Is United Arab Emirates Open for Tourists?

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The United Arab Emirates has had its borders open to international travel since July 2020. It is one of the most popular countries that are open for tourism and travelers from almost any country can visit.

Entry requirements depend completely on which emirate you are traveling to, but in most cases, you will need a PCR test prior to travel.

Can I travel to the United Arab Emirates right now?

You can travel to the United Arab Emirates from almost every country right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit the United Arab Emirates at the moment.

UAE - EN

Dubai travel restrictions and entry requirements

Travelers arriving in Dubai must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure for Dubai. They must also have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage and download the COVID-19 – DXB Smart App (iOS/Android).

Travelers from some countries will be required to take a PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions and entry requirements

Entry requirements for Abu Dhabi depend on whether your country is on this list of “green” countries. International travelers from “green” countries must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 96 hours of departure. They will take a second PCR test on arrival and then self-isolate until they receive a negative result. They do not have to quarantine if they receive a negative result from this test.

If travelers from “green” countries are staying for 6 days or more, they will take yet another PCR test on the 6^th day of their trip, and if they are staying for 12 days or more, they will also take a PCR test on the 12^th day of their trip.

International travelers from all other countries must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained either 48, 72, or 96 hours before departure; it depends on where they are flying from. They will take a second PCR test on arrival and register in the quarantine system. Travelers will then be given a wristband, which they must wear for the duration of their 10-day quarantine period.

If travelers from non-“green” countries are staying for 6 days or more, they must take a third PCR test on the 6^th day of their stay, and a 4^th PCR test on the 12^th day of their stay if they are staying for 12 days or more.

Vaccinated UAE residents and citizens arriving from “green” countries must take a PCR test on arrival and on day 6 after their arrival. Vaccinated UAE residents and citizens coming from all other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 7 days, and take another PCR test on day 6 of their quarantine period.

Unvaccinated UAE residents and citizens coming from “green” countries must take PCR tests on arrival, on day 6, and on day 12 after their arrival. They are not required to quarantine. Unvaccinated UAE residents and citizens arriving from all other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 12 days, and take a PCR test on day 11 of their quarantine period.

Sharjah travel restrictions and entry requirements

Travelers arriving in Sharjah must have a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival. They must also have travel health insurance, download the ALHOSN app, and have a UAE mobile number for PCR track and trace purposes. Upon arrival, they will undergo another PCR test and must self-isolate until they receive the results of that test. If that test is negative, travelers can explore Sharjah freely.

UAE COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Each emirate in the United Arab Emirates has its own individual entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Dubai travel restrictions and entry requirements

If you want to visit Dubai, you must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure. This certificate must be a printed certificate in either English or Arabic. You must also have valid travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage and download the COVID-19 – DXB Smart App (iOS/Android). If you are traveling from certain countries, you will have to undergo a second PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

United Arab Emirates COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions and entry requirements

If you’re visiting Abu Dhabi, entry requirements depend on if you’re traveling from one of the “green” countries or not. If you’re an international traveler traveling from a “green” country, you must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 96 hours of departure. If you’re an international traveler coming from any other country, you must have a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 48, 72, or 96 hours of departure; it depends on where you are traveling from.

All international travelers to Abu Dhabi must undergo a second PCR test on arrival. If you’re from a “green” country, you must self-isolate until you receive your results. You will not have to quarantine as long as you receive a negative result from this test.

International travelers from all other countries must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival. You will be given a wristband that you must wear for the duration of your quarantine period. If your 6^th day PCR test is negative, your quarantine will end after 10 days.

All international travelers who are staying in Abu Dhabi for 6 days or more must take another PCR test on the 6^th day of their trip. If you are staying for 12 days or more, you will have to take yet another PCR test on the 12^th day of your trip.

Vaccinated UAE residents and citizens arriving from “green” countries must take a PCR test on arrival and on day 6 after their arrival. Vaccinated UAE residents and citizens coming from all other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 7 days, and take another PCR test on day 6 of their quarantine period.

