What you need to know before you go

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.

© KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images
Dubai has done startlingly well at keeping the virus in check

The basics

Dubai reopened to visitors from August 1, though all arrivals must have valid health insurance and a negative Covid test.

What’s on offer

Sun, shopping and some of the world’s best hotels — people come to Dubai to get away from it all. From incredible modern architecture to glossy beaches and high-end restaurants and hotels, this is a stylish blend of a city and beach break.

Who can go

Anyone normally permitted entry to Dubai can visit, even on vacation.

What are the restrictions?

All visitors over the age of 12 must have medical insurance and a negative PCR test completed within the past 96 hours by a nationally recognized body. You must show the certificate at check-in, complete a health declaration form before travel, and register on the COVID-19 DXB app. You must also have travel insurance.

Passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman can opt to take the test on arrival in Dubai, if arriving by air.

Visitors from more than 50 countries, including Argentina, Ghana and Morocco, must take an additional test on arrival. A full list is here.

Passengers are refused entry into Dubai if they have been in or transited through South Africa within 14 days of departure to Dubai.

Anyone showing symptoms on arrival must quarantine for 14 days at their own expense, unless flying with Emirates, which will cover costs for its passengers.

The air border to neighboring Abu Dhabi reopened in December, though all arrivals other than those on the “green list” must isolate for 10 days.

On January 29, following an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UAE, the UK placed the UAE on its travel “red list.”

This means only travelers resident in the UK can travel from the UAE to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. They’ll have to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival alongside all members of their household.

What’s the Covid situation?

Although the UAE did a very good job of containing the virus throughout 2020, there has been a sharp rise in cases in 2021. As of February 4, the country has recorded 878 deaths related to Covid-19.

What can visitors expect

Mask-wearing is compulsory, as is keeping a two-meter social distance. Outside, you must wear a mask unless exercising, eating or drinking, in a car with your family or if you’re alone.

Useful links

Visit Dubai

COVID-19 DXB app

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