Dubai to welcome tourists from July 7

Web desk

Dubai has announced new air travel protocols for citizens, residents and visitors; while residents can return to the country from June 22, tourists can enter from July 7 provided they present recent COVID-19 negative certificate or undergo testing at Dubai airports. The circulars detailing the travel protocols were tweeted by the Dubai Media Office on July 21.
The decision came under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow-up of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management headed by Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Tourists must do a PCR test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure. On arrival at Dubai airport, they will have to show proof that they are not infected with the virus. If they cannot provide proof, they have to undergo a PCR test at the airport. All arrivals will be subject to thermal screenings.
If a traveller displays COVID-19 symptoms, Dubai airports have the right to re-test to make sure the tourist is free of the virus. It is mandatory for tourists who test positive for COVID-19 to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB app and isolate themselves at an institutional facility provided by the government for 14 days at their own expense.
In addition to filling the ‘Health Declaration Form’ before embarking, they should ensure that they have a valid health insurance in order to enter the country. The airline has the right to refuse boarding at the airport of departure if they display any COVID-19 symptoms.
Residents with Dubai-issued visas are permitted to return on the condition that they obtain an approval coordinated between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the airline. Upon arrival at Dubai airports, residents will have to undergo a PCR test. Residents entering Dubai should not leave their house until they receive their COVID-19 test result. If they test positive, they will have to isolate themselves at home for 14 days.
Residents sharing homes or living in high-density housing facilities will be isolated at an institutional facility if they test positive. The resident’s employer should make arrangements for the isolation facility or bear the costs of a paid isolation facility provided by the government.