From next week, certain UAE citizens and residents will be able to travel out of the country to selected low-risk destinations, which was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority earlier this week.
However, as expected, there have been a number of protocols and requirements put in place that people must meet in order to be able to travel.
In a media briefing on Wednesday night, Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced that a “strategy” has been put in place to allow certain citizens and residents to travel, outlining how certain countries have been categorised in terms of COVID-19 risk factors.
“Travel will be allowed to certain destinations according to a strategy that has classified all countries of the world into three categories: the first is classified as low-risk nations, to which all citizens and residents are allowed to travel,” he said.
“The second is medium-risk nations to which only a limited category of citizens are allowed to travel to in case of emergency, namely for necessary medical reasons, visiting first-degree family members, or for military, diplomatic and official missions. The third are high-risk countries to which travel is categorically banned.”
Finally, the requirements that need to be met to travel were outlined, of which there are 11.
Requirements for leaving the UAE:
- Undergo a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to your departure, and you must receive a negative result.
- Download the UAE COVID-19 tracing app – the Alhosn app.
- A request for travel needs to be applied for via the Federal Authority for Citizenship and Identity’s website and register in the Twajudi service.
- Fill in a health accountability form, and stick to the destinations you put down on said form.
- Must be under the age of 70, and free from chronic disease.
- Undergo a temperature check which must be under 37.8°C.
- Have international travel insurance.
- Follow preventative measures in place at airports, which includes wearing gloves and a face mask.
Requirements for returning to the UAE:
- Quarantine for 14 days upon your return to the UAE. This can be done either at home or in a hotel. This quarantine period could be reduced to seven days if you travel to a low-risk country.
- Undergo another COVID-19 test.
- Ensure you have the Alhosn app activated.
