Dubai: The government of Dubai announced late Sundaythat Dubai Airports would start welcoming tourists and visitors starting on July 7. This would be contingent on the flight schedule from their departure destination. Given the pandemic conditions, there are additional rules to be followed by all those entering or leaving through the airports.
Visa and insurance
As expected, all tourists should get the appropriate entry permit and also have medical travel insurance before heading to Dubai. Tourists will also be required to register details on the COVID-19 DXB App.
Should I take a PCR test?
If you are a tourist intending to travel to Dubai, authorities have asked for a PCR test result certificate for test taken up to 4 days (maximum 96 hours) before date of travel. However, authorities added that in case a tourist did not have this result, a PCR test would be administered in Dubai at the airport along with the usual thermal screening and scan for COVID-19 symptoms. In case you have a negative certificate, but display COVID-19 symptoms, the test can be repeated in Dubai.
Health Declaration
Tourists will have to sign a health declaration form before boarding the plane while airlines reserve the right to deny entry to people displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Tourists are also required to sign a form declaring that they would bear all costs of quarantine or treatment in case the need arises while in Dubai. All tourists must download the COVID-19 DXB App and register details. They should also adhere to a 14-day quarantine in case the COVID-19 test result is positive.
Dubai eases air travel restrictions, allows travel abroad and welcomes visitors:
Citizens and residents permitted to travel overseas from 23 June, 2020. Dubai on Sunday announced new protocol for citizens, residents and tourists travelling into or out of Dubai airports.. The new announcement will allow thousands of people affected by the worldwide restrictions in passenger air traffic since the start of the coronavirus pandemic to resume their travel plans.
The Supreme Committee said it has taken a decision to allow foreign nationals holding residency visas issued in Dubai to return to Dubai, starting tomorrow (Monday 22 June). It will also allow citizens and residents to travel to any foreign country starting Tuesday, June 23 provided the destination countries agree to receive them. Furthermore, they should commit to observing precautionary measures outlined by the countries they are visiting. The Committee has also decided to start welcoming visitors and tourists from overseas beginning 7 July 2020. The new decisions are supported by protocols and preventive measures aimed at safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all passengers travelling into or out of Dubai Airports.
International Tourists
International tourists travelling by air to Dubai must ensure they meet all requirements for entry to the UAE. Downloading the COVID-19 DXB app and registering their details on it are critically important since it facilitates easy coordination and communication with health authorities if they experience COVID-19 symptoms. In addition to filling the ‘Health Declaration Form’ before embarking, they should ensure they have a valid health insurance in order to enter the country. The airline has the right to refuse boarding at the airport of departure if they display any COVID-19 symptoms.
Tourists must do a PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure. They will be required to show proof of not being infected with the virus on arrival at Dubai airports. If they cannot provide proof, they will undergo a PCR test at the airport.
All arrivals will be subject to thermal screenings. If a traveler is suspected to have COVID-19 symptoms, Dubai airports have the right to re-test to ensure the tourist is free of the virus. It is mandatory for tourists who test positive for COVID-19 to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app and isolate themselves at an institutional facility provided by the government for 14 days at their own expense.