Passengers at Dubai International Airport on May 22, 2020, after resumption of some Emirates flights amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AFP)
The UAE announced on Wednesday new additions to its travel protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The country had announced in June that it will allow residents and citizens to travel to “low risk” countries with regards to the coronavirus situation in them from June 23.
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However, since the announcement, there hasn’t been an official list of countries designated as “low risk” available through official sources or state media outlets.
Here are answers to questions regarding travel from the UAE, based on the government’s announcements so far:
Can I travel for leisure or tourism?
No. The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) Spokesman Saif al-Dhaheri said: “Travel for leisure or tourism will not be permitted in the current period.”
Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson, #NCEMA: Travel for leisure or tourism will not be permitted at this time, travel will only be permitted for the previously outlined reasons and permission will be granted according to the level of risk & health status in other countries
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) July 1, 2020
What are categories for which the UAE allows traveling?
Al-Dhaeri said: “Essential travel is permitted… but will be assed on a case-by-case basis according to risk levels and health situation in other countries.”
The categories and situations the UAE permits travel for are:
Studying abroad, receiving medical treatment, diplomatic missions, official government business, travel for private sector business (business travel will be limited to those working in commercial and economic sectors) and UAE residents who want to return to their home countries and come back to the UAE.
What is the procedure or protocol if I intend to travel abroad from the UAE?
According to the NCEMA, the procedures are:
Register your information with Twajudi. (You can access the online service through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here, or through MOFA's app which is available for iOS here, or for Android here).
Ensure you meet all the requirements of the country of destination, including: a negative coronavirus test result (if required) and having health insurance (which can cover medical services in that country).
You must fill out a form about the status of your health.
Complete a medical examination before departure.
Submit a request to travel through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website (http://smartservices.ica.gov.ae).
Key guidelines for those travelling outside the #UAE.#YouAreResponsible#We_Are_All_Responsible pic.twitter.com/cbqukiXzoN
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) July 1, 2020
What do I have to do when I arrive back in the UAE?
You will have to take a PCR test at the airport.
You must download and activate Al Hosn app.
You should quarantine at home for 14 days, but for those returning from “low risk” countries or for people working in "vital sectors," they can isolate at home for seven days only.
Who is not allowed to travel at all?
Anyone over the age of 70 years old and people suffering from chronic diseases.
What about if I plan to travel from Dubai?
Dubai said it will allow its residents and citizens to begin traveling to international destinations starting from June 23, and that there will be no restrictions on overseas destinations, provided that the country of destination “agrees to receive them.”
“Citizens and residents have freedom to travel to several countries on any of the airlines that have approved flights to and from Dubai airports,” the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a statement.
What do I have to do before traveling from Dubai?
According to the DMO, Dubai’s citizens and residents must do the following before traveling internationally:
“Adhere to the measures specified by the destination country upon arrival, complete the Health Declaration Form before departing to ensure travelers are clear of any symptoms, and register details on the COVID-19 DXB app.”
Under the directives of @HHShkMohd, and follow-up of @HamdanMohammed Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announces new air travel protocols for #Dubai citizens, residents and visitors. pic.twitter.com/UZmT8UBwXs
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 21, 2020
Can tourists come to Dubai?
Yes. Dubai said it will welcome back tourists from overseas through its airports starting from July 7.
Dr. Al Dhaheri: We advise people who are eligible to travel to check with airlines and travel agents about the regulations in the destinations they will travel to. A PCR test might be required 48 prior to traveling by the authorities in the destination. #UAEGov
— UAEGov (@uaegov) July 1, 2020
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Read more:
Categories, restrictions: All the facts about UAE allowing travel amid coronavirus
Coronavirus: Dubai welcomes returning residents from June 22, tourists from July 7
Dubai open for tourists on July 7: All you need to know about coronavirus air travel protocols
Coronavirus: Emirates allows booking flights from Dubai to 12 Arab states from July 1
