By Ya Awa Touray
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad has refuted the media reports that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned Gambians and nationals of other African contrary from entering their country.
In a press release issued on Friday, November 4th the Ministry informed that The Gambian Embassy in Abu-Dhabi had engaged authorities at the African Department of the Foreign Ministry who confirmed that there is no visa ban imposed on Gambians seeking to visit UAE.
“Information available to the Ministry indicates that UAE has reviewed the requirements for its tourist and visit visas and those who are affected are the 30-day visitor visas applicants, since the 30-day single entry visas have been put on hold. However, the 60-day multiple visa entry regime is currently in force and Gambians who wish to travel to the UAE should secure a round- trip ticket and a hotel booking prior to the visa application”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the general public that The Gambia and United Arab Emirates share strong ties of brotherhood and friendship based on true cooperation, trust, and mutual understanding.
“The Ministry therefore affirms that Gambians wishing to apply for visas can do so while observing the new visa requirements by the UAE authorities,” the release ends.