Certain requirements will need to be adhered to…

On July 2, UAE authorities issued a list of approved reasons for travel out of the country. Leisure and tourism did not appear on the list, and so many assumed that these would not be classified as valid reasons to leave the UAE.

Important update

However, earlier today, July 3 the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority along with the ICA released a further statement, clarifying that:

UAE citizens and residents would be permitted to travel for any reason, provided they meet a set of health requirements.

Research the up-to-date pandemic rules of the country you’re travelling to

Announced via the authority’s official Twitter account, travel would be permitted as long as travellers meet ‘the health requirements currently enforced within airports and in accordance with the destinations’ regulations.’

Those intending to travel will have to check the entry procedures and requirements for the countries they are heading to.

National carriers of the UAE, as well as international carriers, will operate flights according to a classification system which will be based on several health and safety standards. 

The announcement also stated that certain protocols will also need to be followed prior to and upon arrival back to the UAE.

This will include quarantine periods, arrival check-ups, self-monitoring of the health of the traveller and more.

What’s required by the UAE, before leaving?

Citizens will be required to register with Twajudi, and all passengers must perform a Covid-19 examination before travel.

Prior to travel, passengers must also obtain international health insurance which must be valid at the destination they are travelling to. It must be valid throughout the period of travel.

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Guidelines state that citizens will will need to show a negative test result within 48 hours of travel, else you won’t be allowed to travel. 

They may also need to show the negative Covid-19 result to the authorities at the arrival destination. This can be via the Al Hosn application or in medical certificate format.

Upon return to the UAE, residents must ensure ‘there is no violation of the declared regulations and procedures, most importantly, the pre-examination in the countries where laboratories are available,’

If all of this is getting you excited about the possibility of having a summer holiday this year, check out our list of 13 destinations that will soon open to UAE travellers.

Returning to Dubai

If you intend to come back, you will have to make sure you have approval to return to the UAE.

  • You must have GDRFA approval to return (see above), and bring a copy of the approval email with you.
  • Print out and complete this health declaration form and quarantine undertaking form. Hand these over to Dubai Health Authority staff on your arrival at Dubai.
  • Take a PCR (Covid-19) test in a certified lab overseas or upon arrival in Dubai, then remain in your residence until you get the results. If you test positive, you’ll have to be quarantined, either in your home or an approved hotel.
  • Download the Covid-19 – DXB Smart App, available for iOS and Android.
  • At check-in, you’ll have to declare whether you have health insurance that will cover any costs for treatment or quarantine.
It was advised that those who are over the age of seventy and those with chronic diseases to avoid travelling for their own safety

Images: Unsplash