Abdallah Bou Habib, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in the caretaker government, stated in a statement to Reuters that the UAE has lifted the ban on issuing entry visas for Lebanese citizens. This comes after a temporary suspension attributed by an Emirati official to security concerns.
In recent weeks, Lebanese citizens had reported that the UAE was not granting visas to Lebanese individuals outside the country. Two travel agents in Lebanon informed Reuters that they were unable to request visas for Lebanese citizens to enter the UAE through the usual online system.
Bou Habib mentioned that the Lebanese ambassador to the UAE informed him on Thursday evening that "visa processing for Lebanese citizens is being resumed starting today, Friday."
A travel agent told Reuters that this change has not yet reflected on the online application submission system and that "many visa applications are still pending."
The Lebanese ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Shahab Dandan, announced that "after intensive efforts between Abu Dhabi and Beirut, and with sincere and constructive responses, I can confirm to Lebanese citizens wishing to visit the sisterly UAE that they can apply for a visit visa as usual through various travel agency offices."
Dandan expressed gratitude for the "cooperation of the relevant authorities in the sisterly United Arab Emirates." An Emirati official had revealed to Reuters on Thursday that there are temporary restrictions in place due to security concerns, but these would be lifted within days.
