Travelling to Dubai - rules as of 26 February 2022

All UAE residents, visitors and tourists can travel to Dubai without an approval from GDRFA or ICP. However, visitors and tourists must meet the visa requirements before travel if they are not eligible for visa on arrival.

Check visa requirements to visit the UAE.

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  The certificate must contain a QR code.
• Present a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate that should be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS‑COV‑2 viral RNA. 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. The certificate must contain a QR code.

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.

You must also download the COVID19 – DXB Smart App available on iOS and Android.

If you are arriving from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh or Egypt, you must get your certificate from one of the labs listed in the designated laboratories

 

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