Where UAE residents can travel without having to quarantine on arrival
Book an end-of-year escape to one of these quarantine-free destinations…
With a five-day weekend for UAE National Day just around the corner, you might be hanging out for overseas holiday. If you don’t want the hassle of quarantining on arrival, plan an escape to one of these destinations where UAE residents can travel without having to quarantine on arrival.
As travel regulations and entry requirements are changing on a regular basis, be sure to check the latest updates from local authorities before booking your escape. And, with regular flights yet to resume to some locations, it might take a couple of transfers to make it to your dream destination.
United Kingdom
As of 4am on Saturday, November 14, travellers flying to the UK from the UAE no longer have to self-isolate for two weeks. If you have travelled anywhere not on the travel corridor list in the past 14 days, you’ll still need to self-quarantine on arrival into the UK. Travellers arriving in the UK are required to fill in a passenger locator form. You’ll also have to wear a face mask at the airport and on public transport. For the latest updates, visit: gov.uk.
Croatia
One of the few European nations accepting visitors from outside the EU, Croatia is open to tourists so long as they present a negative PCR test result on arrival, which was obtained within the past 48 hours. Otherwise, you’ll have to quarantine for up to 14 days. You’ll also be asked to fill in a travel announcement form, and provide proof of your pre-booked accommodation. Check here for the latest updates.
Egypt
Egypt is now welcoming tourists in possession of a negative PCR test certificate, issued within 72 hours of travel, and in paper format (no digital certificates). The certificate must be issued by an accredited laboratory and must indicate the type of sample taken for the swab. You’ll undergo health screening at the airport, and must have valid insurance that covers Covid-19. Face masks are required when out in public, and there are strict social distancing rules in place.
Kenya
On August 1, Kenya began welcoming visitors from 129 countries for quarantine-free stays in the African nation, including UAE residents and citizens. Before you set off your your African escape, you’ll need to fill in this health surveillance form and present a negative PRC test that was taken within 96 hours of travel.
Maldives
The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism has made some important updates recently. From September 10, travellers to the Maldives must present a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of arrival. Visitors can get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Keep an eye on the Maldives travel requirements here.
Montenegro
South of Croatia on the Adriatic Coast, picturesque Montenegro is open to tourists from a ‘green list’, comprising the EU and 50 other countries, including the UAE. You’ll have to wear a mask and observe social distancing while out in public, and parties are forbidden. Stay up to date on Montenegro’s travel requirements here.
Seychelles
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With a flight time of just four and a half hours from Dubai, the Seychelles has long been a favourite destination for UAE residents. As of August 31, this Indian Ocean escape is open to UAE residents once again, so long as they present a negative PCR test, submit to health screenings on arrival, and undergo another test on the fifth night in the Seychelles. Accommodation must be booked through licensed establishments that have been certified by the Public Health Authority, and you need valid health insurance with full medical cover. Find more information about the Seychelles entry requirements here.
Tanzania
If travel to Tanzania is in your horizon, you’ll welcome the news that restaurants and bars have reopened in Zanzibar, and there’s no longer a 14-day quarantine on arrival. You’ll just have to submit to health screening and follow the latest rulings from the local health authorities. If you’re displaying symptoms, you may be sent to an isolation centre for further testing. Keep an eye on tanzaniatourism.go.tz/en/ for updates.
Turkey
According to Emirates.com, passengers arriving into Turkey who display Covid-19 symptoms will be tested. If positive, you’ll be treated, not deported. All passengers must wear a face mask while travelling, and may be subject to a Covid-19 health screening on arrival. You’ll also have to fill in the passenger information form.
Images: Unsplash
