dubai travel pcr requirements

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Travelling to the UAE

Vaccinated travellers to the UAE are not required to present a negative result of RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport of departure. However, those who are not vaccinated must either present a valid, negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival or a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure, if they were infected with the virus.

Rules for international travellers- as of 26 February 2022

Travelling to dubai - rules as of 19 may 2022, travelling to abu dhabi.

• Those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, can either present a valid, negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival, or present a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure, if they were previously infected with the virus.

Rules for Dubai residence visa holders, visitors and tourists

All UAE residents, visitors and tourists can travel to Dubai without an approval from GDRFA or ICP . However, visitors and tourists have to meet the visa requirements before travel, if they are not eligible for visa on arrival. Check visa requirements to visit the UAE .

Requirements

Passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), must fulfil one of the below requirements at the airport of departure:

• present a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, reflecting that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the UAE. The certificate must contain a QR code.
• present a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate that should be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS‑COV‑2 viral RNA. The certificate must be issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection by an approved health service provider and must contain a QR code.
• present a valid medical certificate from the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from the novel coronavirus COVID-19, issued within one month before the date of arrival. The certificate must contain a QR code.

If you are arriving from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh or Egypt, you must get your certificate from one of the labs listed in the  designated laboratories (PDF, 150 KB) .

Exemptions for the COVID‑19 PCR test and the vaccination certificate

The following people are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test or a vaccination certificate at the departure airport:

• all UAE nationals returning to Dubai from any country
• non‑UAE nationals accompanying a first‑degree UAE national family member
• domestic workers accompanying a UAE national sponsor.

 The following people are exempt from being tested for COVID-19:

• children below 12 years of age
• passengers with moderate to severe disabilities.
• Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. For example: Acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism spectrum, Bell's palsy, Brain tumours, Cerebral aneurysm, Cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy and seizures.
• All other passengers, including those who are visually impaired, have a hearing impairment or are physically challenged, must hold a negative COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test certificate as per the requirements.
• There may be specific test exemptions in your country of origin and final destination. Please check the  requirements  before you travel.

Transiting through Dubai

• Transiting passengers are not required to present a COVID -19 RT-PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination.
• Passengers booked with Dubai Connect/Stopover packages must follow the same PCR test requirements as applicable for passengers arriving/entering Dubai.

Information sourced from  the website of Emirates Airline .

• Rules for travelling to and through Dubai
• Travel requirements by destination
• Quarantine guidelines for travellers to Dubai .

You do not need a negative result of an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 if:

• you are fully vaccinated or
• you are under 16 or
• you hold a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure.

Additionally, you will not need to quarantine when you arrive in Abu Dhabi.

On the other hand, you must present a negative result of an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 done 48 hours before your flight to Abu Dhabi if:

• You are not fully vaccinated and do not hold a COVID-19 recovery certificate
• You are transiting in Abu Dhabi and a test is required at your final destination.

If you are required to take a PCR test and unable to present proof of your negative COVID-19 PCR test, you will not be permitted to travel.

On arrival at Abu Dhabi

It is no longer mandatory to undergo an RT-PCR test upon arrival in Abu Dhabi. However, one may undergo the test to keep his/her ‘Green Pass’ active on the Al Hosn app in order to get access to public places in Abu Dhabi.

The test costs AED 40. Additionally, passengers do not need to quarantine themselves on arrival.

Find out in  this guide everything you need to know before you fly to Abu Dhabi  including testing, transit and quarantine information. 

Remember that  You must be fully vaccinated to enter most public places in Abu Dhabi.

Transiting in Abu Dhabi

 You do not need a COVID-19 test certificate or a vaccination for transiting the UAE, unless your final destination requires it.

Children under 16 are exempt from the vaccination and testing requirements to fly to Abu Dhabi neither on arrival nor during transit; unless the same is required for final destination.

Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and other emirates

You can travel to Dubai or any other emirate in the UAE after arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Abu Dhabi accepts pre-arranged visas issued by other emirates in the UAE.

