CORONAVIRUS COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
Publication
15 November 2020This is information is current as of November 15, 2020
For all queries, we ask that you consult our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and you contact us using our Contact Us form
Ireland
What requirements are in place for those travelling to Ireland?
A negative Covid-19 test is not required to enter Ireland. However, you should check your airline requirements prior to travelling.
For a period of six weeks from 22 October, Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19, with people asked to stay at home with certain exceptions. Further information is available on the Government of Ireland website.
Ireland is currently implementing the new EU ‘traffic lights’ approach to travel,which provides for regions across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to be categorised as green, orange, red or grey, on the basis of the risk levels associated with COVID-19. Non EU/EAA countries are categorised as red/grey.
The Irish Health Authorities require anyone coming into Ireland, apart from Northern Ireland and other exempt categories, to restrict their movements for 14 days, this includes:
- Irish citizens coming home
- people with no symptoms
- people who have tested negative for the virus in a red or grey region prior to arrival
The Irish Government announced that from midnight on 29 November, all passengers arriving from orange, red or grey regions must restrict their movements for 14 days (other than exempt categories). This period of restricted movement can end if you receive a negative result from a PCR test taken a minimum of 5 days after arrival in Ireland. You should continue to restrict your movements until your receive your test result.
Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. To ensure that this is being observed all passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are obliged to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form in advance of arrival. Exemptions are in place for providers of essential supply chain services such as hauliers, pilots and maritime staff. You will have to fill out a portion of the form if you are travelling on to Northern Ireland. Check the Irish Government Advice Page for full information on these requirements. Further advice for people who have recently returned from abroad is available from the HSE.
General public health advice on travel to Ireland, including a link to Ireland’s COVID tracker app, is available here
Can I apply for a new Irish passport?
The processing of passport applications has been paused while Ireland is at Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. Passport renewal applications can still be submitted online and processing will resume at Level 4 restrictions or below.
Further information is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs website
I want to submit an application for an Irish visa. Can I still apply?
Ireland VFS Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait City reopened on Monday, 22 June 2020. VACs will only accept “D” category long-stay applications from visa required nationals residing in the UAE and Kuwait.
Priority/Emergency visa applications will continue to be processed. Further information can be found here.
Ireland visa queries may be sent by submitted via the Contact Us form at the end of the page.
United Arab Emirates
What international travel measures have been announced by the UAE?
The UAE Government and the Government of Dubai have announced new international travel protocols that apply to citizens, residents, visitors and transit passengers.
We advise those planning to travel to consult official published guidelines, and to clarify requirements with your airline or travel provider.
Information on travel to, from and through the UAE is available on Etihad Travel Updates and Emirates Travel Updates.
It is mandatory to wear facemasks in public and to adhere to social distancing measures.
You should monitor local media and comply with the directions of local authorities.
Abu Dhabi
What restrictions have been put in place by the government in the United Arab Emirates?
The Abu Dhabi government announced a ban on entering and exiting the emirate and travelling between its regions (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra) from June 2. Travel between the regions of Abu Dhabi is permitted from 22 June, if you can meet the below requirements.
The Abu Dhabi government announced that from 5 September entry to the emirate will be granted to those able to demonstrate receipt of a negative PCR Covid-19 test result OR a negative DPI laser test result within the previous 48 hours. The Abu Dhabi government announced that from November 8th, residents and visitors who enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi and stay for four or more consecutive days will be required to take a PCR test on the 4th day of entry. If they stay for eight or more consecutive days, they must take another PCR test on the eighth day.
It is recommended that you pre-book your DPI laser test appointment in advance on a dedicated website or by using the SEHA app. Walk-in appointments are available.
International passengers arriving in Dubai and travelling to the emirate of Abu Dhabi by road should adhere to the updated guidelines for international arrivals to Abu Dhabi published on 17 September. Permission to enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi is at the discretion of UAE authorities.
How can UAE residents abroad return to the UAE?
The UAE authorities announced on 12 August 2020 that UAE residency visa holders abroad no longer require prior approval by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to return to the UAE.
The ICA advises residents abroad to enter their details on the ICA portal to confirm their eligibility to return to the UAE, in accordance with their UAE residence visa validity.
