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What are the COVID Guidelines for Tourists in Dubai?

Dubai Travel | 24 August, 2023

Dubai has been one of the most preferred holiday destinations for a long time now. Although COVID-19 restricted tourists from visiting the city for a while, the restrictions have been lifted and you can now witness the magic of Dubai through our Dubai tour packages. However, it is still important to know the Dubai COVID guidelines for tourists so that you can remain on the safe side and ensure that you’re following all the rules and meeting all the requirements before you embark on your journey. In this article, we will be briefing you about the Dubai COVID rules for tourists to keep in mind prior to your trip.

What are the COVID Requirements for Tourists Travelling to Dubai?

When you travel to Dubai, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • The COVID rules for travel to Dubai require you to present a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate at the airport you are departing from. The certificate stands as proof that you’re fully vaccinated with a vaccine that was approved by the UAE or the World Health Organization (WHO). A QR code must be visible on the vaccination certificate.
  • The COVID-19 vaccination certificate must have been issued within 48 hours from the time the sample was collected by an approved health service provider.
  • In case you are not vaccinated, the Dubai COVID rules for tourists require you to take an RTPCR test, which shouldn’t be taken more than 48 hours prior to your time of departure. The negative report must be issued by an approved health center while also reflecting a QR code.
  • Passengers can also carry a valid medical certificate with themselves that has been issued by the relevant health authorities. The certificate states that the passenger has recovered from COVID-19 a month prior to their date of travel.

The following are the Dubai COVID guidelines for tourists that you should remember before you travel using our Dubai holiday packages:

  • The PCR test certificates or vaccination certificates you carry must be in English and should either be printed or digital. They should contain a QR code and those who present SMS certificates will not be allowed to travel.
  • The PCR test taken by tourists should be based on a molecular diagnostic test for SARS‑COV‑2 viral RNA.
  • While traveling to Dubai, an individual’s COVID‑19 vaccination certificate will only be accepted if it has been issued by recognized centers and has been approved by the national health authorities.
  • The reports that won’t be accepted at the airport include those that depict the Rapid antigen test and antibody test. Tests that are done using home test kits won’t be accepted either.

COVID Guidelines

Who is Exempted from Taking the COVID‑19 PCR Test and Presenting the Vaccination Certificate?

The following are the cases in which you won’t be required to present a PCR test or vaccination certificate:

  • If you are a domestic worker traveling along with a UAE national sponsor.
  • If you are a first-degree relative of a UAE national and are traveling with them on the same flight.
  • Humanitarian cases.
  • If you’re someone who suffers from moderate to severe neurological or developmental disabilities.
  • If you are traveling for any medical reasons or to get the medical treatment done.

What are the Covid-19 Rules to Expect Once You Arrive at Dubai Airport?

The Dubai COVID rules for tourists to expect once you arrive at Dubai Airport include:

  • Although COVID-19 tests are no longer mandatory at the airport, you can still choose to get one done if you wish to see your health status.
  • The COVID-19 rules can often change quite quickly and often even overnight, which is why you should thoroughly check for the updated rules right before traveling.
  • Wearing a mask is not required at the airport anymore, but you might be asked to put a mask on by the airline you are traveling with. Therefore, always keep a couple of masks with you.

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