requirements to travel to ghana from usa

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Ghana Travel Advisory

Travel advisory november 20, 2023, ghana - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers.

Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil unrest.

Country summary:  Violent crimes, such as carjacking and street mugging, do occur. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Exercise increased caution specifically due to crime:

• In urban areas and crowded markets
• When traveling by private or public transportation after dark as criminal elements may use blockades to slow down and restrict movement of vehicles
• In areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Ghanaian law contains prohibitions on “unlawful carnal knowledge” – generally interpreted as any kind of sexual intimacy – between persons of the same sex. Punishments can include fines and/or incarceration. Anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years. Members of the LGBTQI+ community have reported safety incidents that include targeted assault, rape, mob attacks, and harassment due to their identity.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ghana.

If you decide to travel to Ghana:

• See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Ghana.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Areas Near the Northern Border in the Upper East and Upper West Regions – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

U.S. citizens traveling in Ghana should exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular the northern border, and be sure to read Security Alerts affecting those areas. Due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote areas, travel of U.S. government personnel to the northern and northwestern border is currently limited.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Ghana Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Ghana

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ghana entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Ghana from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Can I travel to Ghana without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Ghana?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Ghana?

Mask usage in Ghana is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Ghana?

Restaurants in Ghana are open. Bars in Ghana are .

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COVID 19 UPDATE AS AT 20TH MAY 2023

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Ghana Travel Requirements

If you are planning a visit to Ghana, please review the current travel requirements and restrictions for entry into the country.

Requirements:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity and blank page for stamp
• Yellow Fever vaccine (or medical waiver)
• Travel visa issued from home country or visa on arrival
• COVID-19 restrictions vary as outlined below

COVID-19 Entry Requirements

Updated requirements from official sources are as follows:

• Based on the COVID-19 risk assessment in Ghana and global trends, the Government of Ghana has lifted existing COVID-19 travel restrictions for all arriving passengers in Ghana.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required
• COVID-19 PCR testing for unvaccinated is no longer required
• General health safety measures like hand disinfection and wearing of nose mask are recommended in all Airport Terminals and ancillary buildings for passengers’ safety

Departure Process (Passengers Exiting Ghana)

• Passengers departing Accra will be required to adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements for the destination countries.

Updated May 20, 2023

Recent Updates

Mandatory health insurance for visitors to ghana proposed.

From July 1, 2024, non-resident visitors arriving in Ghana may be required to have a health insurance policy before entry into Ghana.  …

Ghana Immigration Service Increases Prices

Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has officially announced a revision in the cost of all services, effective May 1, 2024. The adjustment in …

The African Diaspora Resource Centre is a full service travel and relocation assistance company. We provide education, resources, and support to ensure a smooth transition to Ghana.

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Visa requirements for Ghana

Apr 6, 2023 • 3 min read

Check if you're one of the tourists that will need a visa before you travel to Ghana © Gerhard Pettersson / Shutterstock

Before you head to Ghana to dive into the calming waters lapping Labadi Beach and shamelessly stuff your face with jollof rice (one of this West African country’s staple dishes), just one thing stands in your way – getting a tourist visa.

Depending on your nationality, applying for a visa to Ghana can be a tedious process, but it’s a necessary step to enter the country. The rules vary from country to country, so it's a good idea to check the latest requirements with your local Ghanaian embassy or consulate or the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) .

Here’s everything you need to know about the visa requirements for traveling to Ghana.

Some nationalities can travel to Ghana visa-free

Nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – which includes most of Ghana's close neighbors – can visit Ghana without a visa for 90 days. Citizens from Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mauritius can also visit without a visa for 60 days. 

African Union citizens can apply for a visa on arrival in Ghana

Citizens of countries in the African Union that are not part of ECOWAS – a long list that includes South Africa and countries in North Africa – can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days after paying the required fee, usually US$150. A full list of member countries can be found on the African Union website . 

Everyone else needs to apply for a visa in advance of their trip to Ghana

Other visitors must apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Ghana. To apply, you'll need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of a yellow fever vaccination (required for all visitors), a copy of your return ticket or travel itinerary, an invitation or reference letter (which can be from your accommodation in Ghana), and some passport photographs taken not more than three months before the date of the submission.

