Covid in Dubai: 20 questions you may have

1- Do I need a PCR test before going to Dubai?

All travelers to the United Arab Emirates, whatever their status (residents, tourists, connecting passengers), must have performed a negative PCR test valid for less than 72 hours, even if the vaccination course is complete.
Children under 12 are exempt from testing.

The authorities may ask you to take a new PCR test when you arrive at the airport. In this case, you’ll have to stay indoors while awaiting the results, and only those who test positive will have to remain in quarantine.

The official test must then be presented to the airline at check-in. Some airlines may require an English or Arabic version for Dubai. To avoid any setbacks, we recommend that you bring along an English version.

2- Is an antigenic test valid?

No, antigenic tests are not sufficiently recognized to allow entry into the country.

3- Can I be refused entry if I come from certain countries?

Travelers from South Africa cannot fly to Dubai, except to make a change. What’s more, travelers from Afghanistan, India and Indonesia cannot visit Dubai.

Exceptions are made for UAE nationals returning to the UAE and members of diplomatic missions.

French nationals, on the other hand, are only authorized to enter the country if they have complied with government directives in advance.

4- Do I need COVID insurance to travel to Dubai?

Some airlines require COVID insurance for boarding.
For Dubai, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance covering medical expenses, including COVID.
YUPWEGO has you covered, so don’t hesitate if you’d like to find out more.

5- When you arrive at the airport, what are the rules?

Once there, you may have to undergo another PCR test before leaving the airport. If you test positive, you will have to be confined and follow the guidelines of the Dubai health authorities. You should also quarantine yourself while awaiting the test results.

Please note that if you come from outside France, a PCR test may be required. Please contact us for further information.

You will need to download a COVID19 – DXB Smart application, available on IOS(here) and Android(here).

For more information on how to be insured during your trip, I’ll give you a Quote / Subscribe.

6- How do I get around Dubai during COVID?

In Dubai, all public transport systems remain operational: the streetcar, metro and public bus network. You can find all the information on the RTA website: www.rta.ae

On the other hand, boats are limited to 10 people (this may vary depending on the shipping company, so check with them if necessary).

Cabs can accommodate a maximum of 3 people, including the driver. So you can ride in a two-passenger vehicle. For your own protection and that of the driver, it is compulsory to wear a mask whenever you ride, even with just one person.
On the other hand, when travelling by private car, there’s no maximum number of passengers, as long as you’re all part of the same “family”.

7- Is there a curfew in Dubai?

No, since June 25, 2020, the curfew has been lifted on Emirati territory.

8- Is it compulsory to wear a mask ?

Masks must still be worn when going out, in enclosed areas, shopping malls and public transport, and at indoor and outdoor gatherings.
We recommend that you find out more about this restriction, which may change from time to time.

We remind you that failure to comply with this rule may result in a fine of 3,000 AED (approx. 700 euros).

In Dubai, however, it is permitted to remove the mask in a number of cases: for children under 6 years of age, when engaging in strenuous outdoor physical activity, and for people with disabilities or respiratory difficulties.

9- Are there any restrictions on gatherings?

Yes, private gatherings are limited to immediate family (brothers and sisters, parents and children). A limit of 10 guests has been set, while respecting barrier gestures.

10- Is it possible to attend large-scale events such as concerts?

In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Emirati authorities have put in place rules limiting the possibilities for gatherings and obliging those in charge of public places to follow strict health protocols.

11- What about public places and activities?

In Dubai, many public places and activities remain open.

• Shopping centers are still open, but with a capacity limited to 80%. You’re welcome to stroll around, while respecting the sanitary measures in place (wearing masks, disinfecting hands, safe distance).
• Cinemas are also open, with capacity limited to 80% of their total capacity.
• As far as restaurants and cafés are concerned, they remain open, albeit in compliance with strict rules laid down by the authorities. Restaurants are limited to 10 guests per table, and cafés to 6. They must close their doors by 3am at the latest.
• The bars, for their part, which do not have a catering license, remain closed to this day.
• Fitness centers must apply a physical distance of 3 meters and have reduced their on-site capacity.
• For nautical activities, boats are now limited to 10 people.
  Jet-skiing is limited to one per person.
• Amusement parks have reopened with limited capacity. Inside the park, strict sanitary restrictions must be respected: wearing a mask, social distancing and regular disinfection.
  Please note that some attractions may require a reusable mask.