Residents abroad with expired visas should contact their UAE sponsor to liaise with the immigration authorities.
Queries on approval to return to the UAE should be directed to the airline or travel provider, or the ICA.
Can I transit through the UAE?
Passenger transfer services through the UAE have resumed. Please see Emirates and Etihad websites or contact your travel provider for further information.
Can I visit the UAE?
The Irish Government is advising all Irish citizens against non-essential foreign travel. Anyone returning to Ireland, except from Northern Ireland, will be required to restrict their movements for 14 days upon arrival.
Entry to Abu Dhabi, via Abu Dhabi airport, is currently only permitted for UAE citizens and residency visa holders. The Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khamiah airports are open to international visitors.
What documents do I need to travel to Abu Dhabi airport from another emirate?
The Abu Dhabi government announced that from 5 September entry to the emirate will be granted to those able to demonstrate receipt of a negative PCR Covid-19 test result OR a negative DPI laser test result within the previous 48 hours. It is recommended that you allow sufficient time to undergo a DPI test and traffic delays at the Abu Dhabi border.
Passports and flight booking confirmation should be produced if requested by officials to travel to the airport.
What are the Abu Dhabi requirements for COVID testing prior to travel?
On 23 July, the UAE Authorities announced new requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to travel to the UAE from all countries.
https://covid19.ncema.gov.ae/en/News/Details/1393
Arriving
All passengers flying to Abu Dhabi will be asked at check-in to produce a printed negative result from a COVID-19 test conducted in the previous 96 hours. Digital test results will not be accepted.
You should be aware of the quarantine guidelines for passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi.
Transiting
Passengers transiting in Abu Dhabi will be required to display a negative result from a Covid-19 test conducted in the 96 hours prior to their original departure time.
Departing
Since 1 August 2020, all travellers departing from Abu Dhabi to the EU, UK and other destinations need to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours prior to their departure. Children under the age of 12 and those with severe and moderate disabilities are exempt from the test requirement.
There are different requirements when travelling from Dubai, please see Dubai section below for further information.
Additional information is available on Etihad Travel Updates
Testing requirements change frequently and we strongly urge all passengers to double-check the requirements for COVID testing with their airline prior to travel.
Special requirements may be in place if you are transiting through certain countries, such as France. You should confirm transit rules with your airline prior to travel. Transit options through Germany are limited at present; you should check the connection options prior to booking.
If you are transiting through the UK and either staying airside, i.e. aren’t passing through immigration control, or travelling to a different airport to get an onward flight connection to Ireland, you must fill out a UK passenger locator form in advance of travel.
You should be aware of the possibility of flight changes or cancellations and should contact the airline to confirm travel details.
What quarantine measures are in place for those returning to Abu Dhabi?
Updated guidelines for international passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi were published on 17 September. Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi will be required to go through thermal screening and may be tested for Covid-19. There will be a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at home or in a designated facility. If remaining in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, you may be required to wear a medically-approved tracking wristband for the duration of the quarantine period. There are exemptions for those under 18, over 60 or suffering from a chronic disease. A further PCR test should be undertaken on day 12. If the result is negative, the wristband will be removed when the quarantine ends on day 14. You should follow the directions of the local authorities on arrival.
Further information is available on the Etihad Airlines website.
Quarantine guidelines for traveller to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are available for the UAE Government Information website. There are alternative quarantine guidelines for passengers arriving at Ras Al Khaimah.
Dubai
Can I travel by road to Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi government announced that from 5 September entry to the emirate will be granted to those able to demonstrate receipt of a negative PCR Covid-19 test result OR a negative DPI laser test result within the previous 48 hours. The Abu Dhabi government announced that from November 8th, residents and visitors who enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi and stay for four or more consecutive days will be required to take a PCR test on the 4th day of entry. If they stay for eight or more consecutive days, they must take another PCR test on the eighth day.
International passengers arriving in Dubai and travelling to the emirate of Abu Dhabi by road should adhere to the updated guidelines for international arrivals to Abu Dhabi published on 17 September. Permission to enter the emirate of Abu Dhabi is at the discretion of UAE authorities.
It is recommended that you pre-book your DPI laser test appointment in advance on a dedicated website or by using the SEHA app. Walk-in appointments are available.
