As countries are lifting travelling restrictions, thousands of travelers from other countries are looking forward to visit the UAE during summer holidays. Though many nations require arriving travelers to quarantine, Dubai does not, and starting from July 1 Abu Dhabi too is lifting need of quarantine for travelers. But some protocols are there in place that need to be followed.

UAE Travel Rules:

Passengers from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are not allowed entry into the UAE. All arriving visitors in the UAE must download Al Hosn, the Emirates' track-and-trace app, that can also be used to display vaccination status and details of the last Covid-19 test.

UAE residents travelling into Abu Dhabi are required to update their details on uaeentry.ica.gov.ae before travelling. 

Residents travelling into Dubai airport have to also update the form. But if they hold a Dubai visa it is not necessary.

Abu Dhabi Quarantine Rules:

Starting July 1, Abu Dhabi will waive off all Covid-19 quarantine restrictions for most international travelers. However, there would be different testing protocols for visitors arriving from low-risk and high-risk countries.

So, the three major factors travelers need to consider before traveling to the Emirate.

1. Are you travelling before or after July 1?

2. Are you vaccinated or not?

3. Are you a tourist or a resident?

Traveling to Abu Dhabi before July 1

Currently, travelers from countries not on Abu Dhabi's green list are required to quarantine, and have to wear an approved wristband for that duration.

Among residents, vaccinated travelers have to quarantine for five days. Non-vaccinated ones have to quarantine for 10 days.

Tourists from countries not on the green list are required to quarantine for 10 days regardless vaccination status.

If you have arrived from a high-risk country, then quarantine is to be at a government facility.

Traveling to Abu Dhabi after July 1

Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi after July 1 would not be required to quarantine.

The emirate has different testing protocols for visitors from low-risk and high-risk countries.

Travelers from higher infection rates countries are required to take two tests – one before traveling and another on arrival.

At present, it is not known if there would be different rules for vaccinated travelers.

Dubai Quarantine Rules:

Travelers from South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are not allowed entry in to Dubai currently. But in some cases flying out of these locations is possible.

From June 23, vaccinated passengers from South Africa will be allowed entry in Dubai. Regardless of vaccination status, travelers from Nigeria, will be allowed.

Passengers from India will also be allowed to fly to Dubai if they received both doses of a UAE-approved Covid-19 vaccine and also hold a valid residence visa. Additionally, passengers from India on arrival must undergo "institutional quarantine" till they receive their PCR test result, that usually comes within 24 hours.

Other than travelers from India, no other visitors to Dubai are required to quarantine. Instead, depending on whereabouts during last 14 days there are different testing requirements.

Passengers from high risk countries have to take a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. In this case the person must remain in hotel or residence until test result is received.

If the test result is positive, isolation is required and individual must follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.