UAE extends visit visas for British tourists affected by travel ban

UAE intensifies testing to mitigate risks against new Covid-19 variants

The UAE extended visit visas without charge for British travellers affected by the UK's decision to suspend flights from the Emirates.

On Thursday, the UK added the UAE, Rwanda and Burundi to a "red list" of 30 countries subject to a travel ban.

Direct passenger flights between the UK and the UAE will be suspended from Friday and non-citizens will be barred from entering Britain from the Emirates.

The UK government said the decision was prompted by evidence of the spread of a coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa.

But the UAE would "maintain its role as an important travel and logistics hub while adhering to the highest standards of health and safety", state news agency Wam reported.

Hend Al Otaiba, director of strategic communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said the cornerstone to the UAE's fight against the pandemic was PCR testing.

"In light of new variants in other parts of the world, the UAE intensified efforts to mitigate these risks," Ms Al Otaiba said.

"New measures include requiring PCR tests for incoming travellers, imposing restrictions on entertainment venues, further limiting gatherings, and implementing awareness campaigns for the general public in a transparent and open manner.

"We are confident of our ambitious vaccination programme, which is ranked second globally in doses administered per capita, and have every confidence in our medical infrastructure and front-line workers."

Dubai International Airport during the pandemic – in pictures

Tourists from Ukraine arrive at Dubai International Airport on flydubai flight on July 10. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The Covid-19 pandemic requires everyone to maintain hygiene protocols such as wearing a mask and social distancing. AFP

An Indian passenger carries a child as she waits for a repatriation flight from Dubai International Airport. AFP

Health workers test an Indian citizen at Dubai International Airport before he boards a repatriation flight. AFP

Medics screen passengers waiting to board repatriation flights at Dubai International Airport. AFP

Passengers heading for Dubai can now be tested for Covid-19 at a greater number of facilities after the Emirates airlines recognised more clinics outside the Pure Health network. Getty Images