As the world still faces many restrictions due to COVID-19, we discover where you can safely travel this summer from the UAE.
The UAE has begun to establish travel corridors with some destinations around the globe offering full vaccinated travellers the opportunity to travel without quarantine requirements on arrival. So far travel corridors have been announced between the UAE and a number of countries with more announcements to come. And there are many more places that are open for travel from Dubai, while Abu Dhabi residents still face some further restrictions. Here we discover some of the places you CAN safely travel to this summer.
The Maldives
The Maldives is opened to all travellers who provide a negative PCR test on arrival. While the country’s capital Malé is currently on lockdown, all idyllic island resorts are open and completely COVID-19-free thanks to strict guidelines set in place by the government. The Maldives is a perfect resort for families, couples and groups of friends looking to relax, unwind and soak up the sunshine.
Seychelles
On 18th May the UAE and Seychelles announced the introduction of a travel corridor between the two countries. The move which came in a bid to promote tourism between the two countries applies to vaccinated travellers, however, non-vaccinated residents can also travel with the proof of a negative PCR test. Those who are vaccinated with need to provide recognised vaccination certificate approved by the health authorities in the two nations, alongside a negative PCR test, taken 72 hours prior to arrival.
Greece
A safe travel corridor between the UAE and Greece was put in place for fully vaccinated travellers between the countries. Under the agreement, passengers holding vaccination certificates issued by health authorities can travel to Greece from today without having to quarantine on arrival. Travellers still need to abide by Covid-19 precautionary measures in place in both destinations. All travellers flying to Greece must fill in a Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours before entering the country. As well as flights to Athens, airlines have begun to add direct flights to Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini to their schedules, with both Fly Dubai and Wizz Air now flying to the island destinations.
Cyprus
From May 10th Cyprus is open to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers without the need for quarantine. Those who do not have proof of both vaccinations will be required to provide a negative PCR test on arrival. For vaccinations, there is no timeframe on the date that the vaccine needs to be administered. Emirates airline flies direct to Cyprus three times a week and it takes just four hours.
Spain
As of 7th June, Spain has been welcoming travellers from all countries who have been fully inoculated with an approved Covid-19 vaccine. Travellers have to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before they are due to land in the country. Vaccines must be one of those authorised by the European Medicines Agency or included in the World Health Organisation’s emergency use listing. Printed certificates issued in Spanish or English will be accepted as proof of vaccinations.
Georgia
Located just three and a half hours from Dubai, Georgia has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for UAE residents. As the country begins to open up again, visitors from the UAE as well as a number of other countries must have a COVID-19 PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours prior to arrival or hold a COVID-19 vaccination certificate (completion of two doses). Passengers entering Georgia with a COVID-19 PCR test result will be required to undergo a further COVID-19 PCR test on the 3rd day after arrival at their own expense. Additionally, they must complete the online registration form and present the confirmation email at check-in.
Lebanon
The UAE’s thousands of Lebanese expats will be thrilled to know that they can visit family back home this summer. If you are travelling to Lebanon, you must take a COVID‑19 PCR test and complete the “Registration form for traveller quarantine follow up” online, as well as download and activate the “covidlebtrack” tracking application before departure. All passengers who have received the second dose of a COVID‑19 vaccine a minimum of 15 days before their departure are exempt from performing a COVID‑19 PCR test in the country they are travelling from but must perform a COVID‑19 PCR test upon arrival in Lebanon. A further PCR test is required when leaving and again when arriving in Dubai.
Egypt
From its iconic pyramids to its luscious beaches Egypt offers a number of spectacular attractions for tourists. The country is open to visitors but all passengers, including Egyptian nationals, will need to carry a printed negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate from an accredited lab in English or Arabic for a test taken within 72 hours before the departure of their final direct flight to Egypt. All passengers must also complete a health declaration form which they can obtain from their airline during the flight.
Tanzania
From its stunning mountain scenes, to its safari landscapes to the picturesque beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a favourite destination for UAE residents. Tanzania is open to all visitors from the UAE and requires them to provide a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result certificate from a test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, as well as completing a Traveler’s Surveillance form within 24 hours of arrival and present it to the Port Health Authorities. Passengers may be subject to medical screening and further COVID-19 Rapid test on arrival at their own cost.
Mauritius
Mauritius has announced that it will be open to vaccinated tourists from 15th July, just in time for the Eid-Al-Adha holiday. The island will be opening in phases during 2021 and the first phase, from 15 July to 30 September 2021, will enable vaccinated travellers to enjoy a resort holiday on the island.
France
France reopened its borders to vaccinated travellers on 9th June. The new rules require visitors to have both vaccinations. Vaccinations that are recognised however, French borders will only be open only to those who took jabs that were approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson and Johnson. As of now, the Sinopharm vaccine is not approved for travel. For those not vaccinated travellers will have to justify their purpose of travel by stating any one of the compelling reasons established by French authorities. Both types of travellers will have to undergo PCR tests within 72 hours before their arrival in France.
Italy
Italy was one of the worst-hit countries in the first wave of COVID-19 leading to the closure of borders for many months, but it is now ready to welcome tourists once again with the announcement of the opening to visitors from a number of countries including the UAE without an essential reason to travel. Travellers to Italy must be fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19, or who have a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours before travel. Currently, travellers cannot fly to Italy if they have been in or transited through Bangladesh, Brazil, India or Sri Lanka in the past 14 days.
Mexico
Mexico is currently one of the most relaxed countries in the world for COVID-19 restrictions, and with its stunning beaches and renowned party atmosphere it would make the perfect summer holiday destination (if you can manage the long flight.) Currently, If you are travelling to Mexico, you will not be required to take a pre‑departure COVID‑19 PCR test but you must complete a traveller information form upon arrival. When returning to Dubai however, a negative PCR test will be required as with all destinations.
Serbia
All Covid-19-related travel restrictions have now been lifted in Serbia. The country is so relaxed that visitors no longer need to show proof of a negative PCR test to enter the country (however one is required to fly from Dubai). Shopping malls, restaurants and some tourist attractions have reopened in the capital of Belgrade and across the country.
Armenia
Known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful women (the Kardashian sisters are part Armenian) this picturesque country is a hidden gem on the border of Asia and Europe. Armenia is now welcoming international travellers who can present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Those that can’t, must undertake a test on arrival at their own expense, and self isolate until the result is returned (typically up to 48 hours).
All guidelines were correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change without notice.
