Travel has changed a lot in the last two years, and planning a trip has now become a distant memory. However, we have some good news. UAE residents can still be hopeful to see a few countries, while staying safe and without burning a hole in their pockets. From Georgia to Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Egypt, we’ve picked five destinations that are now open to UAE residents. Besides, all these would cost you under AED 2000. So, which one are you visiting this summer?
1. Georgia
Travellers entering Georgia must have a COVID-19 PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours prior to arrival in Georgia or hold a COVID-19 vaccination certificate (completion of two doses). Passengers entering Georgia with a COVID-19 PCR test result will be required to undergo a further COVID-19 PCR test on the 3rd day after entering Georgia at their own expense. Additionally, they must complete the online registration form and present the confirmation email at check-in.
Citizens of all other countries including passengers with Georgian residency permit travelling from any other country must hold a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (completion of two doses). COVID-19 PCR certificates are not permitted to enter Georgia. Passengers entering Georgia with a COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate must complete the self-declaration form.
2. Egypt
Explore Egypt’s Red Sea this summer! The flight takes three and a half hours and travellers NEED NOT quarantine upon arrival.
What Are The Rules?
A negative PCR test must be produced upon arrival. The test must be taken taken within 72 hours of arriving in the country. In addition, travellers heading to touristy regions like Red Sea, South Sinai or Marsa Matrouh, don’t need to submit a negative PCR report. Travellers going to these regions will also get a free tourist visa on arrival. And if you need an e-visa to visit Egypt, click here. All passengers must complete a health declaration form that will be provided on board the aircraft. Children below 6 years old and transit passengers are exempted from the negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate requirement.
If you’re travelling from Egypt, you may be required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test and submit additional documentation before departure. Please check the requirements of your specific destination before you travel. Covid cases in Egypt are on the rise, but the numbers are lower than in the UAE. The country’s tourism ministry is now inspecting resorts and hotels. Be sure you book a resort that’s been certified as safe. Facemask must be worn in public places at all times. Hotels, restaurants and cafes have also slashed capacity and brought in new hygiene measures.
Meanwhile, did you know The 5000-Year-Old Tomb Of Queen Meresankh III In Egypt Is Now Offering A Free Virtual Tour?
3. Jordan
If you are travelling to Jordan, you must take a COVID‑19 PCR test before departure, fill in the health declaration form and submit complete requirements. Travellers must present a negative certificate for a COVID‑19 PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure to Jordan. A certificate from any government approved lab will be acceptable.
Passengers must install ‘AMAN Application’ on their personal device. In addition, all passengers will undergo a second COVID‑19 PCR test upon arrival. The cost of the test (JOD 28) must be paid online. After registration and successful payment, you will receive a QR code that must be presented at check‑in to be accepted for your flight. The QR code must also be presented to the authorities upon arrival for verification. Passengers who do not hold proof of EMD payment will be charged on arrival.
Required Forms
All arriving passengers must complete the health declaration form filled and present it for verification. COVID‑19 PCR test certificate and health forms must be presented at check in for verification.
Exemptions
Children below 5 years old are not required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test before departure or on arrival. Passengers coming to Amman for medical treatment can be accepted without a QR code if they carry an official letter of approval issued by the Private Hospital Association ‑ Jordan. Diplomats and employees of regional and international organizations as well as their dependents and family members holding special and/ or normal passports who are residing in Jordan QR Code are exempted from the following:
- COVID‑19 PCR test before departure
- COVID‑19 PCR test upon arrival
- Health insurance
4. Lebanon
Effective 11 January 2021, passengers travelling to Lebanon, must take a COVID‑19 PCR test in a laboratory certified by the country’s local authority no later than 96 hours between the release of the negative test result and the date of arrival in Lebanon. The negative COVID‑19 PCR test result must be presented at check in to be accepted on the flight.
Exemptions
- Children under 12 years
- Passengers travelling back to Lebanon within a week (i.e., those who travelling out of the country during one day of the week and will return on the same day the following week) are not required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test at their destination but must take a COVID‑19 PCR test at the airport upon their arrival in Lebanon.
All arriving passengers must take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival. The cost of the COVID‑19 PCR test and other medical diagnostic measures is USD 50 (except for children under 12 years age and UNIFIL) and it is collected at the time of flight booking. The test shall be conducted in laboratories authorised by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health at the airport.
Quarantine Rules
All arriving passengers should home quarantine for 72 hours. This will be monitored by the Lebanese authorities through an electronic application available here. Passengers are required to download and activate the “covidlebtrack” application and present it to the Ministry of Public Health representatives at the airport. All passengers coming to Lebanon shall confirm their home quarantine localization upon arrival to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport and respect the quarantine period of 72 hours.
Exemptions
- Passengers with a proof of a previous COVID‑19 infection (A recent negative test with a positive test lasting for more than 15 days)
- Holders of a positive IgG test showing the percentage of antibodies in the blood above the required rate according to each measurement techniques, provided the MOPH representatives at the airport review the medical case and approves it.
- Holders of a of COVID‑19 vaccination with a medical report certifying that, and shall perform a PCR test at the airport upon their arrival to Lebanon
- Diplomats and their families, officials, official delegations, officers and UNFIL
Passengers travelling back to Lebanon within a week (i.e., those who travelling out of the country during one day of the week and will return on the same day the following week) are not required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test at their destination but must take a COVID‑19 PCR test at the airport upon their arrival in Lebanon.
5. Sri Lanka
5. Sri LankaAll tourists traveling to Sri Lanka must hold approved valid Electronic Travel Authority ETA. A confirmed hotel booking in one of the ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ Sri Lankan Government approved hotels must be obtained prior to making a booking. For bookings, passengers need to refer to respective hotel sites.
All foreign nationals, including children and infants, arriving in Sri Lanka must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate in English. The test must be taken within 96 hours prior to the departure of the first flight of their itinerary. Passengers under the age of 12 years will only be exempt from PCR testing after arrival.
Passengers are required to pre-pay for further mandatory COVID-19 PCR tests taken during their stay in Sri Lanka and hold a mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover. Children under 2 years are exempted from PCR testing. These costs are included in the accommodation charges applied by the “Safe and Secure Level 1” approved hotels.
- For stays, less than 5 days – Only one pre-paid PCR test is required on arrival.
- For stays, over 5 to 14 days – Two pre-paid PCR tests are required.
Once the hotel booking is confirmed, the hotel will issue a reference number which is required during the ETA visa application process at www.eta.gov.lk. All passengers must complete and present the health declaration form upon arrival.
Have a happy & a safe holiday!