Since Dubai officially reopened its borders in July last year, residents of the emirate have been required to apply for approval to re-enter the country via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
However, Emirates Airline has confirmed to its passengers this is no longer needed via a text message update. The Dubai-based airline also updated its guidelines for residents travelling to Dubai, removing the GDRFA requirement from its key information.
Previously, passengers needed to fill out a form online on the GDRFA website where visa, passport and Emirates ID details needed to be provided. This is something that was implemented following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current travel requirements for Dubai
At the end of January, it was announced that all UAE citizens must do a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai no matter which country they have travelled from.
Meanwhile, all UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors will now be required to undergo a pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test regardless of where they are travelling from and the validity time of tests is now 72 hours, reduced from 96 hours.
It should be noted that a PCR test is required and you need to have a printed verification in English or Arabic – SMS or digital versions will not be accepted.
For other requirements visit the Emirates website to stay up-to-date.
