What you need to travel to Dubai

If you are a tourist

You may choose between taking a PCR test for Covid-19 up to 96 hours before your flight and presenting a negative certificate or taking a free-of-charge PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.*

Passengers from the following high-risk countries are required to bring a negative PCR test certificate for Covid-19 with them:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Egypt
  • India
  • Iran
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Russian Federation
  • Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • USA - Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO), including passengers originating from California, Florida and Texas.

*NB! From the 1st of August 2020, all travellers entering the UAE must provide a certificate with negative PCR test result.

If you are a resident

If you have a valid resident visa issued in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah or Umm Al Quwain, you must submit an application for an entry permit to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) before purchasing your plane ticket. The application is free of charge, and the permit will usually be issued within a few business days with a valid negative PCR test result. You can apply for the ICA approval here:

https://beta.smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/issueResidentEntryPermission/request/708/step1?administrativeRegionId=1&withException=false. Once the electronic ICA approval is granted and within 72 hours from the test result, you’ll have to arrive in the UAE.

If you have a valid Dubai resident visa, you must apply for an entry permit by the General Directorate of Residence or Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You can do it by following this link: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitServiceForm.aspx. Wait until you get the GDRFA approval before buying your plane ticket.

For all traveller categories

Every passenger entering Dubai must have a valid health insurance.

In addition, any and all travellers arriving in Dubai are required to complete a health declaration form and an undertaking stating they will bear all costs of quarantine and treatment in the event they contract Covid-19. These forms will be provided by the airline carrying out the flight.

 

Still not entirely sure what you need?

Get in touch with one of our consultants and ask for more details.