Visa requirements vary from embassy to embassy, so check with your local office for the exact requirements where you live. The visa cost varies depending on your nationality, but it is typically around US$60 for a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, and US$100 for a multiple-entry visa valid for six months. First-time visitors usually opt for a single-entry visa, but the multiple-entry visa is best if you are visiting Ghana along with other countries in the region, to avoid having to go through the visa application process again.

You can extend a tourist visa once you’re in Ghana

Visitors can extend their stay in Ghana by visiting one of the local immigration offices; there are offices throughout the country, including in Takoradi, Paga, Koforidua and Cape Coast . It is best to physically visit one of these offices when you are approaching the end date of your visa, as it can be hard to get reliable information by phone or online.

The current requirements for extending a visa can be found on the Ghana Immigration Service website – you'll need to complete the proper forms and provide two current passport-sized photographs, a letter stating your reason for an extension request if staying for more than three months, a valid airline return ticket and a valid passport, and there's a fee.

Working holiday visas are not offered in Ghana

Visitors wishing to work in Ghana must obtain a job offer from a local company and go through the complicated paperwork required by the Ghana Immigration Service to obtain a work permit. The GIS website details the application requirements , but note that work permits are usually only granted for people with specific skills that are hard to find in Ghana.

This article was first published May 5, 2022 and updated Apr 6, 2023.

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Ghana Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Ghana

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Documents & Additional resources

Ready to travel, find flights to ghana, find stays in ghana, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, netherlands, new zealand, philippines, switzerland, united arab emirates, united states, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Ghana from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Can I travel to Ghana without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Ghana?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Ghana?

Mask usage in Ghana is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Ghana?

Restaurants in Ghana are open. Bars in Ghana are .

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Ghana Healthy Travel Packing List

Pack items for your health and safety.

• You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
• This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.
• Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions
• Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
• Suture/syringe kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Altitude sickness medicine
• Medicine to prevent malaria

Medical supplies

• Glasses Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged
• Contact lenses Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
• Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Suture kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Diabetes testing supplies
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antihistamine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough drops
• Cough suppression/expectorant
• Decongestant
• Medicine for pain and fever Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Mild laxative
• Mild sedative or other sleep aid
• Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer or wipes Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes
• Water purification tablets See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection .
• Water purification tablets May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas
• Insect repellent Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites
• Permethrin Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.
• Bed net For protection against insect bites while sleeping
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure .
• Sunglasses and hat Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.
• Personal safety equipment Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets
• Latex condoms

First-aid kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Antifungal ointments
• Antibacterial ointments
• Antiseptic wound cleanser
• Aloe gel For sunburns
• Insect bite treatment Anti-itch gel or cream
• Bandages Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
• Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
• Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
• Disposable gloves
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors and safety pins
• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Health insurance documents Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination If required for your trip, take your completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis card or medical waiver
• Copies of all prescriptions Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.
• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Lodging at your destination
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

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• Do I Need a Visa?

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Ghana Visa – Requirements and Application

Do i need a visa for ghana.

A visa is required for entry to Ghana for all American citizens.

The Ghanan government can change visa requirements at any time. It is best to use a travel documents service to make sure everything is prepared for your trip.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required as part of the entry process.

See below or contact a Passport Health travel documents specialist about other visa types.

Sources: Ghana Embassy and U.S. State Department

What Do I Need for a Ghana Visa Application?

Depending on the type of visa you need for you travel, different documents will be necessary.

Documents needed are subject to change at any point. The Ghanaian government may request other documents as necessary.

See the tabs below to learn what you may need for your trip.

• Be valid for the next six months
• Contain at least one blank visa page for the visa stamp

Photograph:

• Taken within the last three months and printed on photo paper
• Taken against an all-white background
• Be 2×2 inches
• Provide full frontal view of your head with a neutral expression on your face

Proof of Travel:

• Ticket or itinerary that displays your round trip travel and entry and exit dates for Ghana
• Show traveler’s full name as printed on passport

Minor Authorization Form (if traveling with anyone under 18):

• A notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardian
• Child’s birth certificate
• Copy of both parents’ photo ID

Additional Documents:

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required
• Hotel confirmation on official hotel letterhead with hotel address and dates of stay
• If staying with family or a friend, they may write this letter instead
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination
• Business letter that includes specific purpose of travel
• Letter of inviation that is written on company letterhead, includes dates of your stay and full name and local address of traveler

While other visa types are available, their requirements can vary greatly. Contact us to find out what you may need for your specific trip.

