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Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions
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16 MINUTE READ
March 26, 2020

What can the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai do for me?

  • The embassy and consulate disseminate accurate information in as timely a manner as possible via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) program.
  • They can distribute loans in very specific situations — for destitute Americans who require temporary emergency medical or dietary assistance.
  • In limited situations, they can provide small repatriation loans for the purpose of traveling to the United States. These loans must be paid back.

Where can I find out about COVID-19 information in the UAE?

What are some things I may want the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to do for me that it cannot do?

  • The embassy and consulate cannot change current UAE restrictions on travel for individual American travelers.
  • They cannot shield Americans from UAE law. All individuals, regardless of nationality, who are in the UAE are subject to UAE law.
  • They cannot give Americans money, except in very limited circumstances related to temporary medical or dietary needs, or as a loan to help repatriate U.S. citizens.
  • They cannot pay for hotel rooms.

What options are available for returning to the United States and the United Arab Emirates?

When will normal flight operations resume to and from the country?

  • The UAE government holds the authority on any flight restrictions and other measures.
  • We do not have any information on when normal flight operations will resume, but any new information will be passed on through UAE media channels and official Embassy communication platforms.

I’m having issues with inbound and outbound mail. When will this start back up?

  • Due to the lack of commercial air transport during COVID-19, there are delays in receiving and transporting mail via USPS and some other postal services. We do not know when this will be resolved, and encourage individuals to explore alternative methods for delivery.
  • Companies such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS are still offering services. Consider contacting them directly for shipping and receiving time-sensitive items

What services are the U.S. Embassy and Consulate providing for Americans?

I’m an American citizen with a resident visa in the UAE, but I’m unable to get back into the country due to entry restrictions. What can I do to get back into the country?

  • Americans in this situation will likely be unable to reenter the UAE until the UAE lifts entry restrictions. The UAE has provided the following phone numbers for UAE residents unable to reenter:
  • Mobile: +971501066099
  • Landline: +97192083344 or +97123128867 or +97123128865; Fax: +97125543883
  • Email: Operation@ica.gov.ae

My tourist or resident visa is set to expire. How do I get this extended?

How can I ensure I have up-to-date information from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate about COVID-19, or other developments?

  • The U.S. Embassy and Consulate has a variety of communication platforms to update Americans on COVID-19 developments and other important messages. Register for the Smart Traveler  Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive regular updates
  • We are also posting updated information on the U.S. Embassy website and on our USAinUAE Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram platforms.

Is the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate processing Immigrant or Non-Immigrant visas?

  • Due to COVID-19, the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the United States Consulate General in Dubai are cancelling routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments.  We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible, but we are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Please see this link for more information.

Where can I find out more information about absentee voting?

Where can I find out more information about the recent Presidential Proclamation “Suspending Entry of Immigrants who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak?”

Where can I go to find out the latest recommendation from the CDC?
 
I am a Green Card Holder or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). Can I return to the United States?
  • As long as you are still in status, you should able to enter the United States.
  • If you have an unused immigrant visa that will expire before you can travel to the United States, please contact the U.S. Embassy only when you are able to travel to the U.S. At that time, the Embassy will review your documents to determine if a new visa can be issued. You will have to submit a new medical exam.
  • For general information related to maintaining your LPR status, please contact USCIS directly. We cannot answer when USCIS will resume normal operations or provide information on the status of any current document they are processing for you.
I have a green card or a valid immigrant visa. Am I impacted by the recent Presidential Proclamation suspending certain immigrants from entering the United States following the COVID-19 outbreak? 
  • U.S. citizens, green card holders, Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), and those holding valid immigrant visas on the effective date of April 23, 2020, are not subject to this proclamation.
  • For additional details, please visit the  Presidential Proclamation page or Travel.State.Gov.

I have an immigrant visa. Will it be cancelled due to the recent Presidential Proclamation suspending certain immigrants from entering the United States following the COVID-19 outbreak?

When will the Presidential Proclamation “Suspending Entry of Immigrants who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak”  expire?

  • This proclamation came into effect on April 23, 2020, and will expire in 60 days, unless continued by the President.

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