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Travel Advisory Level 3: Reconsider Travel Travel Advisory Level 3: Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to COVID-19. Read More...
COVID-19 Information
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22 MINUTE READ
June 16, 2021

Last updated: 06/16/2021

***Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test (the PCR test commonly administered in the UAE is acceptable) taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Country-Specific Information

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the UAE due to COVID-19. To learn more, read the latest here.
  • The Government of the UAE has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including enhanced screening and quarantine measures and limiting large gatherings. Individuals should continue to be vigilant and wear masks, while practicing appropriate social distancing.

COVID-19 Testing 

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates? Yes
  • If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
  • U.S. Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test throughout the UAE via private hospitals and official government health centers. Some individuals may qualify for a free test, though many paid tests range in cost between 85 to 370 Emirati Dirhams (approximately $23-$100 USD). U.S. Citizens are responsible for any necessary expenses.
  • Test results are usually sent via text message or email.
  • For more information, visit the following links:
  • For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-testing-required-us-entry.html
  • Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. To submit information in support of an exemption, email AbuDhabiACS@state.gov (those in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain) or DubaiACS@state.gov (those in Dubai and the Northern Emirates).

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of the United Arab Emirates approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
  • Are vaccines available in the United Arab Emirates for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
  • Which vaccines are available in the United Arab Emirates? There are four vaccines available in the United Arab Emirates for use on eligible individuals against the COVID-19 infection: Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V, and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
  • The United Arab Emirates is offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit official sources for information on how to access the vaccine.
  • Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccinesin the United States.
  • The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination

Entry and Exit Requirements

  •  Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.
    • Dubai and Abu Dhabi governments are issuing tourist visas. U.S. citizens may receive a tourist visa on arrival, typically valid for 30 days. Please consult the UAE Embassy in the United States for additional information.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.
    • All travelers from the US to the UAE must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 96 hours prior to their flight departure. Some airlines require test results be presented within 72 hours. Children under the age of 12 and those with severe and moderate disabilities may be exempted from the test requirement. Travelers should consult with the airline regarding testing and travel requirements.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
  • For information on visa extensions, please visit official government sources for tourist visas and residence visas.
  • As the situation is rapidly changing, please visit official sources for the latest information. Further information on steps to take before travel can be found on the websites of the Government of Dubai and Government of Abu Dhabi. In addition, consult with your airline or the UAE’s national airlines, Etihad and Emirates for the latest requirements before boarding your flight. For information on restrictions in Abu Dhabi, see the Department of Tourism and Culture website.

Movement Restrictions

  • Is a curfew in place? No
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
    • Residents or visitors who enter Abu Dhabi from another Emirate must present a negative PCR test within 48 hours. If staying for more than four consecutive days, individuals must take an additional PCR test on the fourth day. Those staying in Abu Dhabi for more than eight consecutive days must take an additional COVID-19 PCR test on the eighth day. If using a DPR blood test, a negative result must be presented within 24 hours. If staying for more than 48 hours, a negative PCR test must be presented on third day. If staying for longer than seven days, another negative PCR test must be presented that day. Individuals who do not comply may be subject to fines. See official government reports for more information.
  • Abu Dhabi introduced a COVID-19 green pass system, the Al Hosn app, on June 15, 2021.  It requires people to show their testing and vaccination status to enter public venues, including parks, beaches, malls, hotels, gyms, cafés, restaurants, and large supermarkets.  The Al Hosn app also facilitates contact tracing to reduce the spread of the virus.
    • Information on the Al Hosn app and how to download it is available here.
    • Tourists and others who received vaccines outside of the UAE cannot upload their vaccine certificates in the Al Hosn app yet.  Information on requesting a COVID-19 vaccine exemption is available here.
    • Further information on the Al Hosn app is available at:

Quarantine Information

  •  Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? *Depends on the country one is flying from
    • *Quarantine requirements differ depending on Emirate, COVID-19 testing results, and additional government guidance.
    • Passengers coming from the United States no longer need to quarantine, assuming a negative PCR test before and after arrival. Please see official guidance from Etihad Airlines on quarantine requirements in Abu Dhabi.
    • Vaccinated travelers from green countries do not need to quarantine, but must take a COVID‑19 PCR before and after arrival.
    • Vaccinated travelers from non-green countries are required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test before and on arrival and on possibly on day 4. A 5-day quarantine is also required.
    • Non-vaccinated citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi arriving from green countries must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, with the possibility of additional PCR tests on Day 6 and Day 12.
    • Non-vaccinated citizens and residents arriving from other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on Day 8.  Your quarantine may be at home, in a hotel, or in accommodation provided by the health authorities. This guidance and the list of green countries are subject to change. As of July 1, most, if not all of quarantine restrictions should be lifted. Check official Abu Dhabi sources and media reports for the latest.
    • Passengers arriving to Dubai may not need to quarantine, assuming a negative PCR test. If an additional test is required at the Dubai airport, passengers will be required to quarantine until official results are received. Please see official guidance from Emirates Airlines.
    • U.S. citizens are required to pay any related quarantine costs. Additional information on quarantine can be found via UAE official sources. For information on quarantine restrictions in Abu Dhabi, see the Department of Tourism and Culture website.

Transportation Options

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes
    • Official host country airlines, including Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are operating direct flights to/from the United States and to other destinations.
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes
    • Masks are required while using public transportation. The Government of Dubai has issued additional guidance when using public transportation. For information on public transportation options in the UAE during COVID-19, please visit official sources.

Fines for Non-Compliance

  • The UAE Attorney General announced that individuals failing to follow rules and regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 will face additional fines varying from 1,000-100,000 Emirati dirhams. Fines and regulations may change regularly. Please see UAE Official sources and media sources for details.

Consular Operations

  • What ACS services are being offered?
    • The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai are offering American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments for routine services including minor passport renewals, notaries, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs), and first-time adult passport applications. To schedule an appointment, please use the online appointment system for U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi or U.S. Consulate General Dubai.
    • Visit this link for more information on renewing adult passports from home and emergency requests.
  • What visa services are being offered?
    • Due to the significant challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, routine nonimmigrant visa services remain suspended. U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate General Dubai are only processing very limited nonimmigrant visas for the public, including B1/B2 Temporary Visitor Visas, for urgent travel only, such as travel for critical medical needs.  For F, M, or J student visas, appointments are available as needed to ensure that students can travel in advance of program start dates.  For instructions regarding scheduling and requesting expedited nonimmigrant visa appointments, please visit our website.
    • Individuals with a valid or expired nonimmigrant visa, with an expiration in the previous 36 months, may apply by mail for a renewal of the same visa classification. Visit our online appointment service to apply and pay the application fees.
    • U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi has resumed routine immigrant visa processing services on a limited basis.  Further information regarding immigrant visa processing at Embassy Abu Dhabi, can be found here.
    • Please see these notices which contain detailed information about the current status of visa services worldwide and visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
    • Previously-paid visa application fees (MRV fees) will remain valid until September 30, 2022.

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