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Check back frequently for the latest information about COVID-19 travel and testing requirements for travelling to, from or connecting through Dubai.
To board the flight, you must meet the requirements for every country you will travel to and transit through. This includes your departure country, your transit country, and your final destination. There may also be regulations relating to your recent travel history.
- Travelling to Dubai
- Transiting through Dubai
- Recommended testing facilities
- Departing from Dubai
Before you book
Check if you need a visa(Opens an external website in a new tab). Depending on your nationality you can get a visa on arrival, or you can apply for your prearranged visit visa(Opens page in the same tab) from Dubai Immigration before you travel.
Before you travel
GDRFA(Opens an external website in a new tab) or ICA(Opens an external website in a new tab) approval is not required for tourists traveling to the UAE.
Requirements for all passengers arriving in Dubai
Effective February 26, 2022, passengers traveling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must fulfill one of the below requirements
- Present a valid vaccination certificate(s) reflecting that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and includes a QR code; or
- 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, that is issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection and issued by an approved health service provider, with a QR code; or
- Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Covid-19 within a period of one (1) month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival, with a QR code
If requested, passengers must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result. In the event the passenger tests positive, then they should follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.
Note that printed or digital PCR test certificates, or vaccination certificates, are accepted in English or Arabic and must include a QR code. SMS certificates are not accepted. COVID-19 PCR Test or Vaccination certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the departure point.
For Transit Passenger(s), the rules and conditions for entry at the final destination will apply.
Indian nationals
Indian Nationals with a normal passport who are traveling to or from India via Dubai can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai for a maximum stay of 14 days provided they:
- have a visitor visa or a green card issued by the United States, or
- a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom or European Union
The visa issued by United States, United Kingdom or European Union has to be valid for a minimum of 6 months.
COVID-19 PCR test exemptions
- All UAE nationals returning to Dubai from any country are exempted from the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test requirements but must take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival.
- Non UAE national accompanying a first degree UAE national family member and domestic workers accompanying a UAE national sponsor are also exempted from the pre departure COVID-19 PCR test requirements but must take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival.
- Children below 12 years old.
- Passengers with moderate-to-severe disabilities:
- Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. For example: Acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism spectrum, Bell's palsy, Brain tumors, Cerebral aneurysm, Cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy and seizures.
- All other passengers, including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or physically challenged must hold a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test certificate as per the requirements.
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TOURISTS
Transiting in Dubai
Before you travel
Transiting passengers are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination.
Passengers booked with Dubai Connect/Stopover packages must follow the same PCR test requirements applicable to passengers arriving in/entering Dubai.
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Recommended COVID-19 testing facilities
Before you travel
The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations(Opens a PDF in a new tab).
This includes a list of COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai(Opens a PDF in a new tab).
You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.
India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt
Certificate rules
If you are flying from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh or Egypt, and you are required to present a COVID-19 certificate, the certificate must be from one of the labs listed in the designated laboratories(Opens a PDF in a new tab) document to be accepted on the flight.
Special COVID-19 PCR test rates for Emirates passengers
Emirates has expanded its medical partnerships to offer all passengers exclusive home or office COVID-19 PCR testing rates at the following centres:
Al Tadawi Medical Centre
Location: Al Masood building, Airport Road, Port Saeed area, Deira.
Test costs: AED 130 per person. Home or office testing within Dubai costs AED 240 per person. Test results will be available within 24 hours.
Prime Medical Centres
- Al Qusais Branch, Damascus Street
- Premier Diagnostic and Medical Center, Salah Al Din Street
- Prime Corp Medical Center, Salah Al Din Street, Deira
- Sheikh Zayed Branch, Sheikh Zayed Street, near Noor Islamic Bank
- Prime Specialist Medical Center Sharjah Branch, King Faisal St, Al Majaz
- Ajman Branch, Grand Mall, Sheikh Khalifa St
Test costs: AED 150 per person. Home or office testing within Dubai for a minimum of two passengers is also available at AED 240 per person. Test results will be available within 24 hours.
Before you travel
Passengers travelling from Dubai will need to undergo COVID-19 PCR testing only if it is required by the country you are travelling to.
Please check the requirements(Opens page in the same tab) of the country you are travelling to. The travel regulations change frequently.
Check the list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai(Opens a PDF in a new tab) where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.
United Arab Emirates
Travel requirements for UAE Citizens
Effective immediately, under the UAE travel protocol for UAE Nationals 18 years old and above, they must meet one of the following requirements to travel out of Dubai:
- Must have completed one (1) dose of an approved vaccine and a period of one month has not lapsed from the date of the vaccination and the date of travel; or
- Must have competed two (2) doses of an approved vaccine; or
- If not vaccinated, the passenger must present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR Test certificate that is issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection and the time of boarding the aircraft. The COVID-19 PCR test certificate has to be issued from an approved health service provider and must contain a QR code.
