It might have been a while since you planned a holiday. And with the rules changing constantly, its better to double check before you book your ticket. Dubai is open to tourists, but there are a whole lot of documents and rules you must be aware of before you plan a trip. Here’s a complete checklist of all the travel rules you must know if you’re planning a trip to Dubai this summer.
Also read: Dubai Airport To Soon Provide PCR Test Reports Within 3-4 Hours, Here How
1. What Should I Check Before Booking Tickets To Dubai?
Firstly, before you book your tickets to Dubai, check if you will be permitted entry into the country. Dubai is open for tourists, but travellers from a few countries aren’t permitted entry. So, before you book your tickets, it would be worth checking the Emirates website for all the latest updates. As of today (2 June), Dubai does not welcome travellers from or transited through India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last 14 days.
Emirates has suspended inbound passenger flights from India until 30 June. In addition, flights from Sao Paulo in Brazil also remain suspended until further notice.
2. Should I Apply For A UAE Tourist Visa?
Yes, all tourists coming into UAE will need a tourist visa. Besides, ensure your passport is valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into the UAE. And, if you’re transiting the UAE, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months from the date of transit. Most passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival, but you can check your status on the Visit Dubai website.
3. Do I need A Covid-19 Medical Insurance?
It is important you have your medical insurance sorted before you travel to Dubai. Most airline including Emirates and Etihad cover passengers for Covid emergencies. In case your airline does not cover insurance, its better you check for specific packages.
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4. Do I Need A PCR Test To Enter The UAE?
All passengers travelling to Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
The certificate must be a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. Travellers must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted. PCR certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the originating station.
For passengers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Sudan, Lebanon, and effective 9 May, Egypt and Ethiopia must submit a QR code linked to the PCR report. The QR code must be presented at check‑in and to representatives of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) upon arrival in Dubai airports.
5. Should I Test Again On Arrival?
Passengers arriving in Dubai from the following countries will be required to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International airport:
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
The tests is free of charge, and the result is usually sent via text message to your mobile phone within 24 hours. Those who test positive must undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
6. What Are Apps I Must Download While Travelling To Dubai?
All travellers must download the Al Hosn app. The app will warn you when come in close contact with a covid patient. Besides, vaccinated tourists can also update their vaccination proof on the app.
7. What Are The Rules That Must Be Followed In Dubai?
Firstly, facemask is a must at all times. Dubai only permits 10 people per table at restaurants and cafes, and four at shisha cafes. Parties and weddings held in private homes are capped at 30 guests. Hefty fines will be imposed on violators.
8. What Are The Rules While Leaving Dubai?
Before departure, check the requirements of the country you are travelling to. The travel regulations change frequently. You may need to take a COVID‑19 PCR test before you depart or another particular type of COVID‑19 test specified by your destination. Here is a list of authorised COVID‑19 test laboratories in Dubai where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.