How can Dubai residents abroad return to the UAE?
Dubai residents should refer to the guidelines published by the Government of Dubai on 23 June.
Dubai residency visa holders must apply to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for permission to return to the UAE. Any queries on permission to return to Dubai should be directed to the airline or the GDRFA.
Can I transit through the UAE?
Passenger transfer services through the UAE have resumed. Please see Emirates and Etihad websites or contact your travel provider for further information.
Can I visit Dubai?
The Irish Government is advising all Irish citizens against non-essential foreign travel. Anyone returning to Ireland, except from Northern Ireland, will be required to restrict their movements for 14 days upon arrival.
The Government of Dubai has announced that visitors can travel to Dubai from 7 July. Information as to what visitors need to do before they travel and what will happen on arrival in Dubai is available on the Visit Dubai website.
Abu Dhabi airport is closed to incoming international tourists and cannot be used a point of entry for onward travel to Dubai.
What are the Dubai requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to travel?
Arriving
UAE Residents flying to Dubai from certain countries have the option to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96hrs from the date of the test before departure OR take the COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
Tourists travelling to Dubai are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96hrs from the date of the test before departure, except for passengers coming from the UK and Germany who have the option to take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
Requirements can vary depending on the departure and arrival destination - please confirm the latest requirements on the Emirates website or check with your travel provider for confirmation prior to travel.
Transiting
If you are transiting in Dubai, a Covid-19 test is only mandatory for those arriving from specified countries and/or if the destination country requires it. The list of countries is available from Emirates website.
Departing
On 2 October, the Dubai Media Office announced those travelling from Dubai are only required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test prior to departure if their destination country requires a pre-travel negative test certificate. Passengers travelling to Ireland are not required to present a negative Covid-19 test result on arrival in Ireland.
Additional information is available from Emirates Travel Updates.
If you are travelling from Abu Dhabi Airport, additional information is available from Etihad Travel Updates
Testing requirements change frequently and we strongly urge all passengers to double-check the requirements for COVID testing with their airline prior to travel.
Special requirements may be in place if you are transiting through certain countries, such as France. You should confirm transit rules with your airline prior to travel. Transit options through Germany are limited at present; you should check the connection options prior to booking.
If you are transiting through the UK and either staying airside, i.e. aren’t passing through immigration control, or travelling to a different airport to get an onward flight connection to Ireland, you must fill out a UK passenger locator form in advance of travel.
You should be aware of the possibility of flight changes or cancellations and should contact the airline to confirm travel details.
What quarantine measures are in place for those returning to Dubai?
Residents returning to Dubai who opt for a PCR test on arrival should quarantine until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result and adhere to the travel requirements on the Emirates Airline website.
Quarantine is not required for those who opt to take a PCR test prior to travelling. If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, you should quarantine immediately.
Any passenger flying into Dubai for onward travel to Abu Dhabi will need to comply with the Abu Dhabi guidelines.
Quarantine guidelines for traveller to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are available for the UAE Government Information website. There are alternative quarantine guidelines for passengers arriving at Ras Al Khaimah.
UAE Visa Status
I am an Irish citizen and I need to update or change my UAE visa status. Can I do this?
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced on 13th April that visas and entry permits that expired after 1 March 2020 would be valid until the end of December 2020. This decision was revoked from 12 July 2020. Further information is available on the UAE Information and Services website.
Residents abroad with expired visas should contact their UAE sponsor to liaise with the immigration authorities.
If your visa has been cancelled, you will need to leave the UAE within 30 days or change the status of your visa to remain in the country legally.
Irish citizens currently in the UAE on expired visit visa should seek to update their status in the UAE.
If you have questions on the validity or expiry of your visa, or on change of visa status (e.g. From a Resident visa to a Visit visa) you should contact UAE Immigration – see the ICA or GDRFA websites.
Emergencies
Who should I contact in an emergency situation?
For emergencies involving an Irish Citizen please call the Embassy in Abu Dhabi on +971(0)2 495 8200.
• You will be asked to leave a message on the answering machine.
• Remember to state:
o your name,
o the nature of the problem,
o where you are now, and
o the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (e.g. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying).
• If necessary, contact the police also.
• The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer at the Embassy will contact you as soon as possible.
