How foreign tourists in Dubai can avoid quarantine

Tourists with Covid-negative certificates can enter Dubai and explore the city without having to undergo a quarantine or isolation period, Dubai-based airlines have confirmed to Khaleej Times.

The certificate ought to have been issued up to 96 hours prior to the travel.

Those without a Covid-negative certificate, however, will need to undergo a PCR test on arrival at the Dubai airports and self-isolate until they receive their negative results.

Dubai will start welcoming holiday-makers from July 7.

"If passengers opt to take the PCR test on arrival in Dubai, they must self-isolate until test results are received. If the test result is negative, passengers can leave the hotel and enjoy the trip as normal. However, if the test result is positive, passengers are asked to follow the advice of the Dubai Health Authority and self-isolate," Emirates said in a statement.
Dubai all set to reopen for tourists

Budget carrier flydubai said if a passenger tests positive for Covid-19, he/she would need to observe a 14-day quarantine. The airline also advised passengers to comply with all the precautionary Covid-19 measures in place in Dubai "including wearing a mask, observing social distancing and washing your hands regularly".
Emirates ready to serve travellers, welcome tourists

Other requirements before travelling to Dubai

> Travel insurance: Tourists must have a travel insurance with Covid-19 cover or declare that they would bear the costs for treatment and isolation if required. "Bring an insurance certificate stating Covid-19 coverage to present at check-in," Emirates said.

> Visa: Referring to visa requirements, Emirates said: "Depending on your nationality you can get a visa on arrival, or you can apply for your visit visa from Dubai Immigration before you travel."

> Health Declaration Form: Tourists need to complete the form that states they are free from Covid-19 symptoms. This must be done before embarking.

> Tracing app: Tourists must download the Covid-19 DXB app and register details. "This is critically important since it facilitates easy coordination and communication with the health authorities if tourists experience Covid-19 symptoms," Dubai authorities had said earlier.

Tourists with Covid-19 symptoms

> If a traveller is suspected to have Covid-19 symptoms, Dubai Airports has the right to re-test to ensure the tourist is free of the virus

> It is mandatory for Covid-positive tourists to isolate themselves at an institutional facility provided by the government for 14 days at their own expense

On Saturday, Dubai Tourism reassured tourists of several "comprehensive measures" to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Dubai Tourism, said the city has put in place a robust strategy to manage the pandemic with the key priority being to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens, residents and guests. "Now, as we get nearer to reopening the city to tourists, we are encouraged by the success of the strong procedures deployed across sectors that have reinforced Dubai's commitment to the health and safety of visitors when they start arriving from July 7, a development that will be a turning point in the tourism sector's road to recovery."

sahim@khaleejtimes.com