UAE: Authorities extend flight restrictions from India May 4 until further notice; other restrictions in place /update 59

Event

Emirati authorities extended an existing suspension of entry for travelers from India until further notice, May 4. The measure also includes passengers who have transited through India in the last 14 days prior to their arrival into the UAE. Emirati citizens, diplomatic passport holders, and official delegations are exempt from the measures. Transit flights traveling to the UAE and bound for India, in addition to cargo flights will continue to operate.

Several other COVID-19 restrictions are in place as of May 4. Authorities in Dubai Emirate require UAE residents, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, and permitted visitors traveling to Dubai to take a pre-travel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, regardless of the country from which they are arriving. The PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Arrivals from some countries may be required to undergo an additional test on arrival in Dubai.

Some arrivals in Abu Dhabi must isolate for at least 5-10 days. Arrivals from other countries as listed on the Abu Dhabi government website will not be required to isolate. A PCR test must be carried out 48 or 72 hours before your flight, even if transiting. Additional tests may be carried out on arrival. Testing requirements differ depending on whether a traveler has to quarantine or not. Arrivals into Abu Dhabi are required to wear a medically approved wristband for the duration of their quarantine.

Other measures in effect in the UAE include:

• All travelers to the UAE must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result before their departure.

• Upon arrival at all airports in the UAE, stringent entry restrictions are enforced and may include a PCR test on arrival, a health declaration form, health insurance with COVID-19 coverage, a mandatory quarantine period for at least 10 days (except Dubai), and follow-up testing before the completion of quarantine.

• Residents of Dubai Emirate require governmental approval before traveling. Those returning to other parts of the UAE no longer need approval.

• If departing from Abu Dhabi to the EU or UK, travelers will need to have a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours prior to their departure.

• Visitors can travel to Abu Dhabi by road but must have had a negative COVID-19 PCR test before travel. There is also a requirement for further testing if visitors and residents remain in Abu Dhabi for four days or longer. The rules for entering and remaining in Abu Dhabi via road change regularly. Regularly updated requirements can be found on the Abu Dhabi government website.

• Tourists traveling to Dubai are required to complete a health declaration form and quarantine form. Tourists must have international health insurance before traveling. Tourists who test positive for COVID-19 must register on the COVID-19 DXB app and quarantine at a facility provided by the government for at least 10 days.

• Travelers will not be able to enter Dubai if they have been in or transited through South Africa or Nigeria 14 days before traveling to Dubai.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
World Health Organization
General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs Dubai
Abu Dhabi Airport
Dubai Airport
Al Hosn App
UAE Government list of high risk countries
List of Accredited COVID-19 Testing Labs
Abu Dhabi 'Green List'