Where Can UAE Residents Travel Right Now for Holiday?
These are all the countries that have reopened their borders to travellers from the UAE.
16 May 2021
Curious to know where you can fly off for a holiday?
We've compiled a complete list of all the countries that have reopened to tourists from the UAE, as well as all those that are planning to reopen travel soon!
In this list, you'll also find a quick and handy guide on Covid-19 testing, vaccination, and quarantine requirements for UAE travellers.
It's important to remember that many countries are still cautioning travellers against non-essential trips abroad. The ewmoda team recommends considering the relevant restrictions and staying up-to-date on the country's Covid-19 news before you consider travelling there.
1. Greece
The beautiful European nation of Greece will reopen tourism to travellers from the UAE starting mid-May.
Reopening date:Tuesday 18 May, 2021.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: To travel to Greece, you are required to be fully vaccinated with an approved health certificate.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: Santorini, Greece
2. Iceland
Want to chill down from the UAE's hot summer weather? Iceland is another lovely destination in Europe that's open for tourists.
Reopening date: Friday 9 April, 2021.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Neither, but presenting a negative Covid test would help you in your travels.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: You will be exempt from quarantine and a second screening if you provide a negative PCR test before departure to Iceland. Otherwise, you will be tested for Covid on arrival and wait in quarantine for your results.
Pictured: Skogafoss Waterfall, Iceland
3. The Maldives
The Maldives has been open for travel since summer last year. What comes as even better news is that the UAE and the Maldives are in talks to open a travel corridor, allowing vaccinated travellers to move freely between the two countries. The official date has not been announced yet.
Reopening date: July 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: No need for a vaccine, but travellers who were fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior will not be required to show a negative Covid test on arrival or follow any quarantine restrictions.
Non-vaccinated visitors from the UAE, or those who only received the first dose, must take a PCR test no more than 96 hours before departure. You will also need to take another Covid test to return to the UAE, as well as a health declaration form within 24 hours of departure.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: Yes, for non-vaccinated tourists.
Pictured: The Maldives
4. Seychelles
Home to some of the world's most picturesque beaches, Seychelles offers an island paradise for visitors from the UAE.
Reopening date: Thursday 25 March, 2021.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: You will need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the UAE. You must also complete a health declaration form before travelling.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: La Digue Island, Seychelles
5. Jordan
Jordan boasts many unique natural wonders and stunning landscapes, perfect for a holiday.
Reopening date: September 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: You will need to take two Covid tests: one PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, and a second test on arrival in Jordan.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No, if both tests are negative.
Pictured: Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan
6. Bahrain
Looking to fly somewhere closer to home? Bahrain is also open to tourism from the UAE!
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Yes, you will need to take three Covid tests: the first PCR test will be on arrival, and on days 5 and 10 of your stay in Bahrain.
You will need to complete a health declaration form.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: UAE tourists must quarantine until the results come back as negative.
Important things to note: Visitors should download the local "BeAware Bahrain app" on their smart devices.
Pictured: Manama, Bahrain
7. Croatia
Croatia is one of the handful of European countries open for tourism for UAE residents.
Reopening date: April 2021.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Yes, tourists from the UAE must show a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours before arrival. If you are fully vaccinated, you don't need to present a PCR test.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: Yes, if you are not fully vaccinated. If you have already received both doses of a Coronavirus vaccine at least 14 days before travel, you don't need to quarantine in Croatia.
Pictured: Zagreb, Croatia
8. Turkey
Turkey is a fantastic destination for UAE residents seeking a friendly, culturally rich, and beautiful place for a holiday.
Reopening date: June 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Yes, you need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours upon arrival. You will also need to fill in a passenger information form when you touch down in Turkey.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you have travelled to Denmark, the UK, South Africa, or India in the last 10 days you will be required to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival. At the end of those seven days, you’ll be required to take a second PCR test. If the test result is negative, the quarantine will end you're free to explore Turkey.
Pictured: Cappadocia, Turkey
9. Tunisia
Enjoy a classic sun-and-sand holiday in Tunisia!
Reopening date: Saturday 27 June, 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Yes, upon arrival you will need to present a printed negative PCR test result issued within the last 72 hours. You must also complete a health declaration form before departing the UAE.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: Yes, you must quarantine for 48 hours and then take a second PCR test in Tunisia.
Pictured: Sousse, Tunisia
10. Serbia
Out of all the countries open for tourism, Serbia has some of the most relaxed Covid-19 restrictions for travellers. This destination in the Balkans features some enchanting landscapes and modern sights for anyone and everyone!
Reopening date: May 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: If you're a resident flying to Serbia from the UAE, you don't need to show a negative PCR test to enter. However, if you're flying to Serbia from the Emirate of Dubai, you will be required to present a Covid-19 test result.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: Belgrade, Serbia
11. Malta
From their Popeye Village and Silent City of Mdina, to the rustic local scenes and scenic views, there's heaps of reasons to visit Malta.
Reopening date: Wednesday 1 July 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: While not necessary, upon arrival in Malta you can show a negative Covid test issued within 72 hours.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you presented a negative PCR test on arrival, you're free to enter Malta and explore the country. But if you don't have a Covid test result to show, you will have to follow a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
Pictured: Valletta, Malta
12. Georgia
In the past several years, Georgia has been a popular holiday destination for many UAE residents, and for good reason! The flights are short, there's gorgeous weather to enjoy all year round, and the country is rustic and beautiful with plenty of history.
Reopening date: Wednesday 1 July 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: If you're not vaccinated, or only received your first dose, you will need to present a negative PCR test issued within 72 hours. You will also need to take another Covid test in Georgia on the third day of your stay.
If you're fully vaccinated, you don't need to do either tests. You'll be free to enter and visit Georgia.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you're not fully vaccinated, you must self-isolate for 8 days upon arrival in Georgia.
Pictured: Tbilisi, Georgia
13. Egypt
Egypt is a bucket list destination for many travellers, with its outstanding history, ancient architecture, wide beaches, remarkable resorts, modern cities, and natural sites attracting millions of tourists before Covid.
Reopening date: Wednesday 17 March, 2021
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Yes, you must present a negative PCR test on arrival in Egypt. You must also complete a health declaration form before landing.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: Visitors arriving in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Marsa Matrouh who cannot show negative test results will be able to take a test and then isolate while awaiting the results. Those who are positive must isolate for 14 days.
Pictured: Edfu Temple in Aswan, Egypt
14. Cyprus
Often overlooked for its more popular neighbours in Europe, Cyprus is actually home to some magnificent sights, history, culture, and delicious food. It is also one of the safest countries in Europe thanks to a low crime rate.
Reopening date: Monday 10 May, 2021.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: If you received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, you don't have to provide a negative PCR test result. You are free to enter Cyprus.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you are fully vaccinated, you don't need to quarantine.
Pictured: Pathos, Cyprus
15. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another travel destination with some pretty relaxed entry rules and Covid guidelines for UAE residents.
Reopening date: November, 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: No, you will only need to complete a digital health pass and provide proof of sufficient travel insurance that must cover Covid-19 medical care.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: Kayaking in Costa Rica
16. Tanzania/Zanzibar
Tanzania offers outstanding examples of East Africa's gems: idyllic islands, sprawling beaches, safari adventures, diverse African wildlife, rich culture, history, and much more.
Reopening date: June, 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: No, you will only need to provide a negative PCR test result if your airline of choice requires it. Otherwise, it's not required on arrival in Tanzania. You are only required to complete a Traveller Surveillance Form before arrival, and may be subject to screening.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: Arusha, Tanzania
17. Morocco
Morocco is a relatively peaceful and safe country, with warm hospitality and plenty of things to do, sights to see, and Arab cuisine to explore.
Reopening date: September 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Visitors from the UAE must show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours, and a confirmed hotel reservation/booking.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: Chefchaouen, Morocco
18. Brazil
Great sports, breath-taking landscapes, stunning beaches, colourful carnavals, tasty dishes, and a vibrant culture makes Brazil one of the most captivating bucket list places for many tourists.
Reopening date: Wednesday 29 July, 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: UAE visitors to Brazil must carry a negative Covid test result issued within 72 hours.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: No.
Pictured: Pao de Acucar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
19. Colombia
Colombia has something for every type of traveller, from its Caribbean beaches, lush rainforests and hiking trails, to the snow-capped mountains, delicious food, and historical architecture.
Reopening date: September 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: UAE travelers entering Colombia are required to present a negative PCR test carried out within 96 hours before departure.
If you don't have a PCR test result, you must inform immigration so you can take the test on arrival.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you didn't have a PCR test result and took a new Covid test in Colombia, you are required to quarantine for 14 days or at least until you receive a negative result.
If you showed a negative test result taken in the UAE, you are free to enter Colombia and do not need to self-isolate.
Pictured: Paramo de Oceta in Boyaco, Colombia
20. Thailand
The low costs on food, accommodation, travel, and more makes Thailand one of the most popular South East Asian destinations for tourists on a budget. On top of that, there's plenty of things to do such as island hopping, encounters with exotic animals, affordable shopping, boat rides, and culture trips.
Reopening date: October 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Upon arrival, tourists from the UAE must show a negative Covid test result issued within the past 72 hours. A second Coronavirus test will be taken at the airport.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you test positive from the second Covid test, you must self-isolate until you receive a negative result.
Pictured: The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand
21. Hawaii
Known for their spectacular golden sunsets, Aloha spirit, natural landscapes, tropical beaches, and fun activities, a holiday in Hawaii would be the perfect place to relax, unwind and disconnect from your daily routine in the UAE.
Reopening date: October 2020.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Not required, but carrying a negative Covid test result will help you avoid 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?: If you showed a negative Covid test result issued within 72 hours of arrival in Hawaii, you are not required to self-isolate.
However, all visitors coming to Hawaii must undergo a health screening and temperature check on arrival.
Pictured: A Hawaii beach
22. Germany
Delicious cuisine, excellent beers and spirits, a modern transport system, beautiful architecture, and rich history... there is plenty to enjoy during a trip to Germany.
Reopening date: June 25, 2021.
Do I need a Covid test or vaccine?: Yes, you will need to have been completely vaccinated against Covid-19 at least 14 days prior to arriving in Germany.
Pictured: Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, Germany.