The following categories of UAE Nationals are exempted from the specified travel conditions provided they obtain an official letter from the relevant health authority in the UAE:
- Individuals medically exempted from taking the vaccine
- Humanitarian cases
- Individuals travelling for medical and/or treatment purposes
Any exception must be obtained by the individuals from the relevant authorities before arrival to airport or making travel arrangements.
China
Rules for travel to China
To be accepted for travel from Dubai to China, you are required to take a double COVID-19 PCR test and antibody blood IgM test before departure. You will also need to self-quarantine for 14 days before your flight’s scheduled departure.
All passengers, except children younger than one year old, must report to the Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Parking Lot check-in area between 6pm and 7pm (Dubai local time) to undergo an additional RT-PCR test eight hours before flight departure. Passengers must remain at the Parking Lot check-in area to await the results. Once an SMS is received with a negative test result, please make sure to collect a printed copy of your RT-PCR test certificate and proceed to the check-in counter in the same area.
Passengers must pay AED 150/ per test, per person.
Please complete the requirements and follow the procedures for entry into China before you travel.
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Travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Before you travel
Effective 26 February 2022, passengers are no longer required to show a Green status on the Al Hosn app to enter Abu Dhabi or go through the EDE scanners at the border.
However, all travellers coming to the UAE from international destinations will need to present an approved QR code and vaccination certificate. Travellers who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will need to present a valid, negative PCR test result received within 48 hours or a certificate with a QR code proving that they have recovered from COVID-19 within one month before the date of travel.
The Green Pass will remain mandatory for entry into public places in Abu Dhabi, such as in shopping malls and restaurants, among others.
What is the Green Pass?
For vaccinated residents and visitors who receive a negative COVID 19 PCR test result, their green status on the Al Hosn will be activated for 14 days. After which, their status will turn grey and they will have to take another PCR test.
Find out where to get tested in Dubai before you enter Abu Dhabi(Opens a PDF in a new tab).
- Emirates
- Help
- COVID-19 information hub
- Travel requirements for Dubai
- Tourists travelling to, from and through Dubai
FAQs
Can an American visit Dubai? ›
Americans visiting the United Arab Emirates must have an official U.S. passport that is valid for at least six months following your arrival date.
Do you need a Covid test to enter the US? ›Air Travel: All non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only limited exceptions apply.
Do Americans need to quarantine in Dubai? ›Travelers to Dubai who are fully vaccinated must present an approved COVID-19 vaccination certificate that contains a QR code. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result for a PCR test taken within 48 hours, or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 that contains a QR code.
Do I need transit visa for Dubai? ›Yes. You need to get a Dubai transit visa for Indians to be able to transit through Dubai from India. If you're not eligible for a United Arab Emirates visa on arrival, or you're exempt from the United Arab Emirates. It's available to Indian passport holders for 48 to 96 hours.
Can I travel to USA from Dubai on a tourist visa? ›The US Tourist Visa from Dubai is for general purposes like travelling. Once the visa is approved, you are allowed to enter and stay in the US for designated periods of time, which is subject to a variety of factors of one's choice.
Does Dubai have US preclearance? ›In Dubai, this facility is available for passengers of certain nationalities flying with private jet operator DC Aviation Al Futtaim. Please check with the airline you are travelling with for further details. Useful links: US preclearance - Etihad Airways.
Do US citizens need to be vaccinated to enter the US? ›If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States, unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and CDC's Amended Order. A booster dose is not needed to meet this requirement.
What type of test is required to enter the US? ›A: All air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery.
What does a US citizen need to enter Dubai? ›- Passport Validity: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry is required to enter the UAE. ...
- Personal travel of 30 days or less: A U.S. citizen with a regular passport may obtain a no fee visitor visa upon arrival.
All travellers to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. Passengers travelling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements for their final destination.
How long is quarantine for Covid in Dubai? ›
A person who is infected with COVID-19 will remain in isolation (home or facility). The isolation period for a confirmed COVID-19 case is 5 days.
Do you need a transit visa if you don't leave the airport? ›Indian nationals generally require an airport transit visa for the Schengen area. This visa allows a short stop-over at an international airport only, without leaving the airport's international transit area or overnight stay in a hotel.
Can I get transit visa on arrival at Dubai airport? ›The UAE issues two types of single entry transit visas, visas issued for 48 and 96 hours. You have to apply for a visa prior to your arrival in the country. Note that both 48-hour AND 96-hour visas expire within 30 days of issue. Moreover, the 48-hour visa cannot be extended to 96 hours once it is issued.
Who is eligible for transit visa in Dubai? ›Eligibility for Transit Visa for Dubai
You should have an onward flight from the UAE within the period. If your transit is longer than 24 hours, you will need to submit a hotel booking confirmation or a residence proof of the family/friend with whom you will be staying during the period.
A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Tourism is a short visit for vacation, for visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
How long can stay in US with Dubai visa? ›All Indian citizens holding U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits can receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days for a charge of AED 100. They have the option to extend their stay only once for an additional 14 days for AED250.