• Please note that the Duty Officer will deal with emergencies only.
• Any non-emergency messages left will have to be deleted to preserve space.
Qatar
I am an Irish citizen in Qatar – can I leave?
According to Qatar’s Travel and Return Policy during COVID-19, Qatar citizens and residents can travel abroad at any time, provided they adhere to the travel and return policy. The policy advises employees to consult with their employer/sponsor about their proposed dates of travel, as the employer/sponsor must make the application for permission to return to Qatar.
We ask that you Register on our Citizens Registration portal - https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/
If you have a query or require an essential service, please complete our Contact Us form.
If you wish to discuss your situation, we can arrange to call you back.
I am a Qatar resident but currently abroad. Can I return to Qatar?
The Qatar authorities announced new procedures to facilitate the return of Qatar residents abroad from 1 August. Qatar ID holders must receive approval to travel to Qatar in advance of booking their travel. The application for permission to enter Qatar must be made by the employer or sponsor. The granting of approval to return to Qatar is at the discretion of Qatari authorities. Applications for approval must be submitted through the Qatar Portal.
Those travelling to Qatar from low-risk countries are required to take a PCR test before travelling at one of the Ministry of Public Health approved test centres, or on arrival in Qatar if there is no approved test centre in the country of departure. It is mandatory to download the Ehteraz app and to sign a declaration to adhere to home quarantine of seven days. On the sixth day, the traveller must visit a dedicated health centre to get another PCR test. If the result is negative, the quarantine requirement will end after seven days.
From Friday 20th November, Ireland is no longer classified as a low-risk country. Passengers travelling to Qatar from Ireland will be required to take a PCR test on arrival in Qatar and complete seven days of quarantine in a government-approved quarantine hotel. There will be a further test on the sixth day. If the result is negative, quarantine will continue at home for a further seven days. Exemptions from hotel quarantine for vulnerable groups and their immediate family members are listed in the Ministry of Public Health FAQs.
The quarantine hotel booking must be made through the Discover Qatar portal. Guidelines on home quarantine can be found here. The status on the Ehteraz app will change to green at the end of the quarantine period.
Can I visit Qatar?
Entry to Qatar has been restricted to Qatari citizens and their family members since 16 March. Qatar residents abroad have been permitted to return to Qatar from 1 August.Transit passengers travelling on to another destination can still transfer through Qatar.
Kuwait
The Kuwaiti Goverment announced the partial resumption of commercial flights to and from Kuwait from 1 August 2020. Citizens and residency visa holders, with some exceptions, are permitted to enter Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti authorities announced on 29 July that all passengers arriving in Kuwait must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test conducted in the previous 72 hours. Passengers are strongly advised to confirm the requirements for COVID testing with their airline prior to travel.
https://www.dgca.gov.kw/NewsDetails/Index/112
https://www.kuwaitairport.gov.kw/en/travellers/
It is mandatory to download the Shlonik contact tracing app before departure. Passengers arriving in Kuwait will be required to go through thermal screening and may be tested for Covid-19. There will be a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at home at the address registered on the Shlonik app. You should follow the directions of the local authorities.
The Kuwait authorities advise those travelling to or from Kuwait to register their details on the Kuwait Mosafer app.
Departing passengers should confirm travel requirements with their airline and/or on the Kuwait Civil Aviation website.
The Kuwaiti Government automatically extended visit and residency visas of those in Kuwait that expired after 1 March to 30 November 2020.
Testing requirements change frequently and we strongly urge all passengers to double-check the requirements for COVID testing with their airline prior to travel.
Special requirements may be in place if you are transiting through certain countries, such as France. You should confirm transit rules with your airline prior to travel. Transit options through Germany are limited at present; you should check the connection options prior to booking.
If you are transiting through the UK and either staying airside, i.e. aren’t passing through immigration control, or travelling to a different airport to get an onward flight connection to Ireland, you must fill out a UK passenger locator form in advance of travel.
You should be aware of the possibility of flight changes or cancellations and should contact the airline to confirm travel details.
We ask that you Register on our Citizens Registration portal - https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/
If you have a query or require an essential service, please complete our Contact Us form.
If you wish to discuss your situation, we can arrange to call you back.