COVID-19 travel restrictions: United Arab Emirates

This article was published on February 24, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter the United Arab Emirates?

As of January 2022, it is possible to enter the United Arab Emirates. However, be aware that requirements vary depending on your vaccination status and your departure country.

Can I enter the United Arab Emirates if I am vaccinated?

You can enter the United Arab Emirates for tourism if you are vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated if you have received all the doses necessary for your vaccination schedule at least 14 days before arriving in the United Arab Emirates.

Currently, seven vaccines are approved in the United Arab Emirates:

CHO Cell (National Vaccine and Serum Institute Recombinant)
Moderna
Pfizer
Oxford / AstraZeneca
Sinopharm
Sputnik Light
Sputnik V

Travel documents if I am vaccinated

If you are vaccinated, present both documents:

A document confirming vaccination status

Please note that as of April 2022, fully vaccinated travelers do not have to present a COVID-19 test to enter the UAE.

Can I enter the United Arab Emirates if I am unvaccinated?

You can enter the United Arab Emirates if you are unvaccinated.

Travel documents if I am unvaccinated

A negative covid test result taken no more than 48 hours before entering the UAE, or
Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 no more than 180 days old (it must be supplemented with a negative test result as well)

Who cannot enter the United Arab Emirates?

All travelers are permitted to enter the UAE provided they fulfill the requirements listed above.

Can I leave the United Arab Emirates?

Presently, you can leave the UAE. Nevertheless, there are restrictions on travel to certain countries listed below.

Traveling rules for the UAE citizens

Currently, a person must meet one the following requirements to be able to travel outside the UAE:

A completed three-dose vaccination course with any approved vaccine
Completed two doses vaccination course and recovered from COVID-19 infection
Completed two doses of any approved vaccine and the third booster dose within six months
Recovery from a COVID-19 infection not more than three months from the date of the recovery certificate, regardless of vaccination
A single dose of Janssen vaccine drug within the last two months before the date of planned travel

Travel documents if I am vaccinated

A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 in paper or electronic format

Please ensure you learn the requirements about showing a negative test result and entry declarations of your destination in advance.

Travel documents if I am unvaccinated

Please note that starting from January 10, 2022, UAE citizens who haven’t received a booster vaccine dose are prohibited from traveling abroad except for urgent cases, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 situation in the United Arab Emirates currently

The COVID-19 situation in the UAE is relatively safe now. Almost 94% of the total population have been fully vaccinated. Some countries, like the USA, list the UAE as a “low-risk” area.

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to the United Arab Emirates right now??

It is safe to travel to the United Arab Emirates. You have to follow some basic local regulations:

Wearing masks
Maintaining a two-meter distance

Is Abu Dhabi open for travel?

Presently, Abu Dhabi is open for travelers. COVID-19 restrictions in the capital are the same as countrywide.

Do I have to be quarantined if I go to the United Arab Emirates?

Presently, travelers do not have to be quarantined upon arrival in the UAE. However, please be aware that arrivals from many countries are segmented to get tested at the airport. If your test is positive, you must undergo quarantine for as many days as prescribed by the emirate of your residence.

How do I get a health pass to travel to the United Arab Emirates?

You have to install the Al Hosn application on your smartphone. You will have your vaccination or testing data digitized. The green status must always be activated on the Al Hosn while staying. When it becomes grey, it’s time to undergo another test (usually, the test is valid for 14 days)