Complete Guide to Dubai's New Travel Rules: Tourists, Residents, Emiratis | ExpatWoman.com
 

Your Complete Guide to Dubai’s New Travel Rules

Dubai’s latest travel guidelines on tourism and international flights for UAE residents, Emiratis, and visitors, explained.

Posted on

22 June 2020

Last updated on 23 June 2020
Your Complete Guide to Dubai’s New Travel Rules

The new travel rules may differ depending on your own personal situation.

Dubai will allow expats to take international flights from Tuesday 23 June, announced the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. Visitors on a tourist visa are also welcomed starting July 7.

The new travel measures were announced on Sunday night, permitting tourists to visit the city, and for Emiratis and residents to travel overseas to any destination that has flights operating out of Dubai.

Majority of arriving passengers must be swabbed for COVID-19 and self-quarantine at home until the screening results are ready.

If you plan to enter or exit Dubai, the rules may be different, depending on your situation. Find out all you need to know about Dubai’s latest travel guidelines below.

For UAE residents and Emiratis returning to Dubai

If you are a UAE resident or citizen travelling back to Dubai from overseas, here’s what you must know:

  • When you arrive in the terminal, you are required to do a mandatory PCR test, which is a nasal swab used to identify the virus.
  • You can take a taxi home but you must stay there until the test results are ready, which can take a few days. Results will either be sent to your app or through a call. Leaving your home during self-quarantine will result in a fine.
  • If you have a negative result, you’re allowed to leave your home and end your quarantine.
  • If you are positive, you must undergo a mandatory self-quarantine for at least 14 days. You may be tested several times until health authorities confirm that you’re free of the virus. If you feel severely unwell and need medical help, you must contact the UAE Ministry of Health on 800 11111 or Dubai Health Authority at 800 342.
  • If you test positive and live in shared housing, you would be moved to a special facility used for COVID-19 patients. Your employer is responsible for arranging such a facility or choose a facility provided by the government, who your employer would pay costs to.
Your Complete Guide to Dubai’s New Travel Rules

For Dubai residents or Emiratis travelling abroad

If you are a UAE resident or citizen flying out of the country, here is what you must know:

  • You can travel anywhere overseas, so long as it’s via an airline carrier approved to fly inbound and outbound of Dubai.
  • You will not be tested for COVID-19 before your travels, but you are required to sign a Health Declaration Form stating that you do not have any of the novel Coronavirus’ symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, fever, or other flu-like pains.
  • You must register for the COVID-19 DXB app, which will be activated when you come back to Dubai.
  • You must be up-to-date on the travel rules of your destination, as it may be mandatory for you to undergo testing or a period of quarantine.

For tourists visiting Dubai from July 7

If you are a tourist visiting the UAE, the following is what you can expect:

  • It’s recommended for you to take a PCR test up to four days before your flight to Dubai. Be sure to bring the results with you to Dubai. If the test is valid and recognised by the local authorities, and you have no symptoms, then you will not be tested in Dubai and not quarantined. This will help save you time and costs.
  • If you do not arrange your own COVID-19 test before you fly, you will be screened when you land in Dubai and you are required to self-quarantine until the results are ready.
  • You must have valid medical travel insurance, and you will need to sign a declaration stating that you are responsible for any quarantine and treatment costs if you experience symptoms.
  • Download and register the COVID-19 DXB app, and input your details. It will be activated when you land.
  • Make sure you are up to speed on Dubai’s latest travel rules.
Your Complete Guide to Dubai’s New Travel Rules

For UAE residents who have been stranded overseas

If you are a UAE resident who’s been stuck abroad when the local and international travel bans took place, read on…

  • You must apply to return using the Tawajudi system. Airline companies will ask for an ID number provided from the Tawajudi system when you book your return flight.
  • Airlines have the right to refuse a passenger if he or she is displaying symptoms.
  • You must sign a declaration form stating that you and your insurance provider will bear the costs of treatment if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • It’s not necessary to take a PCR test in order to travel back to the UAE, but you will be tested for the virus when you arrive in Dubai. You must also self-quarantine until your results are ready.
 
 

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