Visa application services: Q1 restart status update

Dubai UAE

Sallam Sallam

The last quarter has witnessed intermittent activity for the international travel community, with borders opening sporadically in step with vaccination drives in various regions. We at VFS Global, the world’s leading visa services organisation, would like to keep you apprised of the re-openings of Visa Application Centres in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other efforts currently undertaken according to the regulations set by our client governments. Below is a consolidation of the latest ‘restart’ updates in visa application operations in the UAE. 

At present, the visa application process (in various categories) for over 33 governments has resumed at select Visa Application Centres across UAE.

Information about visa operations listed in the below table is as of 15 April 2021. As this information is fluid and being updated regularly, please visit the country-specific website on www.vfsglobal.com for the most updated information. Real time updates are also posted on our social media channels and the COVID-19 Customer Advisories page.

Our Visa Application Centres across UAE remain open as of 22 April 2021, though timings and days of working may vary, during the month of Ramadan and according to pandemic-related regulations.

Exceptional Cases*** – Applications accepted only as per approval and instructions from the Client Government.

Please note: Air travel on all routes is subject to government advisories and permissions for air travel may be independent of the visa process.

Restart of other visa application processes

Please note that VFS Global Visa Application Centres can open only when the concerned Embassy / Consulate provides approval and directs it to do so. It does not decide on re-opening of any Centre on its own.

Some countries may have limited slots opened for appointments at present and only in certain cities. Customers are advised not to fall prey to touts or fraudsters who offer false promises of appointments / visas / job / immigration in exchange for payment.

Health and safety precautions at the Centres

As an extra layer of caution to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees alike, VFS Global has established standardised protective measures to be followed across centres, including physical distancing and sanitisation, body temperature checks, use of masks and sanitizers, disinfecting high-contact surfaces, etc. Customers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, including high fever, cough and difficulty in breathing will not be permitted to enter the centre.

‘Visa At Your Doorstep’ service

As an optional service to customers wanting to complete their entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their home or office, VFS Global continues to provide the “Visa At Your Doorstep” service whereby a customer can submit the application, enrol biometrics, and get the passport couriered back to their his/her location of choice.

COVID-19 test booking and health insurance services

Anticipating customer needs further, VFS Global introduced online booking of COVID-testing facilities in September 2020. Being ahead of the curve with their operational excellence, the company has ensured the utmost comfort to customers by allowing them to avail this facility at their doorstep as well.  For greater convenience, health and travel insurances are also readily available for purchase for customers visiting VFS Global Visa Application Centres.

Courier service

As a precautionary measure, customers may also opt for our courier services to get their passports delivered to their preferred address, after adjudication by the concerned diplomatic mission. This service may also be made mandatory by certain countries.