You can travel to Dubai by any means of transport. No test or app is needed to travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

Learn more about  travelling to Dubai and other emirates  via Abu Dhabi.

• Abu Dhabi travel information  - Etihad Airways
• Travel guidelines and regulations  - Etihad Airways
• COVID-safe travel to and from Abu Dhabi  - Visit Abu Dhabi

Find out  quarantine guidelines for travellers to Abu Dhabi .

For further information on travelling to the UAE, visit the following websites:

• Etihad Airways
• Emirates Airline
• Abu Dhabi Airport
• Dubai Airports
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs  – Dubai.

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UAE travel advisory update: COVID-19 PCR tests mandatory for all inbound passengers

The UAE has announced that COVID-19 test will be mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers, including Emiratis, residents, and tourists, arriving via the country's airports, irrespective of the countries they are coming from.

The decision to apply prior testing on all those coming to the country shall be applied as of 1st August without impingement on the mandatory testing measures that travellers have to follow upon arrival at the country's airports.

According to a joint statement by the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority, NCEMA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MOFAIC, all passengers travelling thru the country's airports to the EU countries and the UK, as well as other countries that require PCR test, have to get tested prior to boarding their respective planes.

The announcement is in line with the country’s efforts to protect the health and safety of its citizens and residents and reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Children under the age of 12 and those with severe and moderate disabilities will be exempted from the test requirement, which has 96 hours of validity from the date of testing.

NCEMA and MoFAIC highlighted the necessity for all airlines operating in the UAE to comply with these requirements.

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COVID-19: All you need to know about Dubai travel guidelines for expats, tourists and citizens

Living in uae.

Dubai residents start arriving in UAE today, travel out of UAE to start from June 23

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Dubai: Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has announced detailed guidelines for travellers using Dubai’s international airport, as travel restrictions ease.

• From today, June 22, UAE residence visa holders who have been stranded outside the country will be allowed to return to the UAE, in accordance with measures implemented to prevent spread of the virus.

• From tomorrow, June 23, people will be allowed to travel out of the UAE to destinations that have started to receive flights, in accordance with protocols put in place by their governments.

• From July 7, Dubai expects to welcome international tourists.

General guidelines

In general, these are the guidelines that need to be followed, regardless of which category of travellers you fall under:

• Citizens and residents are allowed to travel to any foreign destination, according to measures taken by the respective countries regarding foreign arrivals.

• Travellers bear full responsibility for their actions and for checking the COVID-19 situation of the country they wish to visit, as well as self-monitoring any symptoms they may experience.

• All citizens and residents will have to undergo a PCR test (Polymerase chain reaction test, which is the COVID-19 test accepted by health authorities) upon arrival at Dubai airports.

• Tourists are given the option to show their PCR test results (valid for 96 hours) upon their arrival in Dubai or carry out a test at Dubai airports. On July 8, Emirates airlines updated the requirement for passengers from the certain countries , who would need to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate issued by a local government approved laboratory to be accepted on the flight. Where specified, a certificate from a UAE government designated laboratory in the country of origin is also acceptable. These countries are:

1. Afghanistan

2. Bangladesh

6. Pakistan

7. Philippines

8. Russian Federation

9. Tanzania

10. USA - Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO), including passengers originating from California, Florida and Texas connecting to an Emirates flight to Dubai.

• All positive COVID-19 cases will be quarantined for 14 days, with travellers bearing the cost of treatment and isolation.

These are some basic responsibilities that any traveller needs to be aware of:

• Adhere to all official measures and requirements established by the Dubai Government and other countries before travelling and after returning to Dubai.

• Disclose any symptoms before travelling by filling in the form provided by airlines.

• Ensure you have international health insurance coverage before travelling.

• Citizens must notify UAE embassies if they are infected with COVID-19 while they are abroad.

• Residents and tourists will bear the costs of examination and treatment abroad, in the event they are infected with COVID-19.

• Take precautionary measures and self-monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19.

Guidelines for Dubai residents, returning from June 22

• Return approvals are carried out by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs through a direct link with airlines.

• PCR tests are conducted at Dubai airports.