Which countries can travel to USA without visa? ›- Andorra (1991)
- Australia (1996)
- Austria (1991)
- Belgium (1991)
- Brunei (1993)
- Chile (2014)
- Croatia (2021)
- Czech Republic (2008)
Where is the facility located? Our US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility is located in Abu Dhabi airport Terminal 3, next to gates 58 – 61.
Can US citizens leave Dubai airport during layover? ›There are plenty of things to do in the Dubai airport to keep you entertained. On the other hand, if you have a long stopover in Dubai then leaving the airport is absolutely fine, as long as you have the right visa. You don't need a visa if you're just transiting through Dubai airport.
Do I need to go through security for a connecting international flight? ›When you're connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you'll always have to exit and reenter security as you'll need to go through customs and immigration (unless you have gone through preclearance aboard, which is rare).
What are the US border restrictions? ›
TRAVEL ALERT: Beginning on January 22, 2022, DHS will require non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise ...
Can you cross the US border unvaccinated? ›According to a fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, those without U.S. citizenship crossing a border will still be asked to verbally confirm they are fully vaccinated and may have to provide proof they received a jab approved by the Centers for Disease Control.
Can a U.S. citizen enter the US without a passport? ›While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport in order to re-enter the United States.
Is USA open for visitors now? ›The CDC's Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Can Americans enter UAE without visa? ›180‑day visit eligibility
If you hold a Mexican passport you're eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that's valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
PCR test for AED150.
How much is rapid Covid Test in Dubai? ›What does a covid-19 PCR test at Medcare Dubai & Sharjah cost? A: A covid test is AED 65 at Medcare Hospital Sharjah & AED 150 at Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres.
Is Dubai open for tourists now? ›All passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. Passengers travelling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements their final destination.
Are masks still compulsory in Dubai? ›The wearing of masks is mandatory in medical facilities, places of worship, on public transport, for food service providers, the injured and those who suspect they are COVID-19 positive. Wearing of masks is optional for all other open and closed facilities and spaces.
What happens if a tourist is Covid positive in Dubai? ›They must quarantine themselves until they receive a negative result.
Does UAE need PCR test? ›
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are welcome to experience Abu Dhabi with no restrictions. As of 7 November 2022, almost all Covid-19 restrictions in Abu Dhabi have been lifted meaning green status on the Al Hosn app and negative PCR tests are no longer required to enter Abu Dhabi attractions.
Do I need a US visa for a connecting flight? ›Transiting the United States
In general, travelers in transit through the United States require valid C-1 visas.
Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through USA? You will be exempt from the US transit visa requirements only in the following cases: You are a national of one of the 40 countries under the US Visa Waiver Program. You hold another type of a US visa, which is still valid.
Do I need a transit visa if I have a tourist visa? ›If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.
Do I need transit visa for 4 hours in Dubai? ›You will not require a UAE transit visa if you are staying in the airport for a period of four hours or less.
How much is a visa to Dubai from USA? ›| Visa Type | Visa Cost (AED) | Visa Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 350 | 95 |
| Urgent Visa | 500 | 135 |
| 90 Days Visa | 800 | 220 |
| 60 Days Visa | 900 | 245 |
Dubai transit visa price
The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours which is free of charge, and another for 96 hours for AED 50 (USD 13.61). Transit visas must be processed and approved before entering the UAE and are not extendable.
Dubai. Travellers must undergo an RT-PCR test to detect COVID-19 on arrival in Dubai (only if requested) and quarantine themselves until they receive a negative result.
Is travelling to Dubai allowed? ›Before you book. All passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. Passengers travelling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements their final destination.
How long is isolation in UAE? ›A negative PCR test is not required to end isolation. The criteria for ending isolation is completing 10 days of isolation with improved symptoms and no fever for at least 3 days with no fever reduction medications.
How much is Covid PCR in Dubai? ›
What does a covid-19 PCR test at Medcare Dubai & Sharjah cost? A: A covid test is AED 65 at Medcare Hospital Sharjah & AED 150 at Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres.
Is Covid vaccine free in Dubai? ›Sinopharm and Pfizer- BioNTech vaccines are available for citizens and residents for free.
What rules apply to tourists in Dubai? ›- Important Rules:
- Wear appropriate clothes: ...
- Restrictions in the month of Ramadan: ...
- Prohibition of loud music: ...
- Reserve your tickets for Burj Khalifa: ...
- Never Swear: ...
- Avoid summers of Dubai: ...
- No casino in Dubai:
Dress code
Women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools. Cross-dressing is illegal.
Otherwise free testing is available by booking an appointment through the SEHA App for the following categories.
Is PCR required to enter Abu Dhabi? ›As of 26 February 2022, you no longer need a test before you fly to Abu Dhabi.
How long will I test positive for Covid after having it? ›After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time after. You may continue to test positive on antigen tests for a few weeks after your initial positive. You may continue to test positive on NAATs for up to 90 days.