As many countries close their borders to try to prevent a second wave of coronavirus, one destination seems to be soaring in popularity: the city-state of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Traveling to Dubai in the pandemic is possible for many but there are rules, requirements and safety factors to consider before you start packing a bag. Let’s dive into the situation in Dubai and what you’ll need to do to get there. 

Why Travel to Dubai During the Pandemic? 

There are many reasons to visit Dubai, but top of the list right now is the fact that it’s open for tourism. The United Arab Emirates is a very rare destination that both handled covid-19 well and is already welcoming tourists once again. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to escape the pandemic and forget about reality for a while (safely and sensibly, I hasten to add). 

Aside from that, Dubai offers year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, mind-blowingly luxurious hotels and some of the best shopping in the world. To find out more about why you should visit, check out this post. 

Covid-19 in Dubai 

Dubai is run like a well-oiled machine, so unsurprisingly, the Emirati government handled the pandemic very well. The United Arab Emirates consists of seven states and at the time of writing, the entire country has seen a relatively low 217k cases and fewer than 1,000 deaths. 

When the pandemic broke out, Dubai entered an extremely strict lockdown. This eased at the tail end of April and the UAE opened its borders for tourism on 7 July 2020. Since then, the situation has remained under control thanks to excellent hygiene standards and sensible entry requirements. 

In Dubai it’s compulsory to wear masks in public unless you’re eating, drinking or exercising. Social distancing measures are in place and businesses have implemented rigorous hygiene practices to keep you safe. 

Entry Requirements for Dubai During the Pandemic

You must take a PCR test no more than 96 hours prior to departure for Dubai (and test negative, of course.) However, visitors originating from certain countries have the option to take a PCR test upon arrival:

• UK
• Germany 
• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Kuwait 
  
  

However, you’ll have to self-quarantine for 24-48 hours until you receive your results, so I’d still recommend that you take the test beforehand. 

You must also download the Covid 19 DXB Smart app and have travel insurance that includes covid-19 cover. 

How Long Can I Stay For? 

US citizens can enter the UAE without a visa for up to 30 days. You don’t need to apply in advance; your passport is all you need. It’s super easy (or at least it was, before covid-19 came along.) If you wish to stay for longer, you’ll have to apply for a residency visa. 

How Are Dubai Hotels Keeping Their Guests Safe?

Dubai’s hotels are working hard to minimise the spread of the disease and keep their guests as safe as possible. Each hotel is different, but standard practices include adjusting the layout of poolside and restaurant facilities, regular sanitization and limiting certain activities. Many properties have decided to cancel their buffets and are neglecting to host the usual pool parties that adorn the city’s social calendar. 

Check out this article to discover the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. 

Other Factors to Consider 

Before you jet off to Dubai, you should also consider your local government’s rules on travel right now. Dubai is one of the most covid-safe destinations available right now, but sadly, no pandemic travel is risk-free. 

Before you book a flight, I highly recommend you acquaint yourself with your airline’s flexible booking policy. If the situation changes and your trip is postponed, many airlines will allow you to change your ticket or offer a refund. It’s also worth enquiring how generous the time-change window is. If you test positive for covid or don’t receive your PCR results in time, will it be too late to adjust your booking? Emirates, for example, generally allow long-haul passengers to make changes up to six hours before their departure time which is pretty good, in my opinion. 

Resources

Rules and regulations are changing all the time during the pandemic, but you can use these resources to stay up-to-date. It’s always worth checking your information against multiple sources. The following websites are really helpful: 

• US-UAE Embassy covid information and advice
• Emirates advisory page for those traveling to and through Dubai during the pandemic
• The Dubai tourism board’s travel advisory  

For more on traveling during the pandemic, check out this travel tips article.