Dubai holidays: Major FCO travel update issued as UAE tourists must follow these rules

Dubai holidays were off the cards during the height of lockdown. Although the Uk Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) no longer warns against essential travel to the UAE, Britons still need quarantine for 14 days on their return. What’s more, a number of coronavirus restrictions are in place in Dubai and the rest of the country.

The FCO updated its travel advice to the UAE yesterday.

From Saturday August 1, tourists must have intentional health insurance.

They also need to prove they have tested negative for coronavirus.

“Before visitors fly to Dubai, they will be required to complete a Health Declaration Form and a Quarantine Form,” explained the FCO.

“Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival.

“Visitors to Dubai will also have to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB App.

“Visitors must have international health insurance before travelling and with effect from 1 August, must show that they have had a negative PCR COVID-19 test a maximum of 96 hours before arrival.

“The test must have been registered and carried out at one of the UAE-approved testing centres.

“Travellers may also need to undertake a second test on arrival, and to complete a period of self-isolation.”

As for quarantine requirements, the Foreign Office explained: “Stringent entry restrictions remain in place upon arrival at all airports in the UAE which may include, but are not limited to, a Health Authority COVID-19 test on arrival, mandatory quarantine period, usually via self-isolation at a private address if suitable or a hotel, for at least 14 days, and follow up testing before you are able to complete quarantine.

“Once any quarantine period is complete you must continue to comply with all measures put in place by the UAE authorities to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”

Travellers departing the UAE also need to undergo testing.

The FCO detailed: “With effect from 1 August, all travellers departing from the UAE to the EU and UK will need to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test result within 96 hours prior to their departure.

“This is also a requirement for travellers to other countries that require a negative PCR COVID-19 test before arrival.”

Tourists need to adhere to rules in place while travelling around Dubai and the UAE, too.

“All visitors to Dubai must adhere to all public health measures issued by the Dubai authorities including any requirements to quarantine,” cautioned the FCO.

The authority added: “While most shops, restaurants and supermarkets, and some tourist, cultural and leisure attractions and religious establishments are open, there are restrictions and requirements in place to help contain the disease.

“Social distancing and the wearing of face masks is mandatory when away from your home.

“This also applies to visitors staying in hotels when they are not in their room.” 

Source: Read Full Article