Unlocking the World
Traveling to Dubai during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go
CNN Travel Staff • Updated 30th August 2021
Editor's Note — Coronavirus cases are in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that staying home is the best way to stem transmission until you're fully vaccinated. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on August 30.
(CNN) — If you're planning to travel to Dubai, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Dubai reopened to visitors in August 2020, though all arrivals must have valid health insurance and a negative Covid test.
Dubai International Airport, which in 2019 was the world's busiest airport for international passengers, reopened its main Terminal One in June, after being closed for 15 months.
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.
Tickets for Expo 2020 Dubai are now on sale worldwide. The extravaganza, featuring pavilions from around the world showcasing architectural and technological innovation, was delayed by Covid-19 and will now run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Who can go
Anyone normally permitted entry to Dubai can visit, even on vacation.
What are the restrictions?
The United Arab Emirates has opened applications for tourist visas to vaccinated travelers from all countries starting August 30.
All passengers arriving into Dubai on tourist visas must still take a mandatory rapid PCR test on arrival and register their vaccination status on the government's health app (COVID-19 DXB app).
There are still specific travel requirements that visitors from the following countries should follow:
• United Kingdom
• India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda
• Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa, Vietnam and Zambia
• Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Namibia and Sierra Leone
And there are also separate requirements for travelers going from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The full requirements can be found on the Emirates website.
Emirates has suspended flights to and from Nigeria until at least September 5 and flights to and from Kabul are suspended until further notice.
What's the Covid situation?
On June 28, the US raised its travel warning for the United Arab Emirates to its highest level -- advising its citizens not to travel -- due to a recent rise in Covid cases. Saudi Arabia has also temporarily suspended flights to the UAE.
However, there was good news at the start of August when the UK -- a big source of tourism for Dubai -- moved the UAE to its amber list after months on red. This means that non-essential travel is allowed and fully vaccinated travelers can skip quarantine but are still subject to mandatory Covid testing. Find out more here.
As of August 30, the UAE has recorded 2,038 deaths related to Covid-19, with 7,003 new cases being recorded in the past week. Its vaccination roll-out has been swift. Close to 76% of the population is now fully vaccinated, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
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.
Hotels are now allowed to be fully occupied and live entertainment and activities is permitted in restaurants, cafés and shopping malls.
Useful links
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