Unvaccinated UAE residents and citizens coming from “green” countries must take PCR tests on arrival, on day 6, and on day 12 after their arrival. They are not required to quarantine. Unvaccinated UAE residents and citizens arriving from all other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 12 days, and take a PCR test on day 11 of their quarantine period.

Sharjah travel restrictions and entry requirements

If you’re traveling to Sharjah, you must have a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival. You must also download the ALHOSN app and have valid travel health insurance.

Additionally, you need to have a UAE mobile number that starts with 050, 056, 057, or 058 for PCR track and trace purposes; otherwise, you will not be allowed into the UAE via Sharjah. Telecom providers have booths in the Arrival PCR Testing Zones so travelers can purchase a UAE SIM Card, if necessary.

Upon arrival in Sharjah, you will undergo a second PCR test and must self-isolate until you receive your test results. If your test is negative, you are free to explore Sharjah.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United Arab Emirates

Vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi that are flying into Abu Dhabi from countries that are not on the “green” list only have to quarantine for 7 days instead of 10 and take a PCR test on day 6. Vaccinated travelers from “green” countries only have to take a PCR test on arrival and on day 6 after their arrival.

This protocol applies to vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi who received their final vaccine dose at least 28 days prior. More information on this regulation is available here.

For all other emirates, the government has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter.

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to the United Arab Emirates, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case the United Arab Emirates changes its travel restrictions.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to the United Arab Emirates?

All travelers to Dubai must have a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure.

The medical certificate must be printed in English or Arabic. Digital, SMS, or handwritten certificates will not be accepted. Children under the age of 12 and travelers with severe or moderate disabilities are exempt from the PCR testing requirement.

Travelers from certain countries will also have to undergo a second PCR test on arrival in Dubai. They must self-isolate at their accommodation until they receive their results.

All international travelers to Abu Dhabi must have proof of a negative PCR test result. For travelers from “green” countries, the negative PCR test result must be from within 96 hours of departure. For travelers from all other countries, the negative test result must be from within 48, 72, or 96 hours of departure; you should check in advance to see what the regulations are for your country.

Children under the age of 12 and travelers with severe or moderate disabilities are exempt from this pre-departure testing requirement.

All international travelers must then undergo a second PCR test on arrival in Abu Dhabi. They will also have to take another PCR test on the 6^th day of their stay if they are staying for 6 days or more, and on the 12^th day of their stay if they are staying for 12 days or more.

All travelers to Sharjah must have a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 96 hours of arrival.

They will undergo a second PCR test on arrival in Sharjah and must self-isolate until they receive their results.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates?

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Dubai for travelers who do not undergo testing on arrival.

Travelers from these countries must undergo testing on arrival and self-isolate until they receive their results. If they receive a positive result, they must then self-isolate for 10 days.

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Abu Dhabi for travelers from “green” countries as long as they receive a negative result from their PCR test on arrival.

However, they will have to self-isolate until they receive their PCR arrival test results. If their arrival PCR test is positive, they will have to quarantine for 10 days.

Travelers from all other countries must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Abu Dhabi, unless they are a vaccinated UAE citizen or Abu Dhabi resident, in which case they only have to quarantine for 7 days from their arrival. Unvaccinated UAE citizens and residents must quarantine for 12 days from their arrival.

International travelers will be given a quarantine wristband that they must wear throughout their quarantine period. The health authorities will determine where travelers quarantine, whether that’s at their home, a hotel, or accommodation provided by medical authorities. If international travelers’ 6^th day PCR test is negative, they will no longer have to quarantine once the 10-day quarantine period ends.

There is no mandatory quarantine for travelers upon arrival in Sharjah, but all travelers must self-isolate until they receive the results of their arrival PCR test. If their arrival test is negative, they are then free to explore Sharjah. If the test is positive, they will have to self-isolate for 14 days at their own expense.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit the United Arab Emirates

You must have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Dubai. If you fly with Emirates or FlyDubai and have purchased your ticket after December 1, 2020, you will automatically be covered by AIG Travel travel insurance. You can find more information on this here and here.

It is highly recommended that you have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Abu Dhabi. If you fly with Etihad Airlines, you will be covered by COVID-19 wellness insurance as part of your ticket.

You must have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Sharjah.