• 14-day quarantine mandatory for all positive COVID-19 cases.

Procedures to follow

• Pre-book flights through official websites of airlines operating from Dubai airports.

• Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs organises the arrival of residents.

• Returning residents can fly on any of the airlines that have approved flights to Dubai airports.

• Residents must sign a declaration, stating their commitment to bear the costs of examination and treatment in the event of contracting COVID-19.

• Those arriving in Dubai must complete a Health Declaration Form before leaving their destination to ensure that they are clear of any symptoms.

• All passengers arriving must register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app.

Travel procedures from country of departure

• No PCR test required before departure.

• Fill out the Health Declaration Form before departure and sign the costs declaration.

• Airlines have the right to reject travellers if they display any symptoms of COVID-19.

Procedures for leaving the airport

• Residents must stay home until their PCR test results come out.

• Obligation to abide by 14-day quarantine for positive COVID-19 cases.

• Home quarantine possible if the conditions of quarantine are met, according to official guidelines from the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre.

• Residents who test positive for COVID-19 and are home-sharing or living in high-density housing, will be required to be isolated at a facility. Their employer should provide the quarantine facility in accordance with COVID-19 Command and Control Centre guidelines or choose a quarantine facility provided by the government in return for bearing the costs involved.

• Compliance with all precautionary measures applied in Dubai (wearing masks, maintaining two-metre social distance and washing hands regularly).

Arrival procedures at Dubai Airport

• PCR test taken upon arrival at Dubai airports.

• Ensure all passengers upon arrival download COVID-19 DXB app

If returning resident tests positive for COVID-19

Strict compliance with the procedures set out for positive cases by the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, including institutional quarantine, home quarantine or hospitalisation.

Guidelines for citizens and Dubai residents travelling abroad from June 23

• Citizens and residents allowed to travel to foreign destinations, according to Dubai airports’ official flights schedules and subject to airports being operational at the destination.

• PCR tests at Dubai airports must be taken upon return.

• 14-day quarantine imposed on all positive COVID-19 cases.

Procedures for Dubai’s citizens and residents travelling abroad

• Citizens and residents have freedom to travel to several countries on any of the airlines that have approved flights to and from Dubai airports.

• Adherence to the measures specified by the destination country upon arrival.

• Complete Health Declaration Form before departing to ensure travellers are clear of any symptoms.

• Register details on the COVID-19 DXB app.

Departure procedures

• Comply with the official procedures established by the destination country regarding testing and quarantine.

• Complete Health Declaration Form before departure.

Procedure to follow at travel destination

Procedures to follow on returning to dubai.

• PCR test required, taken upon arrival at Dubai airports.

• Passengers arriving are required to download COVID-19 DXB app.

• Residents who test positive for COVID-19 and are home-sharing or live in high-density housing, will be required to be isolated at a facility. Their employer should provide the quarantine facility in accordance with COVID-19 Command and Control Centre guidelines or choose a quarantine facility provided by the government in return for bearing the costs involved.

• Compliance with all precautionary measures applied in Dubai (wearing masks, maintaining two metre social distance and washing hands regularly).

For those testing positive for COVID-19:

• Strict compliance with the procedures set out for positive cases by the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, including institutional quarantine, home quarantine or hospitalisation.

Guidelines for tourists and visitors entering the country from July 7

• Tourists and visitors allowed to enter, according to Dubai airports’ official flight schedules and subject to airports being operational at their departure destinations.

• Show their PCR test results (valid for 96 hours) upon their arrival in Dubai or carry out a test at Dubai airports.

• 14-day quarantine imposed on all positive COVID-19 cases.

Requirements to travel to Dubai

• Fulfil entry visa requirements to visit the UAE.

• Ensure you have travel health insurance before traveling, in the event you do not have international coverage. Sign a declaration to bear all costs of quarantine and treatment and complete the Health Declaration Form before departure to ensure the passenger has no COVID-19 symptoms.

• Tourists required to register all their details on the COVID-19 DXB app.

Procedures to follow from departure destination

Tourists must take a PCR test up to four days prior to their date of travel (maximum 96 hours).

