In a rigid move to forestall the spread of COVID, the United Arab Emirates has declared a prohibition on unvaccinated residents from voyaging abroad from January 10. According to the news reports, completely inoculated residents would likewise require to get vaccinated with a booster shot to be qualified to travel. Notwithstanding, the said boycott won’t have any significant bearing to those with clinical or compassionate exclusions.
Travel Ban on Un-vaccinated UAE Citizens: Covid Jab Eases Flight Procedures
This comes as the Omicron variation of COVID-19 is mobilizing diseases in an enormous number of nations and has flooded the hospitalizations in the US and Europe.
It is the new country to report new curbs in the midst of an ascent in diseases.
Numerous nations force severe restrictions on unvaccinated individuals before they are permitted in.
This changes from a prerequisite for a negative Covid test before traveling to obligatory quarantine upon arrival.
Over 90% of the populace in the UAE has been completely vaccinated against Covid-19. Around 34% had gotten the booster jab starting on 24 December, as indicated by Our World in Data.
Flight Suspensions
As per the most recent update posted on Emirate Airlines, travelers “starting from the accompanying destinations won’t be acknowledged for traveling to or through Dubai with effect from December 28, 2021, until next notification:
- Republic of Angola (LAD)
- Republic of Guinea (CKY)
- Republic of Kenya (NBO)
- United Republic of Tanzania (DAR)
- Republic of Uganda (EBB)
- Republic of Ghana (ACC)
- Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (ABJ)
- Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (ADD)
- Zambia (LUN)
- Zimbabwe (HRE)
PCR test on arrival at Dubai International Airport
As per the Emirates, Travelers arriving in Dubai from the following countries will have to take another Covid‑19 PCR test on arrival at airport: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Somaliland, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
The announcement is in accordance with the country’s vision in the recuperation period of the pandemic and upgrading public endeavors in all areas, because of the worldwide epidemiological circumstance and the current high pace of contaminations, to protect the wellbeing and security of residents.
GDRFA, ICA Approvals
Occupants from certain countries voyaging to Dubai need a GDRFA or ICA approval when voyaging from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. “This doesn’t make a difference to travelers who have different visas, for example, as newly issued residence or employment visas, short stay or long stay visa, holders of 10 year UAE Golden visa, Investor or Partner visa, visit visa or visa on arrival,” Emirates Airline states on its site.
Notwithstanding an adverse consequence of a PCR test directed within 48 hours of travel, travelers from these nations need to go through a rapid PCR test at the takeoff air terminal within 6 hours of the flight.
Foreign workers who come to UAE makeup by far most of the resident populace in the Gulf state and won’t be impacted by the new limitations on voyaging, which just applies to residents.
The UAE has reported 750,000+ covid active cases since the pandemic started and 2,000+ deaths. More update visit flightaura.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many days will it take to get GDRFA approval?
The duration of this process is dependent upon ICA/GDRFA, 3 days and may exceed the sole discretion of the authorities. In the event that you change your return date, you can receive help to apply for a new return request in the last 7 days of the original one.
Which Covid test is required for voyaging to Dubai?
It is essential for all voyagers of Dubai to take covid test after arriving in Dubai. Passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) should have a negative COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before their original departure date and time.
Do I need approval to come back to Dubai?
No! There is no specific requirement until and unless the country you are travelling to asks for the same. So, Travelers travelling from Dubai are required to undergo COVID‑19 PCR test process only if it is needed by the Nation they are travelling to. For Dubai residents, there is no specific requirement of Dubai government approval to leave Dubai.
Is there any quarantine period in Dubai for the Travelers?
Yes, there are certain quarantine guidelines to follow for the travellers if they are traveling to Dubai. Assuming that you are an expatriate resident of the UAE or a traveler to the UAE, you need to report with a negative PCR test report at the flight air terminal. In the event that the traveler tested positive, they need to remain in isolation and adhere to the guidelines of the Dubai Health Authority.
Matthew Baron is a seasoned travel consultant and writer, currently working with Flightaura to help travelers navigate the complexities of baggage policies, flight changes, and cancellation policies. With a deep understanding of the travel industry and a wealth of experience in travel planning, Matthew has become a trusted advisor to many travelers seeking to make the most of their trips.