As the pandemic has taken a downward flow across the globe, travel protocols have been relaxed. Many countries have taken different steps to easy journeys for commuters worldwide. The United Arab Emirates was one of the first tourist destinations to open travel with stringent COVID protocols in place. Today, the requirements for a Dubai visa are updated and different. Please do not interpret this to be negligent with hygiene routines and alert behaviour. Travel to the UAE has now rolled the latest procedures and guidelines.

When an applicant applies for an online Dubai visa, the latest safety procedures and measures are shared with them at Insta Dubai Visa. Let us understand how we can make a responsible journey to Dubai with the latest requirements while planning a trip to the dreamland.

Is the United Arab Emirates open for international travellers?

International travellers can apply for a Dubai e-visa keeping in mind the varied requirements to enter the emirates of the UAE.

Are tourists allowed to travel to the United Arab Emirates?

Dubai and the UAE are open to all tourists who had to postpone their travel because of COVID lockdowns. Now applicants from any part of the globe can apply for a Dubai visa, even from African countries. The country has eased travelling to Dubai by lifting the RT-PCR tests. Still, some applicants need to undergo some procedures while making an entry at the Immigration of the UAE.

What are the vaccination requirements while entering the United Arab Emirates?

The UAE Government does not mandate the requirement of fully vaccinated travellers entering the country. But some emirates like Abu Dhabi may deny entry into the public areas even if partially vaccinated.

Those who have been already vaccinated need not worry, while those with pending doses need to be a little aware of the accessibility of other emirates.

Those who have a 'Green status' on the Al Hosn App will gain entry into public places in Abu Dhabi.

Residents of the United Arab Emirates travelling from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh must be fully vaccinated. They should also hold a vaccination certificate issued by the health authorities. So, those applying for a Dubai evisa can raise their concerns for updated requirements, or we can guide them at Insta Dubai Visa for a smooth journey.

What are the latest requirements for testing and quarantine in the United Arab Emirates?

Travellers heading to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must have:

  • A valid vaccination certificate representing the passenger is fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine or the UAE and should possess a QR code system; or
  • A negative COVID-19 PCR test report valid for 48 hours issued from the time of sample collection and administered by an approved health setup with a QR code system; or
  • An approved health centre issued a valid medical certificate stating that the passenger has recovered from COVID-19 within one month from recovery to arrival, along with a QR code system.

Visitors who apply for an online Dubai visa are informed that they may need to take another COVID-19 PCR test at Dubai International Airport on arrival. If the test is positive, they shall be required to quarantine and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines. Also, download the COVID 19–DXB Smart App.

Kindly note that printed or digital PCR test certificates or vaccination certificates in English or Arabic must include a QR code. However, SMS certificates are not accepted.

The RT-PCR test or vaccination certificates in multiple languages are only acceptable if they are validated at the departure point. COVID 19 vaccination certificates without a QR code are acceptable for travel to Dubai if health centres are validated by the national health authorities of the country issued the certificates.

Exemptions

Applicants applying for a Dubai evisa should stay informed that the following categories are exempted from this requirement to the below categories of passengers travelling to Dubai from all destinations:

  • Children below 12 years of age.
  • Passengers with moderate-to-severe disabilities:
    o 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.
    o All other passengers, including visually impaired, hearing impaired or physically challenged, must hold a negative COVID 19 RT PCR test certificate as per the requirements.