Dubai will reopen its doors for international tourists from July 7.

The emirate has also allowed foreign nationals holding residency visas issued in Dubai to return to the region starting today, and citizens and residents can travel to any foreign country from June 23.

The following new protocols and conditions for citizens, residents and tourists have been issued by The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management:

Tourists:

  • International tourists need to download the Covid-19 DXB app and register their details on it.
  • In addition to filling the health declaration form before embarking, they should have valid health insurance in order to enter the country.
  • A PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure is required. The passenger will undergo a PCR test at Dubai airport, if they are unable to show proof of not being infected with the virus, on arrival.
  • All arrivals will be subject to thermal screenings. If a traveller is suspected to have Covid-19 symptoms, the airport authorities have the right to re-test them.
  • Those who test positive will have to update their details on the Covid-19 DXB app and isolate themselves at an institutional facility provided by the government for 14 days at their own expense.

Return of UAE residents:

  • Residents holding Dubai-issued visas are permitted to return to the emirate on any airline, provided they obtain an approval coordinated between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the airline.
  • Residents have to fill a health declaration form before embarking on the journey to confirm they are Covid-19 negative.
  • Upon arrival, all residents will have to undergo a PCR test. Residents should register their complete details on the designated app available online on arrival and before leaving the terminal. Residents entering Dubai should not leave their house until they receive their test result. If the test result is positive, they will have to home isolate themselves for 14 days.
  • Those sharing homes or living in high-density housing facilities will be isolated at an institutional facility if they test positive. The resident’s employer should make arrangements for the isolation facility that is in line with guidelines approved by the Covid-19 Command and Control Centre or bear the costs of a paid isolation facility provided by the government.

Citizens and residents travelling abroad:

  • There are no restrictions on the overseas destinations that citizens and residents can travel to. However, they must comply with guidelines and protocols followed by the destination country.
  • They are required to fill in a health declaration form before embarking.
  • On their return to Dubai, citizens and residents will have to undergo a PCR test at the airport. They must register their details on the app and remain in home quarantine until their test results are available.
  • In case of a positive result, they must isolate themselves for 14 days and adhere to all guidelines and measures issued by Covid-19 Command and Control Centre.

The airline has the right to refuse boarding if citizens/residents/tourists display any symptoms of the virus.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management also expects passengers to commit to the following responsibilities:

  • Be aware and follow the protocols and conditions specified by the Government of Dubai and destination countries before travelling.
  • Passengers must disclose any health symptoms before travelling by filling out the health declaration form provided by the airline company.
  • UAE nationals must notify UAE embassies in the countries they are visiting if they test positive.
  • Travellers must strictly follow physical distancing guidelines in accordance with measures followed at Dubai airports and use face masks at all times.
  • All passengers should stringently observe precautionary measures and monitor themselves for Covid-19 symptoms.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Airline and Group, and chairman of Flydubai said, “Travel and tourism are among the key industries at the forefront of spurring global economic recovery.

“Our airports and national carriers are resuming larger-scale operations by stringently implementing globally benchmarked precautionary and preventive measures that protect the health and safety of travellers.”