UAE Relaxes Entry Requirements for Vaccinated Foreigners

Over the weekend, Dubai authorities announced the decision to relax entry requirements for travellers coming from India, South Africa and Nigeria.

Relaxing restrictions

Dubai authorities have shared the news that they will be relaxing entry requirements for citizens from India, South Africa and Nigeria from 23rd June onwards.

Travel had been heavily restricted from these countries, so it will come as welcome news to travellers and citizens. However, it is not all plain sailing (or flying) for passengers as travel restrictions will still apply.

Those travelling from India will need to have had two doses of one of the UAE approved coronavirus vaccines. These include Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V, Oxford-AstraZeneca, or Sinopharm. Furthermore, passengers must have a QR code certificate following a negative PCR test, taken within 48 hours before their departure. They must also take a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai and quarantine until they receive their test result, which they should expect to receive within 24 hours. Interestingly, UAE citizens and diplomats are exempt from this step.

Passengers arriving from South Africa will undergo the same vaccine requirements and testing processes, minus the quarantine period. Meanwhile, those coming from Nigeria do not need to be vaccinated, but will have to take a PCR test 48 hours before departure and take a test on arrival in Dubai.

Keeping connected

Dubai is a major point of connection between continents, so many travellers from these three nations would be eager to travel to and through  Dubai. Dubai also heavily relies on tourism, international workforces and foreign investment across its industries , all of which have been heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Countries like India saw their travel and tourism industry suffer, so Dubai is eager to offer the possibility once again to travel safely.

The Government of Dubai’s media shared the following statement:

“The updates are part of the Committee’s keenness to protect passengers and ease hassles without compromising on COVID-19 precautionary measures.”

“The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said the updated travel protocols are part of a regular process of revising and optimising precautionary measures based on the latest local, regional and international developments. They are also aimed at enabling the city to continue serving as a global commercial hub and a bridge for travel and trade between the east and west.”

It is clear that Dubai is taking a flexible approach, posing different requirements for different countries, in the hope of maximising travel opportunities and returning to a somewhat normal future.

What do you think of the relaxed entry requirements? Will you be booking a trip? Share your thoughts below!