All expatriate residents returning to the UAE must present a negative result of a PCR test at the departure airport. This test should have been conducted within 96 hours before travelling to the UAE. Expatriate residents returning to the 6 emirates other than Dubai no longer need an approval from ICA to return to the UAE, but you must download the Al HOSN app on your mobile phones to allow authorities to monitor your health while you are in quarantine. Expatriate residents returning to Dubai need approval from GDRFA and must download the COVID-19 DXB smart app.
These guidelines issued by National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship apply to all expatriate residents returning to the UAE through any of the UAE’s airports. Passengers must:
All costs for quarantining and medical assistance, whether at home or in another designated facility will be at the cost of the individual primarily. In certain circumstances, employers of the returning individuals shall bear all costs related to the medical examination and quarantine.
Learn more about quarantine guidelines for travellers to the UAE.
Only UAE nationals, residents with a valid residence visa, and those who are eligible for a visa on arrival can enter the UAE through Abu Dhabi’s airports. All other types of visas remain suspended. If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi, you must follow these additional rules:
The rules apply to all travellers, except children under the age of 12.
Although you no longer need an approval from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to enter the UAE, you are recommended to visit uaeentry.ica.gov.ae and submit your passport number and Emirates ID number to receive instant verification of your entry status.
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Rules for Emirati nationals
If you are a citizen of the UAE, and coming through Dubai’s airport, you are exempt from the PCR test prior to departure, regardless of the country you are coming from. However, you will be tested on arrival in Dubai.
Rules for expatriate residents, tourists and those transiting through Dubai
For expatriate residents, tourists and those transiting through Dubai the need for taking the PCR test depends on the destination you are coming from. Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from taking the COVID-19 test. Refer to Emirates Airline and FlyDubai for details.
For passengers coming from:
Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States. (This list is subject to change. Follow Dubai Media Office on Twitter for updates.) |
For passengers coming from:
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe. (This list is subject to change. Follow Dubai Media Office on Twitter for updates.) |
Some residents might be tested again on arrival at Dubai’s airport. If you are required to take another PCR test on arrival, you must remain in quarantine at your residence until you receive the test result. If the test result is positive, you must stay in isolation and follow the instructions of Dubai Health Authority. If the test result is negative, you do not need to quarantine yourself.
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Rules that apply to all passengers arriving at or transiting through Dubai
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On 23 September 2020, Sharjah government announced new guidelines for travellers through the ports of Sharjah.
Requirements for the return of Sharjah’s expatriate residents
Entry of visitors and tourists through Sharjah International Airport
If you are a tourist or a visitor, you are permitted to travel through Sharjah ports provided you:
If you test positive, you or your sponsor must bear the cost of isolation and medical expenses.
Read more guidelines on safe travel.
For further information on travelling to the UAE, visit the following websites:
To summarise:
All expatriate residents returning to the UAE must present a negative result of a PCR test at the departure airport. This test should have been conducted within 96 hours before travelling to the UAE.
Expatriate residents returning to the 6 emirates other than Dubai,
Expatriate residents returning to Dubai, need approval from GDRFA and must download the COVID-19 DXB smart app available on App Store and Google Play.
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