How Can Passport Health Help Me With the Visa Process?

Passport Health’s travel documents team will walk you through the visa process step-by-step and handle the sometimes difficult communication with embassies and consulates. Contact us today to start your worry-free visa processing.

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Passport health – visas for ghana, how much do ghana visas cost.

Fees associated with visas for Ghana can vary based on visa type and length of stay. Costs can range from $160 to over $250 depending on your needs. Ghana reserves the right to change the cost of visas and visa processing at any time.

Do note, the visa fees do not include additional service fees requested by the Ghana government, cost of postage, etc.

Are Any Vaccines Required for Ghana?

A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers visiting Ghana over the age of nine months.

There are some other health risks travlers to Ghana should keep in mind. Malaria is present in the country as well as typhoid and cholera . Learn more about what vaccinations you may need with our Ghana destination advice page .

U.S. Embassy in Ghana

All U.S. citizens visiting Ghana should register with the STEP program before their trip. This State Department program provides extra information and support in case of emergency. Passport Health’s travel documents staff can assist you in registering.

Once in Ghana, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Ghana No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra P.O. Box GP 2288 Accra, Ghana Phone: +233 (0) 30 274 1000

Visit the Embassy to Ghana website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.

For More Information About Ghana…

See Passport Health’s Ghana destination advice page with information on safety, climate and more. Or, start you visa process by contacting us today!

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US Visa Application: US Embassy In Ghana Transitions To New Visa Application Website

• The US Embassy in Accra has moved to a new visa services provider after an earlier announcement to applicants
• Access to the previous provider’s website and application services were discontinued on August 16, 2024
• US visa applicants are now required to visit the new visa service provider’s website to create a user account

PAY ATTENTION : YEN Entertainment Awards 2024: 3rd Edition's Candidates are Shortlisted. It's Time to Vote for the Best Entertainer in Ghana! Share Your Voice Now.

The US Embassy in Accra has officially transitioned to a new visa services provider after an earlier notice .

The change marks the end of access to the previous provider’s website and services, which were discontinued on August 16, 2024.

Graphic Online reported that the current nonimmigrant visa interview appointments remain valid under the new system.

Applicants must visit the new visa service provider’s website to create a user account, which will be used to update DHL delivery preferences, among other things.

NIA withholds more than 100,000 Ghana cards over multiple registration

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US visa applicants who have paid the application fees but have not yet scheduled an interview can do so via the new website. The new appointment requests will be subject to availability.

Previous US visa developments

US Embassy announced the release of the Diversity Visa selections on May 6, providing a link to check one's status and warning applicants against potential scams.

The Diversity Visa Programme was opened for registration from October 4 to November 7, 2023.

The lottery programme offers winners permanent residency in the US, also called a green card. More than 50,000 successful applicants will receive permanent residence in the US from the country's government.

However, one could be disqualified from applying for the DV lottery. In addition to ineligible countries, applicants who provide misleading claims and information will be eliminated.

Ghana man on detention at Brazil’s Guarulhos International Airport reported dead

The US Embassy has said the number of Ghanaians applying for visas has risen by 200 percent since 2019.

$15,000 fraud involving Nicaragua visa

YEN.com.gh reported that a travel consultant is in trouble with the law after allegedly defrauding a tour operator of $15,000.

Margius Adjei, 47, is accused of taking the amount from Rashman Travel and Tours's CEO.

Adjei promised to secure Nicaraguan visas for 20 Rashman Travel and Tours clients within three months.

Proofread by Berlinda Entsie, journalist and copy editor at YEN.com.gh

PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!

Source: YEN.com.gh

Delali Adogla-Bessa (Current Affairs Editor) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: [email protected].