If you need travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage or you just want to supplement an airline’s insurance, Heymondo is an excellent choice. Their policies offer extensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad, at an affordable price.

If you want to get your Heymondo insurance for an even more affordable price, you can use the 5% discount link below.

Other travel restrictions for the United Arab Emirates during COVID-19

The United Arab Emirates has a few other travel restrictions in place for visitors:

• All travelers to Dubai must download the COVID-19 – DXB Smart App (iOS/Android).

• All travelers to Sharjah must download the ALHOSN app.

• All travelers to Sharjah must have a UAE mobile number that begins with 050, 056, 057, or 058 for PCR track and trace purposes, or else they will not be allowed to enter the UAE by way of Sharjah. Telecom providers have booths in the Arrival PCR Testing Zones so travelers can purchase a UAE SIM Card, if necessary.

• All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival. These will include temperature checks for all travelers and a PCR test for some on arrival in Dubai, a PCR test for all travelers on arrival in Abu Dhabi, and a PCR test for all travelers on arrival in Sharjah.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing rules must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to visit United Arab Emirates. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in the United Arab Emirates

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in the UAE. You can do everything from going to the beach and exploring urban landscapes to visiting the world’s tallest building and experiencing Arab culture. Luckily, hotels, beaches, restaurants, attractions, and airports are open in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah right now.

Hotels that are open in the United Arab Emirates

Hotels are open in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, but with strict health and safety measures so as to protect guests and employees alike. If you’re looking for a great place to stay, we highly recommend any of these accommodations:

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Dubai)
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)
• Mandarin Oriental Jumeira (Dubai)

Hotels that are open in the United Arab Emirates

• Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri (Abu Dhabi)
• Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)
• Emirates Palace (Abu Dhabi)

What’s open in the United Arab Emirates

• The Chedi Al Bait (Sharjah)
• Pullman (Sharjah)

Dubai’s government has launched a COVID-19 health and safety stamp, Dubai Assured, to indicate that hotels and other businesses with the stamp comply with strict health and safety measures, such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent disinfection.

Hotels with the Dubai Assured stamp have undergone a verification and validation process. The stamp is valid for 15 days and can be renewed every two weeks after further inspection. A list of Dubai Assured hotels can be found here. Dubai’s hotels can currently operate at full capacity.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has implemented a safety and hygiene certification program called Go Safe. Hotels that receive the certification must have met the program’s strict standards for cleanliness and hygiene and undergone a rigorous inspection process.

Hotel staff must undergo regular COVID-19 testing. Hotels are limited to 50% of their normal capacity. Guests must wear face masks in all public areas and keep a distance of 2 meters away from others who are not in their household.

At hotels in Sharjah, hotels are limited to 50% of their normal capacity. Guests must wear face masks in all public areas. They must also keep a distance of 2 meters away from others who are not in their household. All surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

More information on hotel regulations can be found here, here, here, here, here and here.

Beaches that are open in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE is home to some pretty amazing beaches. Beaches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are all open so visitors can soak up some sun along the coast of the Persian Gulf.

In Abu Dhabi, public and private beaches must operate at 50% of their normal capacity. In Sharjah, beaches are operating at 70% capacity.

Beachgoers must wear masks at all times, except when they are swimming and social distancing.

More information on beach regulations can be found here and here.

Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in the United Arab Emirates

Attractions are open and tours are operating in the United Arab Emirates, which is great because you can do so many amazing things: visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE; go sandboarding in the desert; take a camel ride; and more. Since there’s so much to do, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute best attractions and tours in the UAE:

• Dubai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Dubai: Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari, Sandboarding & BBQ at Al Khayma
• Dubai Burj Khalifa Tickets: Level 124 & 125 (upgrade to Level 148)
• Dubai: Fountain Show and Burj Lake Ride by Traditional Boat
• Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in the United Arab Emirates

• Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding
• Abu Dhabi: City Tour with Grand Mosque & Royal Palace Visit

Dubai’s Dubai Assured stamp can also be earned by attractions, parks, heritage sites and more. A list of Dubai Assured establishments is available here.

