Are you an Indian entrepreneur wishing to return to the UAE? If yes, ICA Smart Services in UAE can help you enter and tap the vibrant and growing UAE economy. Expats wanting to return to the country can return with an adequate return permit based on their granted visa and destination.
The ICA Services in Dubai enables investors to re-enter the country quickly without worrying about travel restrictions across nations. Read on to learn more about the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) Smart Services in Dubai, including entry permits, vaccine requirements, visa validity, and approval checks.
What Are ICA Smart Services?
We provide individuals with a single access point to various services. These services include visa and permission queries, fee and fine payment, and personal information updates.
Indian entrepreneurs and investors can choose from various services provided by the system. Check from the below categories and leverage.
1. Citizens
Individual residents can apply for citizen services such as passport, family book, and Emirates ID services. They can even use the same for their sponsors.
2. Visitors
Investors visiting Dubai can apply for services connected to entry visas based on their category and manage their visas once issued.
3. GCC Citizens
In addition to the Emirates ID, GCC citizens can apply for services connected to their sponsors.
4. GCC Residents
The residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council can apply for entry visas to the country in this category. They can also administrate the visa when issued.
5. UAE Residents
Individual citizens of the United Arab Emirates can apply for services from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), such as visas, residence, and Emirates ID, for themselves and their sponsors.
Is Travellers Registration Using the ICA Smart Services Mandatory?
Investors with fully vaccinated resident visas from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka may only return to the UAE if the ICA or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has granted them pre-entry authorization (GDRFA).
However, entrepreneurs possessing a recently issued resident or employment visa, a 10-year UAE golden visa, a visit visa, a short-stay or long-stay visa, an investor or partner visa, or a visa on arrival do not require pre-entry approval from the ICA.
ICA smart Services approval is not mandatory for tourists as well. Yet, visitors can check their entry status on the ICA website by entering their nationality, passport-type, passport number, Emirates ID number, and other relevant details.
How To Get the UAE Residence Entry Permit?
Follow the below step-by-step approach to obtain a UAE residency entrance permit successfully.
Step 1: Visit ICA Website
The first step before traveling to the UAE is to visit the official website of smartservices.icp.gov.ae
Step 2: Fill The Form
Next, fill out the arrivals registration form, including your name, date of birth, arrival port, departure nation, and valid email address.
Step 3: Complete Your Passport Information.
After that, you’ll have to provide information about your passports. Details such as their type and number, expiration date, and issue date are necessary.
Step 4: Provide Your Personal Details
Provide your UAE address and an active mobile phone number, and double-check that the information is correct.
Step 5: Complete COVID-19 Vaccine and Test Information.
The next step is to include the dates of your vaccinations and PCR test.
Step 6: Upload the Papers
Upload a photo of your passport and the results of your PCR test. Although it is optional, you may attach your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
Step 7: Make your Declarations
Accept the declaration, stating that the information provided is correct and that you will make every attempt to follow the UAE’s current norms and regulations.
Step 8: Click The ‘send’ Button.
Hit the ‘send’ button to send the information you’ve given. The ICA will send you an email if your application is approved.
How To Register International Vaccine Certificate on ICA?
While vaccination is not necessary for entry, non-exempt unvaccinated visitors will be unable to get the green permit needed to access public areas throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Entrepreneurs visiting the UAE who have vaccination certificates issued outside of the UAE can register their credentials with the ICA Smart Services in the UAE by following the steps below.
- Before traveling to the UAE, visit the arrival registration portal.
- Complete your register arrivals form and upload your international vaccination certificate.
- After completing the form, you will receive an SMS with a link to download the Al Hosn app.
- You will be given a Unified Identification Number (UID) when you arrive at the airport or through the ICA app or website.
- Then, using the UID and phone number used for ICA registration or when taking a PCR test in the UAE, you must download and register on the Al Hosn app.
- You will get a one-time password (OTP) to complete the Al Hosn app registration procedure. The Al Hosn app users can utilise a live QR code to check their status, vaccination information, test results, and travel test requirements.
When To Use the ICA Smart Services To Register Your Vaccine Certificate?
ICA requires you to plan your vaccine registration ahead of time. Depending on the below scenarios, you can register your vaccine certificate at the ICA.
- If you are fully vaccinated in the United Arab Emirates, then:
- You can register at any time before your flight.
- Your vaccination certificate is not required to be uploaded.
- If you’ve had all of your vaccinations outside of the United Arab Emirates, then:
- Register at least five days before your flight.
- After you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with a QR code.
- If you haven’t been vaccinated, here’s what you should do.
- You can register at any time before your flight.
- After you’ve registered, you’ll get an email with a QR code.
The UAE authorities validate their approval by checking this QR code. The UAE has also announced that COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued outside the UAE are accepted. Hence, allowing passengers with approved vaccines to complete their travel processes with ease.
What Is the Procedure For Checking the Status of UAE ICA Approval?
- Check ICA approval on the residents’ entry confirmation page.
- Fill in the following information: Emirates ID number, passport number, passport-type, and nationality.
- To continue, click ‘Check’.
- ICA approval is ready if the status message is green.
- If the ICA approval status message is red, you must wait and reapply.
How To Check UAE Visa Validity Through ICA?
Residents and travelers can use one of the ICA Services in the UAE to check their UAE visa status and validity and follow their UAE visa application progress.
Entrepreneurs need only go to the ICA dashboard and find the right service to learn about visa issuance, types, validity, or the status of their visa application. The application and reference numbers are essential for visa applicants to track their applications.
Ready To Return to UAE?
With looser travel restrictions and revived businesses, returning to the UAE is easier. Additionally, the robust economic recovery makes it the ideal time to start a business in Dubai. Speak to consultants at UAE Expansion India Branch if you’re ready to embark upon your UAE entrepreneurial journey. We do everything from guiding you down the appropriate route to turning your idea into a successful business.
