How To Apply for ICA or GDRFA approval for UAE Residents to Return to the UAE? (Latest 2021 Updated)

UAE residents who have been stuck outside UAE or are stranded in other restricted countries, can now return to the UAE. However, before they plan to come back, they will need to apply for GDFRA approval (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) or ICA approval (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship).
By the end of this article you will understand how easy it is to get the approval from GDFRA or ICA to return to the UAE.
Here is a simple and step by step process to apply for GDFRA approval.

There are 2 methods which you can use to get the approval.
1. Through ICA website

2. Through GDFRA website

Getting ICA Approval – The Process

• Step 1: Visit the ICA website

https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/registerArrivals

You can also visit the below link and click on the ‘Register Arrivals’, which is listed among the services offered by the ICA on their website –

https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard

• Step 2: Fill in application form (Applicant information)

Enter your details like your name (for your Arabic name, it will be auto-filled after you enter the name in English), gender, date of birth, place of birth, expected arrival date, port of arrival and departure, and email address.

Please make sure that your email id entered is accurate as a QR code will be sent to your email.

• Step 3: Fill in your passport details & Enter your UAE Details

Enter your passport details, like the passport number, date of issue and expiry, etc.

You would then need to provide your UAE address and mobile number.

• Step 4: Fill in details of your COVID-19 vaccine and PCR test dates

Enter details of the dates on which you got the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the date of the PCR test taken.

• Step 5: Upload documents

Upload your passport copies, photograph, PCR test result and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

• Step 6: Confirm details

Finally, you will be asked to sign a declaration confirming that the details are correct, and that you will adhere to all the instructions and procedures issued by the health authorities.

The approval will be sent to your email as an official notification from the ICA .

Getting GDFRA approval – The Process (only for Dubai Resident Visa Holders)

• Step 1: Visit the GDRFA website

Visit the following link – https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx

• Step 2: Search for the applicant

Search for the applicant through the residence visa number. Enter your nationality and year of birth.

• Step 3: Provide travel details

The system will then generate the basic details like your name in English and Arabic as well as your passport number.

Below this ‘Applicant information,’ there will be a section for travel information.

Enter the country you will be arriving from and the airport you will land at.

Check the box to confirm you will bear the expenses of quarantine if you are infected with COVID-19.

• Step 4: Upload documents

Upload documents including your passport copy, photograph, PCR test result, and COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Confirm the details of your application and click send.

Approval will be sent to your email as an official notification from the GDRFA through email.