UAE temporarily bars entry to all passengers due to coronavirus outbreak

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has temporarily barred entry to all passengers — except UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals (excluding those from Qatar), and diplomatic passport-holders — due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a notification issued on Thursday.

In the notification released by the UAE Supreme Council for National Security, it was stated that temporary travel restriction was effective immediately, starting 8am (GMT) or 12pm (UAE local time) and "until further notice".

The ban includes "UAE Residence Visa Holders, visit/tourist visa holders and visa on arrivals of all nationalities". It is based on the higher travel advisory restriction from the UAE government.

"However, passengers are exempt from this rule while transiting through UAE airports," the notification read.

"In the event that the passenger was accepted to transit across UAE and was later denied entry at their final destination, the carriers will take full responsibility to accommodate and facilitate the passengers out of the UAE and back to their origin.

"The above travel restriction is applicable with immediate effect and airlines are required to strictly adhere to it. Please communicate the same to all airlines check-in agents and airport ground handlers," it added.