United Arab Emirates
Coronavirus
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for the United Arab Emirates on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You should contact your airline - Emirates Etihad Airways or British Airways or local health authorities for Dubai and Abu Dhabi for information on testing facilities.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel within the United Arab Emirates
COVID-19 cases continue to be recorded in the UAE and public health measures are in place in response to the outbreak. These can vary between each Emirates and the ease of movement between regions may be affected. The local rules may change, including at short notice. You should check them carefully before you travel and whilst you are in the UAE, and ensure you comply.
The UAE authorities have stated that any violation of instructions and procedures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 will be treated as a crime punishable by law.
The rules for entering and remaining in Abu Dhabi and Dubai may change. You should check the current requirements on the Etihad Airways website or Emirates airline website.
Public spaces and services
Shops, restaurants, tourist attractions and religious establishments across the UAE are open and operating as normal. There may be restrictions and requirements in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19; please check and follow local guidelines. The rules for masks changed on 7 November. The wearing of masks is only mandatory in medical facilities and centres for people with disabilities. Wearing of masks is optional for all other open and closed facilities and spaces. Further information is available on the Emirates News Agency website.
The AlHosn app is the UAE’s official app related to COVID-19. With effect from 7 November it is no longer necessary to have a ‘green pass’ on the ‘Al Hosn’ App to enter public facilities and sites. The Al Hosn App use will be limited to proving vaccination and test results. Further information is available on the Emirates News Agency website.
Some schools may close or move to remote learning if there are outbreaks of COVID-19. In Abu Dhabi, students aged 16 years and above are required to be vaccinated to enter school.
Healthcare in the United Arab Emirates
You should keep up to date with local public health measures and comply with instructions. If you fail to do so you risk being fined or imprisoned.
Information about the UAE’s approach can be found on the website of the Ministry of Health and Prevention through its COVID-19 Information Centre. You can also keep up to date with information via official sources such as the UAE Government Portal, Dubai Media Office and Emirates News Agency.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health
View Health for further details on healthcare in the UAE.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Further information
If you need urgent consular assistance whilst in the UAE contact:
All telephone numbers are available 24/7.