Travelling between the UK and Dubai? Everything you need to know
We’ve got you covered with an A to Z of what you need to know…
It’s been a confusing year in terms of travel but recently, on November 12, it was announced that travellers arriving into the UK from the UAE would no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days.
This has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for UK nationals living in the UAE to go home for Christmas and for people in the UK to enjoy some winter sun here in the UAE and, more specifically, Dubai.
Whilst restrictions have eased slightly, there are still a number of extra requirements and rules for when you are flying between the two destinations. We’ve compiled a handy list of need-to-know points when travelling between the UK and Dubai.
Dubai to UK
Do I need to take a PCR test prior to flying to the UK?
You do not need to take a PCR test in Dubai prior to flying into the UK, however you can if you choose to.
Do I need to quarantine on arrival?
No, you no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival into the UK, as long as you haven’t been in or transited through any other non-exempt countries in the 14 days before your arrival into the UK. You will not need to take a PCR test upon arrival in the UK.
Find out the countries in the UK’s air travel quarantine-free list here.
You MUST fill out this form 48 hours before arrival into the UK
Anyone flying from the UAE to the UK must fill out a GOV.UK passenger locator form within 48 hours of your arrival to the UK. You will need to print this out or have it on your mobile phone to show on arrival in the UK. You will need:
- your passport details
- your travel details, including times and dates
- the address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
UK to Dubai
Do I need to take a PCR test prior to flying to Dubai?
No, you no longer need to take a PCR test and have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate to fly to Dubai, however you can if you would like to. If you don’t, you can opt to take a PCR test upon arrival to Dubai Airport.
Do I need to quarantine on arrival?
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On arrival in to Dubai International Airport (DXB), travellers will undergo a free PCR test and will be required to isolate until they receive their result via text message, which takes around 24 hours.
Dubai residents MUST fill out this form before arriving into Dubai
Dubai residence visa holders must apply for return approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This can be done as soon as you book your flight with Emirates.
Read our full step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the form here.
UK to Abu Dhabi
The travel rules are considerably different when flying into Abu Dhabi. Find out everything you need to know here.
Images: Getty