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Explained: New air travel protocols for Dubai residents, citiizens and tourists

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uae flights, dubai travel, dubai tourism, coronavirus rules, covid-19 safety measures

Dubai - Most commonly asked questions answered as Dubai reopens skies for travel and tourism.

Published: Mon 22 Jun 2020, 12:00 AM

Updated: Mon 22 Jun 2020, 7:07 PM

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  • Staff Report

As Dubai reopens responsibly, the emirate has announced that it will be, gradually, reopening its borders for international travel.
Dubai residents stranded abroad are able to return to the country starting today (June 22), while citizens and residents will be permitted to travel abroad starting tomorrow (June 23). Tourists and visitors who test Covid-negative will be allowed to fly into Dubai from July 7.
In light of this, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai has announced new air travel protocols for all three categories of travellers.
Here's all you need to know.

FOR RETURNING DUBAI RESIDENTS

I am a Dubai resident strended outside the UAE. When can I return to the country?
Dubai residents will be permitted to enter the UAE starting today, June 22, 2020.
Return approvals are carried out by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs through a direct link with airlines.
What procedures must be followed for returning Dubai residents?
> Residents must pre-book their flights through the official websites of airlines operating at Dubai airports.
> They must be approved by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, which organises the arrival of residents.
> Returning residents can fly on any of the airlines that have approved flights to Dubai airports.
> Residents must sign a declaration stating their commitment to bear the costs of examination and treatment in the event of contracting Covid-19.
> They must complete the Health Declaration Form before leaving their destination to ensure that they are clear of any symptoms.
> All arrivals must register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app.
Do returning residents need to undergo a PCR test before departure?
No PCR test is required before departure. However, one will be taken upon arrival at Dubai airports.
Airlines have the right to deny travellers if they display any symptoms of Covid-19.
What is the procedure for returning residents after leaving the airport?
> Residents must stay home until their PCR test results come out.
> They will be obliged to abide by the 14-day quarantine in case they test positive for Covid-19.
> They must comply with all precautionary measures applied in Dubai, such as wearing masks, maintaining a social distance of two metres, and washing hands regularly.
 
Is home quarantine possible for returning residents who test positive for Covid-19?
Home quarantine is possible for residents who test positive for the coronavirus, if the conditions of quarantine are met, according to official guidelines from the Covid-19 Command and Control Centre.
Residents who test positive for Covid-19 and are home-sharing or living in high-density housing, however, will be required to be isolated at a facility. Their employer must provide the quarantine facility in accordance with Covid-19 Command and Control Centre guidelines or choose a quarantine facility provided by the government in return for bearing the costs involved.

FOR CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ABROAD

Can citizens and residents travel abroad?
Yes. Starting June 23, citizens and residents have the freedom to travel to foreign destinations, according to Dubai airports' official flight schedules and subject to airports being operational at these destinations.
Travellers must bear full responsibility for their actions and for keeping themselves updated on the Covid-19 situation of the country they wish to visit, as well as self-monitoring any symptoms they may experience.
 
What departure procedures must they follow?
> All travelling citizens and residents must comply with the official procedures established by the destination country regarding testing and quarantine.
> They must complete the Health Declaration Form before departure.
Airlines have the right to deny travellers if they display any symptoms of Covid-19.
 
What procedures must they adhere to upon returning to the UAE?
> Returning travelers must submit to a PCR test upon arrival at Dubai airports.
> They must download the COVID-19 DXB app.
> They must stay home until their PCR test results come out.
> They will be obliged to abide by the 14-day quarantine in case they test positive for Covid-19.
> They must comply with all precautionary measures applied in Dubai, such as wearing masks, maintaining a social distance of two metres, and washing hands regularly.

FOR TOURISTS AND VISITORS

What about tourists and visitors? Can they visit Dubai?
Dubai will grant entry to tourists and visitors from July 7 onwards. This will be subject to Dubai airports' official flight schedules and subject to airports being operational at their departure destinations.
 
What requirements do tourists need to fulfil in order to travel to Dubai?
> All tourists must fulfil entry visa requirements to visit the UAE.
> They must ensure they have medical travel insurance before travelling, in the event they do not have international coverage.
> They must sign a declaration to bear all costs of quarantine and treatment and complete the Health Declaration Form before departure to ensure they don't have Covid-19 symptoms.
> All tourists are required to register their details in the Covid-19 DXB app.
What is the procedure tourists must follow from the departure destination?
> Tourists must take a PCR test up to four days prior to their date of travel (maximum 96 hours).
> If one hasn't been done, a PCR test will be carried out upon arrival at Dubai airports.
> They must complete the Health Declaration Form before departing.
Airlines have the right to deny travellers if they display any symptoms of COVID-19.
What is the procedure for tourists upon arrival at Dubai airports?
> All arrival passengers must have their temperature taken with thermal screening devices.
> Tourists who do not carry a valid PCR test result must take the test upon arrival.
> Tourists who tested negative before departing but display Covid-19 symptoms upon arrival may need to take the PCR test again upon arrival.
What is the procedure for tourists once they leave Dubai airports?
> Tourists are required to download the Covid-19 DXB app.
> All positive Covid-19 cases will need to adhere to a 14-day quarantine period.
> All tourists must comply with the precautionary measures applied in Dubai, such as wearing masks, maintaining a social distance of two metres, and washing hands regularly.
 



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