[Updated: Oct 9, 2020 4:20 pm]
Open for citizens: YES
Open for foreigners: Partial
Quarantine: NO
· Passengers are not permitted to enter the United Arab Emirates.
· This does not apply to the following passengers, provided they hold a special form of their itinerary and have downloaded and activated the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s ALHOSN app on their mobile phones:
o Nationals of the United Arab Emirates,
o Residents of the United Arab Emirates,
o Passengers entering the United Arab Emirates through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC),
o Crew members
Latest News: Authorities reopen all seven regions to foreign visitors (Reuters, 24.09.2020). Civil Aviation Authority suspends all Air India Express flights to Dubai until 2 October following violation of COVID-19 requirements (Hindustan Times, 18.09.2020).
International Restrictions:
The United Arab Emirates will resume issuing visas to foreign visitors to all seven of its regions as of Thursday 24 September. The UAE authorities have stated that with effect from 11 August, all citizens, returning residents, transit passengers and tourists have to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test in the country they are currently in and have proof of a negative result before travelling to the UAE. The test must be a PCR swab test. Other test results including antibody tests are not accepted. The test must have been carried out within 96 hours of departure. The test result is required for travellers from all countries arriving at all airports in the UAE. Further information is available on the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority website. Children under the age of 12 and those with severe and moderate disabilities will be exempted from the test requirement. Those entering the country may also be asked to take a further COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and to complete a period of self-isolation.
**Entry to the United Arab Emirates other than Dubai: Some foreign residents are being allowed to return to the UAE based on criteria set by the UAE authorities. Visit and tourist visas are not currently being issued by the Abu Dhabi authorities at Abu Dhabi airport. Visitors can travel to Abu Dhabi by road but must have had a COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours. All arrivals in Abu Dhabi must isolate for 14 days on arrival. The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority announced on 12 August that, apart from Dubai, there is no longer a requirement for residents who wish to return to the UAE to get permission to travel. Further information is available on the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority website.
**Dubai residents returning to or leaving Dubai: All passengers travelling to Dubai from any destination, including passengers connecting in Dubai, must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate to be accepted on the flight. The test must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. Bring an official, printed certificate to check-in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted. Without a printed negative test certificate, you will not be accepted on the flight. Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test.
The government of Dubai announced new procedures on 21 June for returning residents. Dubai residents overseas will be able to return to the Dubai from 22 June and Dubai residents within Dubai will be able to travel overseas from 23 June. Further information about what returning residents need to do before they travel and what will happen on arrival in Dubai is available on the Government of Dubai website including information about testing on arrival and quarantine.
Dubai residents must apply for a permit to return on the Dubai Government General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website . Before they fly returning residents will also be required to complete a Health Declaration form and a Quarantine form. Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival. Further information about how to book a flight for returning residents is available on the Emirates Airline website.
On their return to Dubai, returning residents will have register their details on the COVID-19 DXB App.
**Visitors to Dubai: New procedures for visitors to Dubai were announced by the Government of Dubai on 21 June. Visitors are able to travel to Dubai from 7 July. Further information about what visitors need to do before they travel and what will happen on arrival in Dubai is available on the Government of Dubai website including information about testing on arrival and quarantine. Before they fly returning residents will also be required to complete a Health Declaration form and a Quarantine form. Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival. Visitors to Dubai will also have to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB App. Visitors must have international health insurance before travelling and must show that they have had a negative COVID-19 PCR test a maximum of 96 hours before arrival. All visitors to Dubai must adhere to all public health measures issued by the Dubai authorities including any requirements to quarantine.
***Visitors to Abu Dhabi: Visit and tourist visas are not currently being issued by the Abu Dhabi authorities at Abu Dhabi airport. Visitors can travel to Abu Dhabi by road but must have had a COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours. All arrivals in Abu Dhabi must isolate for 14 days on arrival and will be required to wear a medically approved wristband for the duration of their quarantine. The wristband will be provided at Abu Dhabi airport after clearing immigration. Arrivals under the age of 18, over the age of 60, diplomats or those suffering from a chronic disease will be exempt from having to wear the wristband.