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Dubai was one of the first cities in the world to fully reopen for tourism. Starting in early July, the UAE reopened borders to all nations, making Dubai one of the most accessible destinations during the pandemic.
Yes, Dubai is a city within the United Arab Emirates, but since our readers have been asking specifically for a “Dubai Entry Requirements” guide, and the UAE has very separate requirements for other areas (like Abu Dhabi), this guide is article is focusing solely on the city of Dubai.
Countries Permitted To Visit Dubai
All nations.
Tourists from all countries are permitted to visit Dubai under regular visa requirements for the UAE.
Update: As of November 30, 2021, passengers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are banned from entering Duba due to fears of the Omicron variant.
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements for Dubai
Testing required.
All passengers entering Dubai will need proof of a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before the departing flight into Dubai.
Passengers from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh must get their certificates from designated laboratories.
Fully-vaccinated visitors from France, Germany, Spain, or Switzerland will no longer need to present a PCR test if they have a vaccination certificate for vaccination administered in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland or the United Arab Emirates.
The test must be in either Arabic or English. Children under 12 are exempt.
For a very select list of countries the window for the test is reduce to 48 hours.
Passengers arriving from the following countries will be required to take another test upon arrival to Dubai: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Somaliland, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Is testing needed to transit in Dubai?
Yes and No.
For most countries, the above PCR test requirement is not needed to transit in Dubai as long as the passenger is not leaving the airport or going through customs.
Passengers from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa need to show a negative PCR test certificate taken no more than 72 hours before departure to transit.
Dubai Connect
Emirates has relaunched its Dubai Connect program, which gives eligible passengers a free hotel stay during a long layover.
The 72-hour PCR test requirement is in effect for any passengers taking advantage of this program, as they will be leaving the airport.
Quarantine Entry Requirements
No mandatory quarantines
There are no quarantines for travelers arriving into Dubai that have no symptoms and have proof of their negative PCR test.
Passengers who take the mandatory PCR test upon arrival will quarantine just until they get their negative results. After that, they’re free to go.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
The government of UAE has said that all travelers and tourists into Dubai MUST have travel health insurance.
Since this is a mandatory requirement for entry, all travelers should get a policy before arrival, one that preferably covers covid.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Dubai
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Dubai:
- Download and register the ‘DXB Smart App’ contact tracing app for the entire trip.
- Wearing masks in all indoor and outdoor public spaces
- Maintain physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
Dubai has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For Dubai (UAE)
Many nations, like the USA, Canada and members of the EU, can enter the UAE either Visa-free or with a free Visa on arrival.
Since reopening in July 2020, Dubai is accepting visitors under normal ‘pre-covid’ visa rules.
Credit: Twofortnights on Wikipedia
Dubai’s Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Check to see if you require a visa to go to Dubai
- Perform a PCR test, no longer than 96 hours prior to your departing flight
- Download the DXB Smart App on your phone
- Follow all health protocols while in Dubai
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories