Covid – 19 Regulations in the UAE
Under the UAE rules, a “green pass” system on the government’s health app is required. The app, which uses a colour-coded system to indicate vaccination and PCR test status, is currently valid for 30 days.
The change may require residents to get tested more frequently. A green pass is needed to access government buildings across the country and indoor spaces in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
The government also urged residents to follow an indoor mask mandate. The rule is strictly enforced, and any breaches will carry a fine of up to AED 3,000 dirhams ($816.77).
Travel Regulations for UAE Residents:
The following rules apply at the airport of departure for all international travellers to the UAE:
- Those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 must present the vaccination certificate containing a QR code. They are not required to present a negative result of the RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the airport of departure.
- Those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, can either present a valid, negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival or present a recovery certificate from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure if they were previously infected with the virus.
Travelling to Dubai – Rules as of 2022
Rules for Dubai residence visa holders, visitors and tourists:
All UAE residents, visitors and tourists can travel to Dubai without approval from GDRFA or ICP. However, visitors and tourists have to meet the visa requirements before travel, if they are not eligible for visa on arrival.
Requirements
Passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), must fulfil one of the below requirements at the airport of departure:
- Present a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, reflecting that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the UAE.
- Present a valid negative COVID-19. The certificate must be issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection by an approved health service provider and must contain a QR code.
- Present a valid medical certificate from the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from the novel coronavirus COVID-19, issued within one month before the date of arrival.
If requested, passengers must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR test on arrival in Dubai and quarantine themselves until they receive a negative result. If the passenger tests positive, he/she should follow the guidelines issued by Dubai Health Authority.
Exemptions for the COVID‑19 PCR test
The following people are exempt from getting a COVID-19 test at the departure airport, but have to undergo a test on arrival in Dubai:
- All UAE nationals returning to Dubai from any country
- Non-UAE nationals accompanying a first-degree UAE national family member
- Domestic workers accompanying a UAE national sponsor.
The following people are exempt from being tested for COVID-19:
- Children below 12 years of age.
- Passengers with moderate to severe disabilities.
Note:
- Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. 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.
- All other passengers, including those who are visually impaired, have a hearing impairment or are physically challenged, must hold a negative COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test certificate as per the requirements.
- There may be specific test exemptions in your country of origin and final destination.
Transiting through Dubai
- Transiting passengers are not required to present a COVID -19 RT-PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination.
- Passengers booked with Dubai Connect/Stopover packages must follow the same PCR test requirements as applicable for passengers arriving/entering Dubai.
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