UAE: Robust COVID-19-related restrictions, particularly on foreign travel, remain in effect as of Aug. 19 /update 70

Event

A robust set of COVID-19-related international travel restrictions remains in force in the UAE as of Aug. 19. Rules for entering the country generally include various requirements for pre-departure and post-arrival COVID-19 testing, self-isolation mandates and exemptions, and circumstances under which entry is prohibited. Regulations can vary significantly based on several factors, including the traveler's vaccination status, country of origin, and the constituent emirate via which the individual is entering the UAE.

Authorities are allowing flights from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Uganda to resume under certain conditions. All passengers with a valid UAE residence visa who have received pre‑entry approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and are fully vaccinated are allowed to enter from these six countries. Additionally, individuals working in the health, education, or government sectors, as well as students, can enter the UAE regardless of their vaccination status. All passengers from these countries are allowed to transit through UAE airports, provided they present negative PCR tests taken 72 hours before departure.

All air travelers must present a negative PCR test result before departing for the UAE. Under most circumstances, the test must be taken within 72 hours before travel; however, the required time frame can vary between 48 and 96 hours before departure depending on which emirate an individual is traveling to and their country of origin. Officials may require an additional PCR test on arrival in the UAE.

For details on the nation's entry restrictions, click here.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has implemented its own set of measures in addition to those that are in effect across the UAE. These include maintaining a so-called "green list" of countries from which travelers may enter the emirate without subsequently having to quarantine. However, they are still subject to all on-arrival and post-entry COVID-19 testing requirements, which vary based on their vaccination status. Travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi from countries, not on the green list are subject to quarantine measures. For details on Abu Dhabi's quarantine measures and its green list, click here and here.

Visitors can travel to Abu Dhabi by road but must have received a negative result from a PCR or Laser-Based Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test before travel. Additional testing is required for visitors and residents who remain in Abu Dhabi for four days or longer. Dubai residents can land at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) before crossing into Dubai without undergoing quarantine in Abu Dhabi.

The Emirate of Dubai has implemented several COVID-19-related international travel restrictions. There are multiple regulations for pre-departure, transit, and post-arrival COVID-19 testing, self-isolation mandates and exemptions, and circumstances under which entry is prohibited. Moreover, all passengers are required to complete a health declaration form. For details on Dubai's entry restrictions, click here.

In terms of domestic restrictions, a curfew is in place in Abu Dhabi Emirate that runs nightly from 00:01 to 05:00 until further notice. During these hours, the movement of traffic and the public remains restricted, and public transportation services do not run. Individuals can apply for a movement permit. Most commercial establishments, restaurants, and tourist attractions are open across the nation. Authorities encourage the use of protective face coverings and compliance with social distancing guidelines in public settings. Beginning Aug. 20, authorities in Abu Dhabi will begin permitting entry into several public places only for those vaccinated.

For more information concerning Abu Dhabi's domestic restrictions, click here.

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

Persons intending to travel to or within the UAE are advised to review current COVID-19 restrictions regularly, and particularly before departure. 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
Abu Dhabi Airport
Dubai Airport
Al Hosn App
UAE Government list of high-risk countries Abu Dhabi's Green List Abu Dhabi Movement Permit Abu Dhabi Media Office