• Take a PCR test before travelling, or if this hasn’t been done, a PCR test is carried out upon arrival at Dubai airports.

• Complete Health Declaration Form before departing.

• Airlines have the right to deny travellers if they display any symptoms of COVID-19.

Arrival at Dubai Airports

In the event the tourist is not carrying a valid PCR test result, a test will be carried out at Dubai Airports.

• All arriving passengers will have their temperatures taken with thermal screening devices.

• Tourists who do not carry a valid PCR test result will have to take the test upon arrival.

• The PCR test can be repeated for tourists who had tested negative before departing, but display COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.

Procedures to follow after leaving Dubai airports

• Tourists required to download the COVID-19 DXB app.

• Compliance with all precautionary measures applied in Dubai (wearing masks, maintaining two-metre social distancing and washing hands regularly).

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Dubai travel restrictions: all you need to know about the Covid flying rules

Life in the emirate is back to normal as covid-19 rules have been relaxed in most places, offering tourists plenty of options to keep busy and entertained.

Dubai is set to see a busy winter tourism season with millions of tourists expected. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Follow the latest updates on  the Covid-19 pandemic  here

Expo 2020 Dubai is less than a month away.

And the emirate is ready to welcome the world , with millions of visitors expected to fly in from abroad.

Wintertime is also the peak tourist season marked by idyllic weather, which attracts people from all over the world. This year, it will also offer tourists a sense of freedom as many continue to face restrictions in their own countries.

Life in Dubai is back to normal as Covid-19 rules have been relaxed in most places, offering tourists plenty of options to keep busy and entertained.

But travelling in the time of Covid-19 is not as simple as it once was and safety precautions must be followed at all times in public places.

So what procedures do tourists have to follow and what can they do while on holiday?

The National explains.

About 80 per cent of the buildings will remain in some form. Many were constructed so that they could be transformed to residential units or commercial space

Do I need a visa?

It depends on your nationality. You can check whether you need a visa here .

Do I have to be vaccinated to visit Dubai?

No, travellers do not have to be vaccinated, but they must be tested for Covid-19 before travel, and in some cases on arrival.

What can I do during my stay in Dubai?

All public attractions are open to the public. Ain Dubai , the world's tallest observation wheel and the latest attraction in the emirate is set to open to the public on October 21, with tickets now available online.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be a major attraction and tickets to the event are now on sale worldwide. Precautions will be in place to protect visitors.

With more than 190 country pavilions, as well as themed exhibitions at the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability pavilions, 200 dining venues and up to 60 shows a day, tourists can add a few days to their itinerary to visit the expo site.

It will run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

As of September 2, hotels can be at full occupancy (up from 70 per cent) while entertainment venues can increase capacity to 70 per cent (up from 50 per cent).

Restaurants and cafes can operate at 80 per cent capacity and can remain open until 3am.

The number of people who can sit at one table is 10 for restaurants and six at cafes.

Concerts, sports spectator events and social and institutional events are permitted providing the audience, participants and staff are inoculated against Covid-19 with an approved vaccine .

The maximum attendance for large public events that require permits is now 1,500 for indoors and 2,500 for outdoors.

Face masks are mandatory in public and in private gatherings and people are required to maintain a physical distance of two metres from others.

Have a look at Expo 2020's incredible Garden in the Sky

Do travellers need permission or register somewhere first to travel?

No. Tourists do not need approval from either Dubai's immigration authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to travel to the emirate.

But passengers arriving from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia must follow specific rules. These include:

· Produce a negative PCR test certificate with a QR code issued within 48 hours prior to departure from an approved clinic, which can be found below using a link.

· Take a rapid PCR test, and be able to present the negative result in a QR code, from a test conducted at the departure airport within six hours of the flight.

Travel is not currently possible for those travelling directly from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam and Zambia to Dubai as there are no rapid PCR testing facilities at their airports.

Is a PCR test required for travellers from other countries too?

Yes, travellers arriving in Dubai from any destination must present a negative PCR result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

There are exemptions, which are set out below.

