Tourists can now apply to visit the UAE from 14 countries where travel was previously restricted.
Only fully vaccinated UAE residents were previously allowed to return from these countries until the change, which has now opened up travel to tourists.
But authorities have confirmed travellers must have received both doses of a World Health Organisation-approved Covid-19 vaccine to be eligible for a visa.
The National sets out everything you need to know about the process.
Which countries are affected by the rule change?
Earlier this year, the UAE temporarily halted passenger flights from 14 countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Liberia, Vietnam and Congo over concerns about coronavirus cases and variants of the virus.
Visit visas can now be issued to anyone from those countries, as long as they are fully vaccinated.
Which vaccines are approved for entry to the UAE?
All vaccines which have been listed by the WHO.
They are:
- Pfizer/BioNTech: Comirnaty
- Oxford/AstraZeneca, including Covishield, produced by Serum Institute of India
- Johnson & Johnson: Ad26. COV2. S
- Moderna: Spikevax
- Sinopharm: BBIBP-CorV
- Sinovac: CoronaVac
It is important to note that because Covaxin has not yet been approved by WHO, it is not yet accepted for travel to the UAE.
How do people submit proof of the vaccination they received?
By visiting the ICA website, which will ask applicants to provide their passport details, as well as the name of the vaccination and dates of the first, second and third dose, where applicable. Uploading the Covid-19 vaccination card is mandatory.
Alternatively, they can upload proof of the vaccination they received via the Al Hosn app.
Is any additional testing required?
Yes, in addition to providing a negative Covid-19 test 48 hours before travel, travellers must take a rapid test at the departure airport, as well as another rapid test on arrival in the UAE.
