With increasing COVID-19 vaccine rates around the world, many countries are beginning to open up with minimal requirements to enter.
As the UAE authorities have advised that it’s best to travel with both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s always better to ensure the destination requirements before hopping on a flight to your chosen place of visit.
For the upcoming Eid Al Fitr long weekend, as travelling restrictions might have eased worldwide, taking a break to a not so far away haven might just be the perfect way to unwind this year.
has curated a guide of places to keep close on your travel radar as they have less than six hours of travel time.
Armenia
With lost-cost airline tickets from flydubai, you can visit Armenia with a short three-hour flight from Dubai to Yerevan. It’s the ideal time to visit as public attractions including shops and cafes have recently opened. Travellers will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test issue no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, making it a budget-friendly destination with museums and memories that delve into the country’s history.
Cyprus
Passengers from the UAE can now travel to Cyprus while being quarantine-free under the latest rules. As part of the green countries list, the mentioned ones are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, while the orange countries must secure one 72 hours before travel, with UAE being on the red list to present once both 72 hours before departure and undergo an additional one upon arrival to the island on their expense. In addition, the Cyprus Flight Pass must be completed 24 hours prior to departure.
Greece
From coastal side resorts to bespoke havens, this island of wonders offers an array of delightful experiences including culinary delights. However, a COVID-19 PCR test will be required at least 24 hours before departing the UAE, with plans to further ease restrictions from Friday, May 14 with visitors to follow all the necessary rules
Croatia
While being one of the few European countries permitting entry for travel, Croatia is now welcoming visitors to travel to the county as long as COVID-19 negative certificates have been presented not more than 48 hours old with proof of accommodation to be presented for travel.
Georgia
With natural scenic beauty being the country’s forte, the ancient city and mountainous views are perfect to visit, as it has opened its doors for tourists flights starting as low as Dhs1,695. Being only three-and-a-half hours away from the UAE, a COVID-19 negative PCR required 72 hours prior to arrival in Georgia or a certificate displaying details of both doses being completed. Note that there’s a current nationwide curfew from 9pm to 5am.
Maldives
Being one of the major must-visit tourist hot spots over the last year, this destination has been opened for passengers since mid-last year. A negative COVID-19 PCR test is required within 96 hours along with a health declaration form within 24 hours of departure.
Seychelles
As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, visitors are required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 prior to travel along with a compulsory health declaration form needed before arrival. As per the requirements, quarantine restrictions are not needed upon entry, however, all the necessary rules imposed in the country must be followed amid the pandemic. Besides South Africa, all international tourists are allowed within the country.
Sri Lanka
With the country reopening for tourism, visitors can travel to Sri Lanka for tourism provided they follow the necessary rules imposed amid the pandemic. Vaccinated visitors and non-vaccinated visitors staying less than five days should pre-purchase one COVID-19 test, while non-vaccinated visitors staying more than five days should pre-purchase two COVID-19 tests. COVID-19 tests are priced at $40 (Dhs147) with a mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover priced at Dhs44 for 30 days. A health declaration form must also be submitted at check-in with compulsory, COVID-19 tests upon arrival with testing not required for vaccinated passengers staying less than five days. However, those staying between five and 10 days should undergo their second test between 24 and 48 hours prior to leaving, and those staying longer than 10 days should undergo a second test somewhere between days 11 and 14.
Tanzania
With relaxed entry measures for tourists since last summer, passengers are required to complete a Traveller Surveillance Form, without requirements to produce a negative COVID-19 test unless required by the airline or country of origin. However, travellers from Tanzania to Dubai must present a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours upon return.
Turkey
As the country has remained opened for international passengers, visitors will be allowed to travel once a negative COVID-19 PCR test has been presented within 72 hours of travel accompanied with a Turkey Entrance Form which can be filled out on the website here. However, exceptions are still there for arrivals from South African and Brazil and all tourists are required to adhere to the country’s restriction measures.