SMS certificates, antibody tests, NHS Covid Test certificates, plus results from rapid PCR tests and home-testing kits are not accepted. The test result must be official – either digital or printed – and written in English or Arabic, ready for presentation at check-in. Certificates in other languages are accepted if they can be validated at the point of departure.

Passengers travelling from Indonesia, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt and Ethiopia must present a report linked with a QR code for verification purposes at check-in and on arrival in Dubai.

Where can I get tested before my flight to Dubai?

The UAE has approved a list of laboratories in every country, which can be found here .

I am travelling from India. Can I get a visa on arrival in Dubai?

Indian nationals who are travelling to or from India via Dubai can get a visa on arrival for 14 days if they have a visitor visa or a green card issued by the United States, or a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom or European Union. The visas must be valid for a minimum of six months. Anyone who does not have that can apply for a visit visa for the UAE .

Will I need to take a second test on arrival?

Perhaps. Some passengers must take a second test on arrival in Dubai.

The rule applies if the passengers are travelling from: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.

Do travellers have to quarantine in Dubai?

No. There is no quarantine on arrival in Dubai.

But anyone who takes a Covid test at the airport must remain in their hotel or residence until they receive the result. If it is positive, the traveller will have to isolate as per Dubai Health Authority guidelines. If it is negative, they are free to go out and explore the city.

Is anyone exempt from taking a PCR test, if it is required?

Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability – including acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ataxia, autism spectrum, Bell's palsy, brain tumours, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy and seizures – are exempt from taking a PCR test.

But all other passengers, including those who are visually, physically or hearing impaired, must take a test if required.

A first look at Ain Dubai - in pictures

Ain Dubai will open to the public on October 21. Pawan Singh / The National

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Learn more about travel, testing and vaccination requirements in the country of your departure, transit or arrival.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

United Arab Emirates

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you contact the UAE Embassy in the UK . 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering UAE. 

Passport validity requirements

To enter the UAE, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in the UAE.

If you have a residence permit, your passport’s expiry date must be at least 3 months after the date you arrive in the UAE.

If you’re travelling through the UAE and not passing through immigration, your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you will transit.

Visa requirements

You can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 40 days.

You can be fined for overstaying your visa. If you want to extend your stay, contact:

• for Dubai: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
• for the rest of the UAE: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Living and working in the UAE 

If you have entered Dubai on a visit visa and want to start working, you must get a probationary work permit valid for up to 3 months from the Ministry of Labour. If you are caught working on a visit visa, you could get a fine or a prison sentence, and you risk deportation. 

You risk arrest if you have lived or worked in the UAE and return when:

• your previous visa is not in order - for example if you did not cancel your work visa
• you have outstanding debts
• you have an unresolved legal issue

If you have any doubt about your status before returning to the UAE seek advice from a local lawyer . 

If you have any questions on the validity or expiry of your visa, or on how to work or stay in the UAE, contact UAE Immigration directly: 

• for Dubai: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs  
• from the UK: UAE Embassy in the UK  

Residence visas

If you apply for a residence visa, you will have to take a blood test. If you test positive for any communicable diseases like HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis, you may be detained and then deported, without appeal. Check the health and fitness requirements on the  United Arab Emirates’ government portal .  

When applying for a UAE residence visa, it is common practice for your sponsor’s representative to give their details as the contact information on your application. When your residence visa is issued, update these details using ICP Smart System services . These details are used by the local authorities when they contact you.

Previous travel to Israel 

UAE immigration authorities have advised that British nationals with valid or expired Israeli visas or stamps in their passports should not face any difficulties entering the UAE as long as they do not intend to work. If you do intend to work, further checks may be required and there is a risk that entry may be refused. 

If you are a British-Israeli dual national and have any concerns about entering the UAE, contact the UAE Embassy in the UK .

Leaving the UAE 

If you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the UAE.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro . 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of UAE . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

It is illegal to bring pork products or pornography into the UAE. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored. 

Medication 

There are strict rules about what medications can be brought into the UAE. You will need approval from the UAE authorities to bring in medication that the UAE classes as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled. 

