Here’s what you’ll need to know if you’re considering a trip to Dubai. Expect the unexpected if you arrive during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since August 2020, Dubai has been open to visitors again. All visitors must, however, have current health insurance and a negative Covid test. In June 2021, Dubai International Airport reopened its main Terminal One, which was the world’s busiest airport for international travellers in 2019. Following a 15-month closure.
What Is On Offer?
People flock to Dubai to get away from it all, with the sun, shopping, and some of the world’s top hotels. From stunning modern architecture to gleaming beaches and high-end restaurants and hotels, this city has it all. This is a stylish combination of a city break and a beach vacation. On October 1, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai began, a six-month, $7-billion spectacle including pavilions from around the world displaying architectural and technical innovation. Covid has caused a delay. It is scheduled to end on March 31, 2022. Customers of Emirates are entitled to free admission to the fair. Also included is a complimentary PCR test. However, on December 1, Emirates discontinued its programme of providing free Covid-19 medical coverage to its passengers.
Except for a few exceptions. Passengers who have visited or transited through the following countries in the last 14 days, including UAE nationals and their immediate families, are not granted admission. Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe are among the countries represented.
Passengers from those countries who are not exempt must submit to PCR testing. Anyone else who is ordinarily given entrance to Dubai is welcome to come. The UAE is imposing an international travel ban on its residents who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 as of January 10. Citizens who have been completely vaccinated will need to acquire a booster dosage in order to travel.
Also Read: Expo 2020 Dubai Suspends Activities Including Parades To Curb COVID-19 Spread
What Are The Restrictions?
Vaccinated travellers from all countries can now apply for tourist visas in the United Arab Emirates. Aside from the African countries mentioned previously. Passengers travelling in Dubai from most countries must show proof of a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of their arrival. Also, they should use the government’s health app to check their immunisation status.
Passengers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, the United Kingdom, and Zambia are the outliers. The test timeframe is 48 hours for them. For a test performed at the departure airport, they must additionally submit a fast PCR test report with a QR code. Within six hours of taking off. Passengers arriving from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, or Bangladesh must get certificates from recognised laboratories in order to be allowed to enter the country.
The total number of visitors from certain countries exceeds 50. Brazil and Russia, among others, must take another exam once they arrive in Dubai. Arrivals from foreign countries will henceforth be subjected to random spot-check PCR testing. Indian nationals travelling to or from India via Dubai can receive a visa on arrival in Dubai for a maximum stay of 14 days. They must have a valid visitor visa or green card granted by the United States, or a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom or the European Union.
Travellers from the United Kingdom should be aware that the NHS Covid Test certificates are not approved for travel out of the country. All passengers travelling to Dubai from France, Germany, Spain, or Switzerland must present a negative PCR test certificate till further notice. For a test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a vaccination certificate issued in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, or the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates website has complete information on the existing limitations.
Also Read: Dubai Covid Rules: 8 Things That Are Still Banned In The Emirate
What Is The Covid Situation?
The United States has reduced its travel warning for the United Arab Emirates to Level 1″ Low,” and encourages people to be fully vaccinated before visiting. The UAE has confirmed 2,170 deaths linked to Covid-19 as of January 5, with 17,278 additional cases reported in the previous week. Its vaccination campaign has been quick and thorough. According to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, more than 93 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.
Also Read: UAE’s Updated Covid-19 Fines Ranging From AED 1000 To AED 50,000
What Visitors Can Expect?
Masks must be worn at all times. Maintaining a two-meter social distance is also important. Restaurants, cafes, offices, workplaces, gyms, retail malls, beaches, and public and entertainment parks are exempt. Where the one-meter rule is in effect. You must wear a mask outside. Unless you’re at a barbershop or a salon, where you can exercise, eat, or drink. If you’re alone or in a car with folks from the same home. Fully inhabited hotels are now permitted. Restaurants, cafés, and shopping malls are all allowed to have live entertainment and activities.