U.A.E: Authorities maintaining several COVID-19 restrictions as of Oct. 19 /update 75

Event

The U.A.E continues to enforce a robust set of COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of Oct. 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 emirate via which the individual is entering the U.A.E.

All air travelers must present a negative PCR test result before departing for the U.A.E. Under most circumstances, the test must be taken within 72 hours before travel; however, the required time frame can vary between 24 and 72 hours depending on which emirate an individual is traveling to and their country of origin. The UAE has resumed issuing tourist visas for fully vaccinated individuals with one of the WHO-approved vaccines traveling from all countries. Authorities generally require COVID-19 testing upon arrival. Individuals traveling to Dubai or northern emirates via Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) are subject to the quarantine rules of the emirate of their destination. For more details on the U.A.E's entry restrictions, click here.

Individuals traveling to Dubai from the following locations are subject to tighter restrictions: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia. Travelers from these countries must present a negative PCR test result with a quick response (QR) code issued within 48 hours before departure for the U.A.E; passengers must also take a rapid PCR test at the departure airport and receive a QR code within six hours of departure. Travelers from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Zambia are prohibited from traveling to Dubai as their final destination due to a lack of rapid PCR testing at these countries' airports.

U.A.E residents traveling from these countries are exempt from the requirement to take a rapid PCR test at the departure airport. However, U.A.E residents require approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to travel from these countries to Dubai, except for those who have received a newly issued residence or employment visa. All passengers from these countries can transit through Dubai, provided they present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi lifted COVID-19 testing requirements for individuals entering the emirate from other areas of the U.A.E Sept. 19. Abu Dhabi Emirate had previously required that arrivals present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test. The emirate also recently lifted quarantine requirements for all fully vaccinated travelers arriving from international destinations. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has approved home quarantine, and travelers are no longer required to wear a wristband while in home quarantine; for details, click here. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from countries, not on the green list are still subject to quarantine measures. For details on Abu Dhabi's COVID-19-related restrictions, click here.

Domestic Restrictions
Most commercial establishments, restaurants, and tourist attractions are open across the nation. Authorities generally mandate the use of protective face coverings and compliance with social distancing guidelines in public settings. In Abu Dhabi, authorities are only permitting entry into several public places for those who are vaccinated (or are officially exempted) and have "green" status on the Al Hosn mobile application - the maintenance of which is contingent on adhering to approved testing requirements.

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. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

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