You must request approval in advance to bring in medication. Apply online using the electronic application form on the UAE Ministry of Health website. The UAE authorities advise that applications are normally processed within 5 working days. 

If you arrive in the UAE without evidence of prior approval, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and you may be prosecuted. For information on controlled medicines or the process for obtaining permission, contact the UAE Ministry of Health on [email protected] or call +971 800 11111. 

In all cases, there are limits on the amount of medication that can be brought into the UAE legally. The Ministry of Health advise you can bring up to 3 months’ supply of medication as a visitor, reduced to one month’s supply if the medication is included in the list requiring approval. 

You do not need to complete this approval process if you are only transiting airside through a UAE airport and will not pass through UAE immigration to enter the UAE.

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Check out Updated Dubai Travel Requirements for 2022

COVID Dubai Travel Requirements for Foreigners for 2022 : This is the updated advisory for traveling passengers arriving in Dubai. This is sourced from both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific COVID travel advisories.

As you plan your business or pleasure trip to Dubai, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration. In this article, we will outline the Dubai travel requirements for foreigners and provide information on the COVID restrictions that are currently in place. Here is a checklist of what you’ll need to do in order to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.

These travel requirements are for travel to Dubai only. Looking for information when arriving in the Philippines from abroad? Check out the  COVID Travel Requirements for foreigners or returning overseas Filipinos arriving from abroad . Or click here for  General Travel Requirements for Destinations Within the Philippines .

Dubai Travel Requirements per Philippine Airlines Advisory

Allowed travelers.

• All UAE residents, visitors and tourists can travel to Dubai without an approval from GDRFA or ICP
• Visitors and tourists have to meet the visa requirements before travel, if they are not eligible for visa on arrival.
• Transit passengers are allowed and are not required to present a COVID 19‑PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination.

Dubai Travel Requirements: Medical Documents

Passengers traveling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must fulfill  one of the below requirements

• Valid/ recognized  Vaccination Certificate  that reflects the completion of doses of vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), provided with QR code System; or 
• Children below 16 years old
• Passengers with moderate to severe disabilities
• Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. For example: Acute spinal cord injury. Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism spectrum, Bell’s palsy, Brain tumors, Cerebral aneurysm, Cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy and seizures. (All other passengers, including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or physical challenged must hold a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test certificate as per the requirements)
• UAE Nationals
• Inbound passengers escorting a 1st degree UAE nationals’ relative, given that they are traveling together
• Domestic workers escorting a UAE national sponsor during travel, given that they are traveling together 
• Transit Passengers (unless mandated by their final destination)    
• It is mandatory that the negative test report includes a QR code linked to the original report for verification purposes by the airlines. 
• RT-PCR test results must be in English or Arabic languages only.
• Children under twelve (12) and passengers with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from PCR.
• Or; Valid  Medical Certificate  issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Cov-19 within a period of one (1) month (the date of recovery and the date of arrival) provided with QR code System 

Dubai Travel Requirements: Travel Documents

• UAE Undertaking Form
• Return Permit for Resident outsideUAE form  issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) (for travelers from restricted countries)
• COVID-19 DXB Smart App
• PH Bureau of Immigration Declaration Form  
• Return Ticket  for Tourists (Printed Copy is required)
• Overseas Employment Certificate  for OFWs (Printed Copy is required)
• Travel Insurance  with COVID-19 Certificate for Tourists (Printed Copy is required) 
• For passengers whose COVID-19 test will be taken from any of  PAL’s Partner Laboratories , please register to  PAL Laboratory Partner e-CIF  as early as 5 days before departure. 

Dubai Travel Requirements: Quarantine Requirements

If requested, passengers must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai and self‑quarantine until they receive a negative result. If the passenger tests positive, they should follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.

Other Information

• https://www.dubaiairports.ae

• Disclaimer : This is only an advisory from the referring airline. Travel restrictions are subject to change without notice by the issuing local government authority. As a result, the requirements or restrictions listed above are not real-time and should be used only as a guide. Please verify your requirements with the official offices, pages, or websites of both your origin and destinations directly.
• Source:  Philippine Airlines COVID-19 Travel Advisory
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Dubai Travel Requirements per Cebu Pacific Advisory

Check out the latest Cebu Pacific Dubai Promos and Flight Schedule .