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UAE visa amnesty: No ban or fine will be implemented – all the details explained

Violators can either adjust their visa status, or exit the country within 14 days

Abu Dhabi: People on all types of visa - residence or visit visa - who have overstayed their visa can avail of the upcoming amnesty, and either adjust their visa status by applying for a new visa, or exit the country within 14 days, as per a press conference today, Wednesday, August 28, in Abu Dhabi, by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

The details were announced during a press conference held on Wednesday, August 28. At the media briefing, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Acting Director General of the Authority, stated: "The initiative to regularise the status of violators enhances values of tolerance, compassion, and social cohesion and offers exceptional support to violators, assisting them in taking the necessary steps to rectify their situations during the grace period through flexible and simplified procedures, while also exempting them from financial penalties related to visas, residency, identity cards, establishment cards."

Major General Sultan Yusuf Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and Khalil Ibrahim Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Human Resources Affairs at the Ministry of Human Rescourses and Emiratisation (MOHRE), also answered questions on how the amnesty will help people regularise their residency status.

The amnesty will come into effect from September 1.

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Here are all the details you need to know:

When will the amnesty period be applicable?

The amnesty exempting violators from financial fines and administrative restrictions will start from from September 1, 2024 for a period of two months.

Who can benefit from the amnesty?

1. residency violators.

Holder of a residence permit in the illegal residence category after the grace period has ended and the period has expired or been cancelled.

2. Visa violator

Holder of a visa after the period of stay specified for him or her in the country has ended.

3. Absconding cases

Those listed in the administrative lists of ‘Report of interruption of work’.

4. Foreigners born in the country

Those whose guardian has not confirmed their residence within four months from the date of birth.

Categories that do not benefit from the grace period:

1. Residence and visa violators after September 1, 2024.

2. Those on the list of work interruption report (absconding) after September 1, 2024.

3. Deportation cases – individuals deported from the country or the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Grace period benefits

1. exemptions from five types of fines..

• Administrative fines resulting from staying in the country illegally.
• Establishment card fines.
• Identity card fines.
• Violation of not providing the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) with an employment contract.
• Violation of not providing MOHRE with an employment contract renewal.

2. Exemption from fees

• Residence and visa cancellation fee.
• Work interruption report filing fee.
• Departure fees.
• Residence and visa details fees.
• Departure permit fees.

3. Not being banned from entering the country

The violator is allowed to leave the country after settling his or her status without including any administrative restrictions that prevent his or her return to the country, without a ban stamp.

How you can apply

You will be able to apply for the amnesty through the website of the ICP – icp.gov.ae – and only need to visit a service centre once you receive a message for registering your biometric data.

When do I need to get fingerprinting/biometric done?

If you want to leave the country, there are two possible scenarios:

• In case you have completed the biometric previously, a request for an exit permit is submitted, and then the permit is issued directly.
• In case you have not gotten a biometric fingerprinting done previously, you will be directed to visit the specified fingerprinting centre (for those aged 15 years and above). The fingerprinting procedures will be completed and the exit permit will be issued.

Approved biometric/fingerprinting centres

• For visas issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Abu Dhabi: All service centres that have biometric fingerprint capture devices in Al Dhafra, Sweihan, Al Maqam and Al Shahama.
• For visas issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai: Al Aweer Service centre
• For visas issued by the General Directorates of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the rest of the emirates: All service centres that have biometric fingerprint capture devices.

Duration of the exit permit

It is important to note that the exit permit is valid for 14 days, within which you are required to exit the country. All previous fines and restrictions will be automatically reinstated if departure is not possible within the deadline or after the permits expire outside the specified exemption period.

Does the decision include people who entered the country illegally?

The amnesty does not include infiltrators, and they must review their case with Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Where can I go to raise inquiries?

If you need assistance with your visa status, you can reach out to the ICP through the following channels:

• ICP call centre – 600 522222
• Live chat – icp.gov.ae
• Amer call centre (for Dubai) – 800 5111
• MOHRE call centre – 600590000
• Any of the social media channels of the ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD).

What happens if I am unable to settle my status within the specified period?

The law will be applied and fines and fees will be imposed on violators who do not settle their status within the specified period.

