Visiting Dubai: Gulf city-state lifts PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated tourists

Good news for those visiting Dubai this year. The country’s government announced that fully vaccinated tourists entering this Gulf city-state will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test as the emirate eases Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Now passengers only need to show an approved vaccination card with a QR code upon arrival.

Dubai authorities also said that wearing masks outdoors is now optional in the country, along with the decision made across the UAE region. However, wearing face masks is still mandatory in indoor public spaces.

However, the PCR requirements remain in place for unvaccinated travelers who must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure

In addition, as of March 3, according to the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, all entry procedures for the UAE will apply to land ports (NCEMA). The agency advises “those arriving via land ports to undergo a PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in the country, particularly those planning to stay in the country for more than 72 hours.”

Following Dubai’s decision to relax COVID-19 measures, Emirates said passengers visiting Dubai would now only need proof of vaccination and not a negative PCR test.

The news comes as the UAE is seeing a significant drop in Covid-19 cases coupled with high vaccination and booster rates.

With the decision to relax capacity and social distancing restrictions in the days of the Covid-19 outbreak, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and cinemas are reopening and awaiting the return of international tourists.

Over seven million foreign tourists visited Dubai in 2021, marking a “remarkable turnaround” despite some travel restrictions, the local government said during the World Expo. held in February. The figure represents a 32% increase compared to 2020, the first full year of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai’s Economy and Tourism Department said in a press release.