The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will allow those with a valid resident visa from previously banned countries to return to the emirates if they are fully vaccinated with World Health Organization (WHO)-approved COVID-19 vaccines starting from September 12th, 2021.
The country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) stated that the decision covers countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
Returning passengers have to apply through the ICA website and should complete the vaccine application to receive the necessary approvals, as well as submit the authorized vaccination certification upon departure for the UAE.
The authority has mandated arriving requirements for the passengers such as a negative PCR test result, done within 48 hours before departure at an approved lab that has a QR code. Flyers must also undertake a rapid PCR test before boarding and another PCR test on the fourth and eighth day of arrival while complying with all precautionary measures in place. Children under the age 16 are exempt from these procedures.
The approved list of vaccines by WHO includes;
- AstraZeneca,
- Covishield (Indian name of AstraZeneca),
- Johnson & Johnson,
- Moderna,
- Pfizer-BioNTech,
- Sinopharm and
- Sinovac
While, according to Dubai’s immigration and COVID-19 policies, returning residents do not require vaccination, they have to obtain permission from either ICA or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs before travel.
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