UAE opens tourist visas to vaccinated people

ABU DHABI: UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have jointly announced that starting from August 30, applications for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries, provided that they are fully vaccinated with one of the WHO-approved Covid-19 vaccines, official news agency WAM reported.

This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth.

The United Arab Emirates announces opening of tourist visas for vaccinated persons of all countries from 30th August 2021, the decision includes countries from which entry has been previously restricted, with mandatory pre-PCR Covid test and Rapid PCR testa at airport

— UAE Embassy PK (@uaeembassyisb) August 29, 2021

The decision applies to citizens of all countries, including those arriving from the previously banned countries.

The arriving passengers on tourist visas must take a mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport. The previous rules for unvaccinated, including exempted categories, remain in place.

Travellers wishing to receive the benefits provided to individuals vaccinated in the UAE can register their vaccination via the ICA platform or Al Hosn application.