U.S. Embassy & Consulate
in the United Arab Emirates

COVID-19 Information  

 Last updated:   [06/15/2022]  

 *** As of 12:01 a.m. EDT June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.  Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. 

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 High level of COVID-19 in the UAE Travel Health Notice.  Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated     and unvaccinated     travelers.

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 one calendar day? Yes.
• U.S. citizens departing the UAE should confirm PCR test regulations with their airline(s) and local authorities at their destination before commencing their travel.
• U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test throughout the UAE at private facilities and official government health centers. U.S. citizens are responsible for their testing expenses.
• Test results are usually sent via text message or email and the Al-Hosn App.
• It is not possible to obtain a pre-departure COVID-19 test at the airport in Abu Dhabi. Dubai International Airport has devoted a section of the Terminal Three Departures Hall to COVID-19 testing. They conduct COVID-19 RT PCR tests, with results normally returning in one to two (1 – 2) hours. Dubai International Airport officials recommend all travelers arrive three to five (3 – 5) hours before departure if they wish to take the test at the airport. Travelers should be aware and take this into consideration when making travel arrangements.
• More information on testing in the UAE is available at the following links:
  • UAE SEHA COVID-19 Testing Locations    
  • UAE Ministry of Health COVID-19 Information    

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, but only residents may receive COVID-19 vaccines free of charge. Visitors may receive COVID vaccines at any SEHA vaccination center    for a cost of AED 370, but only if it is their first dose.
• 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. Additional information on accessing the vaccine in the U.A.E. is available here    .
• Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines     in 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.  

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? Not for vaccinated travelers or minors under age 16. 
• Vaccinated travelers entering the UAE at airports and land borders do not require a PCR test IF they present an approved COVID-19 vaccination certificate containing a QR code. Unvaccinated travelers entering the UAE at airports and land borders must present an approved negative PCR test result received within 48 hours, or a QR code-accompanied certificate of recovery from a COVID-19 infection obtained within one month from the date of travel. Unvaccinated travelers entering the UAE at land border crossings with Oman must present an approved PCR test result received within the last 48 hours. Information is available here  .
• On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that unvaccinated individuals may enter the UAE if they can present a negative PCR test result taken 48 hours before their departure and complete the travel application form on the Al Hosn app to change their status to green.
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes. While a PCR test on arrival is no longer mandatory at the Abu Dhabi Airport, travelers may pay to take an optional PCR test on arrival at AED 40 for passengers who would like to activate their green pass on the Al Hosn App.  Visitors and residents must be fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test result within the last 14 days to enter public places in Abu Dhabi, including hotels, restaurants, and malls.
• For information on visa extensions, please visit official government sources for tourist visas     and residence visas    .
• As the situation is rapidly changing, please visit Emirates News Agency for the latest information. Steps to take before travel can be found on the websites of the Government of Dubai     and Government of Abu Dhabi    . Before boarding your flight, consult with your airline or the UAE’s national airlines, Etihad     and Emirates      for the latest requirements. For information on Abu Dhabi-specific restrictions, see their Department of Tourism and Culture website    .

Movement Restrictions

• Is a curfew in place? No
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
• While not mandatory, ICA registration is recommended for tourists traveling to Abu Dhabi if they would like to use the Al Hosn app. This app is required to enter public places, such as hotels, restaurants, and malls. Please visit the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship     and Etihad     websites for additional information.
• Visitors and residents who received vaccines outside of the UAE may be able to register their vaccine by visiting ica.gov.ae     or by requesting a COVID-19 vaccine exemption. Find information on exemptions here.   
• Further information on the Al Hosn app is available at:
  • Ministry of Health and Prevention – 800 11111, info@mohap.gov.ae or https://www.mohap.gov.ae/    .
  • Abu Dhabi Health Authority SEHA – 800 1717
  • Al Hosn – 800 HOSN (4676) or info@alhosnapp.ae or https://alhosnapp.ae/en/home/    .
  • Weqaya – info@weqaya.ae or 056 3346740 (WhatsApp) or https://www.weqaya.ae/en    .

Quarantine Information

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No.
  • U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates are subject to the health and safety policies of the local government. Quarantine requirements for individuals exposed to COVID-19 or who test positive vary depending on the emirate. These requirements may include quarantine in a government-operated facility, private residence, or hotel. Furthermore, these quarantine requirements may apply to individuals who test positive at any point while present in the UAE, including individuals who test positive prior to a scheduled departure flight from the UAE to the United States. U.S. citizens may be required to pay all related quarantine costs, including flight disruptions. Additional information on quarantine rules can be found via UAE official sources    .

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 and Services

• What American Citizen Services are being offered?
  • Both the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai are offering American Citizen Services (ACS) appointments for routine services. Schedule an appointment online for minor passport renewals, notaries,  and first-time adult passport applications at U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi     or U.S. Consulate General Dubai    . U.S. citizens applying for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) may e-mail AbuDhabiCRBA@state.gov directly to request an appointment. U.S. citizens applying for a CRBA in Dubai should e-mail DubaiCRBA@state.gov directly to request an appointment.
  • Learn how to renew passports by mail.
• What visa services are being offered?
  • Both the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate General Dubai are processing nonimmigrant visas for the public in all categories, including B1/B2 Temporary Visitor Visas. For F, M, or J visas, appointments are available as needed to ensure students and exchange visitors can travel in advance of program start dates. For instructions regarding scheduling and requesting expedited nonimmigrant visa appointments, please visit The Official Visa Information an Appointment system for the Embassy of the United States in United Arab Emirates.
  • Individuals with a valid or expired nonimmigrant visa, with an expiration in the previous 48 months, may apply by mail for a renewal of the same visa classification or for select other visa classifications. Visit The Official Visa Information an Appointment system for the Embassy of the United States in United Arab Emirates to register, apply, make an appointment, and pay the required application fees.
  • The U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi has resumed routine immigrant visa processing services on a limited basis. Learn more about immigrant visa processing.
  • Learn more 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.

Local Resources:

• UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention    
• UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority    
• UAE Department of Health COVID-19 Information    
• UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship    
• Other Links:
• COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
• CDC page on COVID-19
• UAE Country Specific Information on travel.state.gov 
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)