What kind of services will be provided to violators during the period of correction of status?

During the amnesty grace period, the following services will be provided:

• Issuing an exit permit.
• Renewing a residence permit.
• Issuing a residence permit for newborns (born in the country).
• Issuing a new visa (work or residence).
• Adjusting the status of a valid visa.
• Issuing a residence permit for visa violators (work or residence).

What are the working hours during the grace period?

The working hours at the service centres where biometric fingerprints are registered will be extended - the working hours will be from 7am to 8pm.

How will violators who were born in the UAE be dealt with?

In the event of departure: A unified number will be created and an exit permit will be issued with exemption from fines by the executive departments based on a request in the smart system based on a passport or travel document.

In the event of a status change: Fines will be exempted based on a request submitted to the smart system to confirm the residence under the sponsorship of the head of the family or the employers and the guarantor, provided that the request is processed in the smart system by the executive departments.

How is the situation of a violator who has traffic violations and vehicle licensing settled in the event of departure?

The violating owner who wishes to leave is directed to give up the vehicle before the departure takes place.

Some violators have lost their passports. How will such cases be dealt with?

Violators who have lost their passports must follow the process:

With regard to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) - Abu Dhabi , a request is submitted through the smart system, and the violator is given a copy of residency details and a certificate stating that the passport is lost to obtain a travel document. The travel document issued by embassies and consulates is also relied upon for violators wishing to leave the country, provided that the data matches the data of the copy of residency details.

As for the procedures for the GDRFA in other emirates , they include reporting the loss through the General Command of the Police, according to which the travel document is issued.

If the head of the family is wanted or in violation of the visa regulations and the family members are in violation, how are their statuses settled?

Violators who have lost their passports must follow the following procedures:

Family members are allowed to leave the country, or adjust their status, as per the circumstances.

If the head of the family wishes to leave with his family, the residencies of the family members will be cancelled and they are allowed to leave. However, if the family members of the children wish to adjust their status, they are allowed to adjust their status to the sponsorship of the mother if she is working or according to the conditions for the work visa in accordance with the procedures in force.

If the head of the family benefits from the visa issuance service, the residencies of the family members under his sponsorship are not cancelled.

What should a violator do if his ordinary exit permit has expired, and he has been put on the banned list before the amnesty, and has yet to leave the country?

Beneficiaries from the amnesty must visit the Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to settle any outstanding restrictions and close their entries. After closing their entries, they should submit a request to either remain in the country and adjust their status or arrange for their departure. In this scenario, fines will be waived, and restrictions and entries will be removed. The amnesty beneficiary will be allowed to leave the country without a ban stamp if he chooses to do so.

What are the regulations for adjusting the status of a violating partner and investor who wants to leave?

A violating partner or investor must complete procedures related to cancelling the establishment in accordance with the ICP's regulations before submitting a request to leave the country.

How can the status of a family be adjusted if the head of the family is a wanted person or a violator, and the family members are also violators?

For violators who have lost their passports, the following procedures apply:

1. Departure of family members:

• Family members are allowed to either leave the country or adjust their status, depending on the situation.
• If the head of the family chooses to leave the country with the family, the residencies of the family members will be canceled, and they will be permitted to leave.

2. Status adjustment for family members (Children):

If the family members, such as children, want to adjust their status, they can do so by transferring their sponsorship to the mother, provided she is employed, or by meeting the conditions for a work visa according to the procedures outlined in the relevant guide.

3. Visa issuance service for the head of the family:

If the head of the family benefits from the visa issuance service, the residencies of the family members sponsored by him will not be canceled.

How can the status of violators sponsored by troubled companies be adjusted?

1. Adjusting the status of violators sponsored by companies without restrictions:

The status of violators under the sponsorship of companies that have no restrictions can be adjusted according to the procedures outlined in the relevant guide.

2. Adjusting the status of violators sponsored by troubled companies:

If violators are affiliated with troubled companies that have restrictions, their status can be adjusted by the ICP.

In cases where violators face challenges in adjusting their status through MOHRE, the executive departments will coordinate to facilitate the adjustment of their status.

- with inputs from Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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