test results within 96 hours prior to departure, and must comply with guidelines in place upon arrival, as set by relevant UAE authorities in regards to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. — WAM