In Dubai, live entertainment and activities are currently allowed. Entertainment venues can operate at 70% capacity. Individual attractions have implemented their own regulations, such as mask wearing and disinfection; more information on attractions’ regulations is available here.

In Abu Dhabi, their Go Safe certification program includes tourist attractions, so keep an eye out for places with this certification. Cinemas are limited to 30% capacity, malls must operate at 40% capacity, and parks must operate at 50% capacity. Visitors to all sites must wear face masks and social distance. You can find more details on Abu Dhabi’s regulations here.

In Sharjah, malls are operating at 60% capacity, cinemas and entertainment centers are limited to 50% capacity, and parks are limited to 70% capacity. Unvaccinated employees must undergo a PCR test every two weeks. Visitors must wear face masks and comply with social distancing protocols. More details on Sharjah’s regulations can be found here.

Restaurants that are open in the United Arab Emirates

Ready to eat your fill in the UAE? Restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are all open.

In Dubai, customers must wear masks at all times, except when they are eating or drinking, and maintain a 2-meter distance from others who are not in their household. There is a limit of 10 people per table in a restaurant and 6 people in a café.

Restaurants that are open in the United Arab Emirates

In Abu Dhabi, restaurants can operate at 50% of their normal capacity. There is a limit of 4 people per table if they are not from the same household. Members of the same household can sit together at restaurants and cafes, with no limit on numbers. Customers must wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking, and maintain a 2-meter distance from others who are not in their household. Tables will be spaced 2 meters apart.

In Sharjah, unvaccinated employees must take a PCR test every two weeks. Tables will be spaced 2 meters apart. There is a limit of 4 people per table.

More details on restaurant regulations can be found here and here.

Airports that are open in the United Arab Emirates

Both of Dubai’s international airports, Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, are open and commercial flights are operating. Abu Dhabi’s three airports, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, and Al Ain International Airport, are all open. Sharjah International Airport is also open and international flights are operating.

Travelers at all airports must wear face masks and abide by social distancing protocols. At Dubai airports, all travelers will undergo health screenings that include temperature checks. Travelers from these countries will undergo a PCR test on arrival. At Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports, all travelers will undergo a PCR test on arrival.

Curfew in the UAE

Abu Dhabi currently has a curfew from 12 AM to 5 AM. Residents must stay home unless “absolutely necessary.”

You can apply for a movement permit here.

Interregional travel restrictions in the UAE

There are restrictions on traveling to Abu Dhabi from other emirates. All travelers must present a negative PCR test result from within 48 hours of arrival in Abu Dhabi.

Travelers who traveled to the UAE from non-“green” countries must quarantine upon arrival in Abu Dhabi if they have been in the UAE for fewer than 10 days (the length of the quarantine period will depend on the number of days spent in the UAE prior to entering Abu Dhabi).

All travelers must take a PCR test on day 6 if they are staying in Abu Dhabi for 6 days or more, and a PCR test on day 12 if they are staying for 12 days or more.

COVID-19 testing in the United Arab Emirates

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in the United Arab Emirates, you can find more information here and here.

United Arab Emirates reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to the United Arab Emirates reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on the United Arab Emirates reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to the United Arab Emirates, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates
• CDC Travel Recommendations for the United Arab Emirates
• General United Arab Emirates Travel Advisory
• Current Restrictions for all Emirates in the UAE
• Current Restrictions for Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• UAE Department of Health’s COVID-19 Website
• Information on Dubai Assured and Go Safe

Dubai

• Visit Dubai Requirements for Tourists
• Visit Dubai Tourism FAQs
• Visit Dubai Visa Information
• Emirates Traveling to Dubai Information
• Dubai Assured Information
• List of Dubai Assured Establishments
• Current Dubai Restrictions
• COVID-19 DXB Smart App for iOS
• COVID-19 DXB Smart App for Android
• Emirates List of Laboratories for PCR Tests for Entry to Dubai

Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi COVID-Safe Travel
• List of “Green” Countries
• Entry Requirements for UAE Residents and Citizens
• Go Safe Certification Program
• Go Safe FAQs

Sharjah

• Sharjah Airport Current Entry Restrictions for Travelers
• Current Restrictions in Sharjah