Covid-19: UAE travel rules

Covid-19 rules UAE

Update 07. November 2022: The Green Pass for Abu Dhabi is not more mandatory. You can enter now supermarkets, gyms, Restaurants, and Attractions without showing the Al Hosn App. Face masks are only mandatory in Hospitals, Public Transportation and in mosques.

26. February 2022 News: From Saturday, people outside will no longer have to wear face masks. The crisis authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have confirmed this.

27. February 2022 News: vaccinated People no more need to have a negative PCR Test before departure


Life has changed quite a bit for everyone since the pandemic began. Especially in the tourism sector, there are many Covid-19 rules and restrictions, and these are constantly being adjusted. So, it is difficult to plan a vacation in the longer term. And it is not surprising that many postpone a vacation abroad for the time being.

All that you need to know about travelling to Abu Dhabi and Dubai

View the Burj Al Arab in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates are a very popular holiday destination. With 365 days of sunshine, spacious beaches and lots of leisure activities, who is surprised?


Since the beginning of the pandemic, strict measures have been taken to protect the population and guests and to prevent the virus from spreading further.


The measures apply to residents and tourists alike. Tourists are also advised to take out international travel health insurance that covers Covid-19, as any costs arising from an illness must be paid for by the patient themselves.
We will try to keep you informed.

The following Covid-19 rules applies to entry into Dubai:

  • If you are vaccinated, or under 16 years old or you have a COVID-19 proof of recovery (must be dated and QR-coded within 30 days of departure) you can travel without a PCR Test before departure, present your approved vaccination certificate, complete with QR code only
  • If you are not fully vaccinated, you must provide a negative PCR test within 48 hours or proof of recovery from COVID-19

You can get more information on the Emirates Airline website.

The following Covid-19 rules applies to entry into Abu Dhabi:

  • If you are vaccinated, or older than 16 years or you have a COVID-19 proof of recovery (must be dated and QR-coded within 30 days of departure) you can travel without a PCR Test before departure, present your approved vaccination certificate, complete with QR code only
  • If you are not fully vaccinated, you must provide a negative PCR test within 48 hours or proof of recovery from COVID-19
  • You do NOT need to be vaccinated to enter Abu Dhabi, but you must be fully vaccinated to visit public places and facilities (malls, hotels, beaches, gyms, cinemas, amusement parks, and restaurants) in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways also recommends registering on the ICA Smart Travel Service website or the ICA UAE Smart app from the App Store. We know from our own experience that this is really required at some stopover airports. Please register there so that there are no difficulties with your arrival.

At the latest at the airport, you will receive your unique number, which you need when you load the Al Hosn app onto your smartphone.

And it is very important that you register the telephone number under which you can be reached in Abu Dhabi, otherwise, the activation code will not reach you and you will not be able to open the app. The Al Hosn app will then show your green status when you want to visit public places in Abu Dhabi.

If you have trouble registering the app, you can get help from your hotel. If none of this works, please bring your official vaccination document or the app for it and your negative PCR test from the airport with you, so you can get in everywhere with.

Etihad Airways also recommends using Verified to Fly and the online check-in.


On the Etihad Airways website, you will always find the latest information about Covid-19 travel rules, which of course also applies to all other airlines if you are not flying with Etihad Airways.

Entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai or another Emirate

New: Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters committee has approved the removal of EDE scanners and requirements for the green pass to enter Abu Dhabi emirate from within the UAE, effective Monday, 28 February 2022. The green pass will still be required to enter public spaces in Abu Dhabi.

For all Emirates

We are very happy about this news:
Following the announcement by the United Arab Emirates Crisis Authority last Friday, wearing face masks outdoors will no longer be mandatory from February 26, 2022.

From Saturday, people outside will no longer have to wear face masks. The crisis authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have confirmed this.

Using face masks outdoors is now optional (everyone can choose that for themselves), the Supreme Council for National Security said in a Twitter post.

Watch here the official:

The blog does not claim to be correct or complete. Subject to changes.

Photos: www.pixabay.com

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