Updated Dubai Travel Requirements as of March 2, 2022

As per Government regulations, Dubai-bound guests must present the following to be accepted for flight:

Dubai Travel Requirements For UAE Passport Holders

• Valid Passport upon arrival
• valid Vaccination Certificate(s) (in Arabic or in English) that reflects the completion of doses of vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), provided with QR code; or
• valid Negative Covid-19 Test certificate (in Arabic or in English) based on a molecular diagnostic test issued within 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service provider, with a QR code; or
• valid Medical Certificate (in Arabic or in English) issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from COVID-19 within a period of one (1) month (the date of recovery and the date of arrival) provided with a QR code System.

Dubai Travel Requirements For First-Time Resident Visa Holders

• Passport valid for three (3) months upon arrival
• OEC or applicable PH Travel Tax

Dubai Travel Requirements For Returning Resident Visa Holder issued by Dubai

• Valid Residence Visa upon arrival
• Applicable Philippine Travel Tax Certificate (PH Tax)

Dubai Travel Requirements For Returning Resident Visa Holder issued by other UAE

• valid Medical Certificate (in Arabic or in English) issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from COVID-19 within a period of one (1) month (the date of recovery and the date of arrival) provided with QR code System.

Dubai Travel Requirements For Tourist Visa Holders

• Passport valid for six (6) months upon arrival

Dubai Travel Requirements For Transiting Passengers

• Valid documents up to the final destination
• Onward flight with a minimum of three (3) hours transiting time, but not more than twenty-four (24) hours
• The negative RT-PCR test result, if needed by onward destination/s
• Marhaba Baggage Transfer Service (if with baggage)

Dubai Travel Requirements For those securing a Visa on Arrival

• Health Insurance

Guests may also undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai if requested and self-quarantine until a negative test result is released to the passenger. In the event the passenger is tested positive, then such passenger shall follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.

Note that the following are exempted from the COVID-19 test requirement:

• Non-UAE national accompanying the first degree UAE national family member
• Domestic workers accompanying a UAE national sponsor
• Children below 12 years old

Please make sure that you have valid health insurance that can be used in the United Arab Emirates, as required by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

Please print and fill out the Bureau of Immigration form before your flight. Click here , and have it ready upon check-in.

These are the Dubai Travel Requirements we have as of the date indicated. Requirements may change from time to time without prior notice. Please continue checking with the Dubai government for the latest updates.

• Disclaimer: This is only an advisory from the referring airline. Travel restrictions are subject to change without notice by the issuing local government authority. As a result, the requirements or restrictions listed above are not real-time and should be used only as a guide. Please verify your requirements with the official offices, pages or websites of both your origin and destinations directly.
• Source : Cebu Pacific COVID-19 Travel Advisory
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COVID Dubai Travel Requirements for Arriving Local Passengers Disclaimer: Please note that there may be multiple travel requirements for each international destination. These rules are subject to change by the issuing foreign government authority and are issued for our passengers and the public’s safety. As these requirements may change at short notice, the advisories above serve as a general guide.

Latest Promos to and from Dubai, UAE

Cheapest Cebu Pacific Asia Promo Alert: P999 Sale for Nov 2022 to March 2023 Travel

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Check out the Cheapest Cebu Pacific Dubai Promos for 2022-2023

TRAVEL SUPPORT

Travel requirements for Dubai residents

The following process applies to all UAE residence visa holders flying back to Dubai. The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

Travelling to Dubai

Before you travel

All passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. 

Passengers travelling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements their final destination.

Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia) can travel within GCC countries and enter Dubai with their National Identity Card (ID Card).

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

This includes a list of COVID 19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID 19 RT PCR test.

Ready for your next trip?

• COVID-19 information hub
• Travel requirements for Dubai
• Residents travelling to, from and through Dubai