On Sunday, June 21, the Dubai government released a new protocol for citizens, residents, and tourists traveling into or out of Dubai airports.
Also Read: Can I Work in the UAE while Carrying a Tourist Visa?
The new set of travel protocols will allow thousands of people affected by the worldwide restrictions in passenger air traffic to resume their travel plans to and outside of Dubai.
Dubai Eases Travel Restrictions Starting June 22
The Dubai Supreme Committee has decided to allow foreign nationals holding residency visas issued in Dubai to travel back to the emirate starting Monday, June 22.
The decision will also allow citizens and residents to travel to any foreign country starting Tuesday, June 23, provided that the destination countries allow their entry. Moreover, travellers should commit to observing precautionary measures outlined by the countries they are visiting.
In line with this development, the Committee also announced that it will start welcoming visitors and tourists from overseas beginning 7 July 2020.
Dubai authorities have come up with the new decisions supported by protocols and preventive measures aimed at safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all passengers travelling into or out of Dubai Airports.
The decision was based on the directives given by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow-up of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management headed by Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Also, the Committed highlighted the marked progress achieved by the emirate in combating the virus with strict precautionary measures implemented at national and local levels which has earned worldwide praise.
Return of UAE Residents
Residents holding Dubai-issued visas are allowed to return to the emirate by pre-booking flights on any airline on the condition that they obtain an approval coordinated between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the airline.
Airport Protocols:
- Residents must fill out a ‘Health Declaration Form’ before embarking on their journey to confirm they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. The airline has the right to refuse boarding if passengers display any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Upon arrival at Dubai airports, residents will be required to undergo a PCR test to screen them for COVID-19. Residents should register their complete details in the COVID-19 DXB smart app available online on arrival and before leaving the terminal.
- Residents who will be arriving in the UAE via Dubai must not leave their house until they receive their COVID-19 test result. If they test positive, they will have to home isolate themselves for 14 days.
- Meanwhile, residents sharing homes or living in high-density housing facilities will be isolated at an institutional facility if they test positive.
- The residents employer should make arrangements for an isolation facility following guidelines approved by the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre or bear the costs of a paid isolation facility provided by the government.
UAE Citizens and Residents Traveling Overseas
According to the announcement, there will be no restrictions on the overseas destinations that citizens and residents can travel to. However, in their part, they must comply with guidelines and protocols followed in the countries they are travelling to.
At the airport, the above-mentioned protocols will also apply to travellers leaving Dubai.
International Tourists
Foreign travelers entering Dubai must meet all requirements for entry to the UAE such as:
- Downloading the COVID-19 DXB app and registering their details on it.
- Signing the ‘Health Declaration Form’ before embarking
- Ensuring they have valid health insurance to enter the country.
- Following all airport guidelines and protocols set by the UAE government
All arrivals will be subject to thermal screenings. And Dubai health authorities hold the right to conduct a re-test to ensure every tourist is free of the virus.
Air travel protocols, conditions and preventive measures for citizens, residents and tourists can be viewed on the websites of all airlines operating out of Dubai airports, including Emirates Airline (www.emirates.com) and flydubai (www.flydubai.com).
Please see the following guidelines shared by Dubai below:
