The United Arab Emirates opened its borders to international tourism in July 2024, making it one of the countries open to tourism. In addition, travelers from practically any country can visit it.
Entry requirements depend on the emirate you are traveling to, although in most cases a PCR test is required to enter the country.
Can I Travel to The United Arab Emirates Now?
You can travel to the United Arab Emirates from virtually any country right now. However, it is mandatory that you follow some of the restrictions that the United Arab Emirates has curated for its tourists.
Entry Restrictions in The United Arab Emirates
- Each UAE emirate has its own entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- Entry Restrictions for Tourists in Dubai
- Travelers arriving in Dubai must present the medical certificate with the negative result of a PCR test issued within 72 hours prior to boarding. It is also required to have contracted travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage and to have downloaded the COVID-19 mobile application - DXB Smart App, available for iOS and Android.
- Travelers from some countries will need a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
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Entry Restrictions for Tourists in Abu Dhabi
The entry requirements for Abu Dhabi depend on whether the country is on the “green” list or not. International travelers from “green” countries must present a negative result of a PCR test issued within 96 hours of departure. In addition, a second PCR test will be performed upon arrival and travelers will be required to quarantine until a result is obtained. If this is negative, they should no longer continue with the quarantine.
If travelers from “green” countries stay in the country for 6 days or more, another PCR test will be required on the sixth day. Those who are going to be more than 12 days will have to take another test on the 12th.
International travelers who come from other countries must present a negative PCR test is issued within 48, 72, or 96 hours before shipment. This time depends on the country of origin and the flight hours. A second PCR test is performed upon arrival and they must be registered in the quarantine system. All travelers must wear a bracelet during the 10 days of the quarantine period.
Those travelers arriving from countries that are not "green" and stay 6 days or more will get a PCR test the sixth-day trip and another on day 12 if they stay 12 days or more.
The residents and citizens of the United Arab Emirates vaccinated arriving from "green" countries must undergo a PCR test on arrival and day 6 after arrival. Vaccinated UAE residents and citizens from all other countries must take a PCR test upon arrival, self-quarantine for 7 days, and perform another PCR test on day 6 of their quarantine period.
The residents of the United Arab Emirates unvaccinated and citizens from "green" countries should carry out PCR testing on arrival, day 6 and day 12 after arrival. They do not need to be quarantined. Unvaccinated UAE residents and citizens arriving from all other countries must undergo a PCR test upon arrival, self-quarantine for 12 days, and perform a PCR test on day 11 of their quarantine period.
Entry Restrictions for Tourists in Sharjah
Travelers arriving in Sharjah must submit a negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of arrival. Upon arrival, travelers must have another PCR test and quarantine until the results are obtained. Those who test negative will be able to explore Sharjah freely.
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Is It Necessary to Quarantine When Arriving in the UAE?
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Dubai for travelers who undergo the appropriate tests.
Travelers from some of the countries will need to undergo the PCR test on arrival and self-isolate until a negative result is obtained. If it is positive, a 10-day quarantine will be imposed.
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Abu Dhabi for “green” countries as long as the traveler receives a negative PCR test result on arrival.
However, it is mandatory to self-isolate until receiving the results of the PCR test that is carried out on arrival. If the result is positive, a 10-day quarantine will be required.
Travelers from all other countries must be quarantined for 10 days from their arrival in Abu Dhabi, unless they are a vaccinated UAE citizen or a resident of Abu Dhabi, in which case they only need to be quarantined for 7 days from arrival. Unvaccinated UAE citizens and residents are required to quarantine for 12 days upon arrival.
Additionally, international travelers will be required to wear a wristband throughout the quarantine. The place where the quarantine should be carried out is chosen by the health authorities. On the sixth day, the PCR test will be repeated and if the result is negative, the quarantine period will end on day 10, as planned.
There is no mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving in Sharjah, but all will need to isolate themselves until they have the results of the PCR test that is performed on arrival. If the result is negative, the traveler will be able to move freely around Sharjah, but if he tests positive, he will have to quarantine for 14 days.
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Conclusion:
All travelers will be subject to health checks upon arrival. These medical examinations include temperature control and PCR testing for all travelers arriving in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Mask should be worn in public spaces. Social distance must be respected.
Depending on the country of origin, it will be necessary to have a tourist visa to enter the United Arab Emirates.
