Read more: Al Hosn - how to download and register the UAE's Covid-19 vaccine app
As countries around the world start to allow their citizens to travel internationally, many expats living in the UAE are hoping to travel this summer for long-awaited trips to visit family and friends.
At the same time, thousands of tourists are looking to visit the UAE for their summer holidays.
While some countries still require visitors to quarantine on arrival, Dubai does not, and as of July 1, Abu Dhabi will not longer require travellers to isolate either.
There are, however, other protocols that need to be followed.
The National found out the details.
UAE travel rules
At the time of writing, most passengers from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were not allowed to enter the UAE.
All arriving visitors into the UAE need to download Al Hosn, which is the Emirates' track and trace app, which can also be used to prove your vaccination status, and when you last had a Covid-19 test.
All UAE residents must update their details on uaeentry.ica.gov.ae prior to travelling to the UAE.
Quarantine rules for Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi will remove all Covid-19 quarantine restrictions for most international travellers on July 1, however the emirate will have different testing protocols for visitors from low-risk and high-risk countries.
Therefore, there are three major factors travellers need to consider before flying to the Emirate.
1. Are you travelling before or after July 1?
2. Are you vaccinated or not?
3. Are you a tourist or a resident?
Travelling to Abu Dhabi before July 1
At present, passengers arriving from countries not on Abu Dhabi's green list are required to quarantine, and must wear a medically-approved wristband for the duration.
Among residents, vaccinated passengers must quarantine for 5 days. Non-vaccinated passengers must quarantine for 10 days.
Tourists arriving from countries not on the green list, must quarantine for 10 days, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.
If you have arrived from a country that the UAE authorities deem is high-risk, then you will be required to quarantine at a government facility.
Travelling to Abu Dhabi after July 1
Passengers flying to Abu Dhabi after July 1 will not need to quarantine.
The emirate will have different testing protocols for visitors from low-risk and high-risk countries.
Those coming from countries with higher infection rates will have to undergo two tests – one before they travel and another upon arrival.
At present it is not known whether the rules will be different for those who have been vaccinated.
Quarantine rules for Dubai
Travellers from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are not currently allowed to fly in to Dubai, although in some cases, it is possible to fly out to these locations.
From June 23, vaccinated passengers from South Africa will be allowed to fly to Dubai, and all travellers from Nigeria, regardless of vaccine status, will be allowed.
Passengers will also be allowed to fly from India to Dubai, but only if they have had both doses of a UAE-approved Covid-19 vaccine and hold a valid residence visa.
In addition, following arrival, passengers from India should undergo "institutional quarantine" until they receive their PCR test result, which is expected within 24 hours.
Other than travellers from India, there is no need for any other visitors to Dubai to quarantine.
Instead there are different testing requirements depending on where you have been in the last 14 days.
Passengers from countries deemed a higher risk may need to take a Covid‑19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
If you take a test at the airport, you must remain in your hotel or residence until you receive the test result.
If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
