Starting today, June 22, foreign nationals holding a residency visa are allowed to return to Dubai. Likewise, citizens and residents will be allowed to travel to any foreign country starting June 23, whereas tourists and visitors can travel to Dubai staring July 7, 2020.
The announcement was made by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management headed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the follow-up of Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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Committee Announces New Protocols for Citizens, Residents, and Tourists
The committee announced new protocols and conditions for citizens, residents, and tourists who plan to travel into or out of Dubai. Here are some of the details, as reported by the Dubai Media Office on Sunday, June 21:
Returning UAE Residents
Residents holding a Dubai-issued visa will be allowed to return to Dubai, provided that they obtain approval coordinated between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the airline through which they will pre-book their flight. They also need to fill up a “Health Declaration Form” before their flight. Airlines have the right to refuse boarding if a passenger displays any COVID-19 symptoms.
Upon arriving in the Dubai, residents need to undergo a PCR test to screen them for COVID-19. They will also be asked to register their complete information in the COVID-19 DXB smart app available online upon arrival and before they leave the terminal.
Residents will then be required to stay at home until they receive their COVID-19 test result. If they test positive, they need to stay home and isolate themselves for 14 days.
Citizens & Residents Travelling Abroad
Citizens and residents will be allowed to travel abroad; however, they must follow the guidelines and protocols in their destination countries. They also need to accomplish a “Health Declaration Form,” and airlines may refuse boarding if they display any symptoms.
Upon returning to Dubai, citizens and residents need to undergo a PCR test at the airport, register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app, and stay at home while waiting for test results. If their test comes out positive, they must isolate themselves for 14 days and follow all the guidelines and measures issued by the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre.
Incoming Tourists and Visitors
International tourists and visitors must meet all the requirements before entering the UAE. They must download the COVID-19 DXB app and register their details, fill up a “Health Declaration Form,” and make sure they have valid health insurance before entering the country. As with all other cases, airlines may refuse boarding if they display any symptoms.
In addition, tourists need to undergo a PCR test with a maximum validity of four days ahead of the date of departure. Upon arrival in Dubai airports, they need to show proof of not being infected with COVID-19; otherwise, they will undergo a PCR test at the airport.
Tourists who test positive for COVID-19 must register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app and isolate themselves in a facility provided by the government for 14 days. Their stay in the facility will be at their own expense.
For a more detailed list of guidelines and procedures, please see these announcements posted by the Dubai Media Office on Twitter:
If you are planning to travel into or out of Dubai anytime soon, please take note of these important guidelines, for your own safety as well as those of the people around you. In any case, be sure to follow health protocols in the UAE as well as in your country of origin/destination.