Dubai is home to the marvellous things in the world. This city boasts of being the ultimate vacation destination, and the best part is that Dubai leaves no trace of disappointment even availing of a Dubai visa is pretty simple. But after the pandemic broke out, the Dubai airport made enough changes in travel patterns since March 2020. Finally, in early August, Dubai welcomed back the UK residents, but with some rules and regulations.
So, here’s what you need to know to travel to Dubai.
Can I travel to Dubai from the UK?
Yes, you can travel to Dubai from the UK. The city allows visitors of all categories, even if you are a vacationer.
What are the tests and requirements for Dubai?
Dubai is open for UK travelers to enjoy its paradise, and the entry requirements loosened further on February 26, 2022. If you are traveling from the UK, you must comply with any of the following requirements
- You must present a valid vaccination certificate, including a QR code, stating that the passenger is fully vaccinated with the vaccine approved by WHO or the United Arab Emirates.
- You must present a valid negative COVID-19 test certificate taken within 48 hours from the time of the sample taken for the test to the time of departure from the UK. And the certificate issued with a QR code must be approved by the health service provider.
- You must present a recovery certificate stating that the passenger has recovered from COVID-19 within the past 30 days.
Notes to remember while presenting the certificate
- SMS certificates are not accepted, but digital PCR or printed PCR test certificates with a QR code in English or Arabic are.
- Your COVID-19 vaccinated certificate is valid and accepted in any language if it is valid at the departure point.
- A COVID-19 certificate without a QR code is acceptable as long as the certificate is issued by recognized health centres or test centres approved by the national health authorities of the country.
- Any NHS COVID-19 test certificates from the United Kingdom to Dubai are not accepted.
- Rapid antigen, antibody, home test kits, or any form of rapid lateral flow tests are not accepted. You must present a PCR test certificate based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS-COV-2 viral RNA.
- Anyone who has severe disabilities that include intellectual, neurological disorders, or developmental disabilities, and anyone visually impaired, hearing impaired, or physically challenged must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate.
Dubai may also take a further test upon your arrival, and the passengers who are asked to do this need to stay in quarantine until a negative result is issued.
COVID-19 tests and vaccination exceptions
- Children under 12 years do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate before entry.
- If you are a transit passenger, you are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test certificate. The rules and regulations will apply to your final destination.
Can I travel to Dubai without a visa?
Yes, you can unless you hold a valid UK visa. You will be provided a Dubai visa on arrival at the airport after your embarkation, and it will be stamped on your passport. Such a visa will permit you to stay in Dubai for 30 days, not longer than that. In any case of overstay, it will result in a breach of immigration law and heavy penalties.
COVID restrictions in the city
The restaurants, malls, cafes, and all the other tourist attractions are open and maintain the rules of social distancing and mask requirements. Mask wearing is mandatory in both indoor and outdoor settings. You are allowed to enjoy everything with the basic guidelines of COVID issued by WHO.
Hopefully, you have got clear information on the guidelines to travel and things to consider to apply Dubai visa from the UK.
