Many countries have resumed the visa activities allowing people to travel abroad from the UAE during winter holidays. There are some guidelines that need to be followed by UAE residents while applying for visas to travel abroad. With countries resuming their tourism services and global travel industry cautiously coming back active, flights from the UAE to several countries have also commenced.

But travelling amid coronavirus pandemic has its own set of regulations and challenges necessary to be followed by all travelers. The first step before embarking on the ‘new normal’ journey is to apply for a visa.

Experts at VFS Global at Dubai, the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services which are specialist for governments and diplomatic missions globally, have extended some common questions asked by travelers and the solutions while applying for a visa, and measures to ensure safety of everyone.

1.Should I carry a Covid-19 medical certificate while visiting a visa application centre?

VFS Global does not mandate or ask for any COVID-19-related medical certificates. However, they can be required for certain countries’ visa applications as per the official checklist. VFS Global offers appointment booking service for COVID-19 Diagnostic test before flight departure in the UAE. Test samples may be submitted at the partnered certified laboratory in Ajman, Dubai, or Sharjah, or at any location of choice using the ‘At Your Doorstep’ service. Customer can also schedule an online appointment or call the Call Centre at +971 42055906 for more information.

2.If I have valid visa obtained before lockdown has expired now, do I need to re-apply?

If the visa is already expired or is soon to expire, it is required to apply for visa again for that country. If you are already in a foreign country and visa is due to expire, approach the relevant visa or immigration authorities of that country for assistance.

3.To ensure physical distancing, can visa be applied from home or office?

‘Visa At Your Doorstep service’ can be used for a convenient visa application process from the safety home or office. The service is available for select destination countries.

4.Are physical distancing, health and safety norms to be followed at Visa Application Centres?

To ensure safety of all employees it is important to follow all the norms and guidelines which have been issued by local health authorities like temperature checks and physical distancing.

5.Can passport be delivered at my address?

Optional courier service can be opted to get the passport delivered to your address for any new application submitted at centres to ensure safety of all.

6.Where to obtain latest information on operational visa application centres?

For latest updates on reopening of Visa Application Centre and other important information, please visit the COVID-19 Customer Advisories page on www.vfsglobal.com/customer-advisories. Visa related information for any country, you can visit the relevant page of the destination country on www.vfsglobal.com