For more information on how to be insured during your trip, I’ll give you a Quote / Subscribe.

12- What are the restrictions for ceremonies: funerals and weddings?

At last count, 20 people can attend a funeral.
For a wedding, only members of the first degree may attend, with a limit of 10 people.

13- What is the procedure for returning to France?

A negative PCR test less than 72 hours old, performed on site, must be presented for certain companies in order to leave the country.

14- Where can I get tested at COVID 19 in Dubai?

• You can get in touch with a doctor who will give you the necessary contact details.
• You can also contact the Health Authority on (+971) 800 342, who will be able to direct you to a test center.
• There are drive-through tests in? Parkview Mediclinic, Al Khawaneej, Port Rashid, Al Nasr Club, Dubai Festival City, Al Qusais, Silicon Oasis, Discovery Gardens, Al Warqa and International City
• Hospitals can also give you a PCR test (Emirates Specialty Hospital, Saudi German Hospital Dubai, etc.).
• Finally, there are private medical centers and malls.

15- How much does a PCR test cost in Dubai?

• To get tested in Dubai, you can expect to pay (as a rough guide) between 46 and 57 euros.
  If you travel with Emirates, you can also have your blood tested at the airport for AED 150 plus VAT (around €35). We advise you to arrive at least 4 hours before departure, to ensure easy access to the screening point. (please visit the company’s website for more information: https: //www.emirates.com/fr/french/help/covid-19/)

16- I test positive before my return. What should I do?

You must comply with the health instructions issued by the local authorities. Quarantine is then compulsory, with a test that must prove negative before you can be discharged. The minimum quarantine period is 10 days. You may also be asked to spend your quarantine period in a specific location, such as a specialized care facility or approved hotel.
Failure to comply with these instructions can result in a fine of AED 50,000 (approx. €11,500).

It is therefore essential for all travelers to take out insurance covering COVID 19-related expenses (which is the case for YUPWEGO). Make sure you have the option of extending your stay if you ever find yourself stranded in Dubai (check the conditions for modifying your flights). If you’re quarantined, YUPWEGO gives you the flexibility you need. With conventional insurance, you specify a trip end date and are covered until that date only. With us, you’re covered until you cancel with a click when you return. So even in quarantine, we’ll continue to protect you. However, the cost of quarantine and PCR testing will remain your responsibility. To find out more, click here: https: //www.yupwego.com/fr/couverture-covid-19

17- When I return to France, should I quarantine myself?

Some companies may decide to ask for a negative PCR test within 72 hours in order to be able to return to France. If the vaccination record is incomplete, it will be requested in all cases.

In the event of a positive test, travellers will be obliged to extend their stay (minimum 10 days), at their own expense, and to cover any medical expenses (if not insured).

There is therefore no quarantine requirement on your return to France.

18- Can I travel to Dubai from France?

It is indeed possible to travel from France to Dubai, as long as the sanitary protocol is respected.

ATTENTION: all information provided by YUPWEGO is not intended to encourage travel outside France. The government’s advice remains to stay put in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus and its variants. Nevertheless, we’ve put together this article to provide answers to questions frequently asked by our community of travelers. Many of you want to know if YUPWEGO covers you for your trip to Dubai. The answer is YES, YUPWEGO covers you even when you travel outside the European Union without a compelling reason (including COVID-19). The only condition: subscribe before leaving FRANCE.

19- Can I simply make a stopover in Dubai?

Yes, it is possible to simply make a stopover in Dubai if you are coming from France.

20- Can I travel between regions?

To travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you will need to undergo an EDE scan to detect any Covid-19 contamination. In the event of a positive scan, travellers must undergo an antigenic test on site. If it also turns out to be positive, you should follow the instructions given by the authorities. You will therefore be subject to local quarantine and sanitary regulations.

TO REMEMBER

• You must present a negative PCR test dated less than 48 hours before boarding your flight to Dubai (the antigenic test is not valid).
• In Dubai, restaurants, cafés, beaches, swimming pools, cinemas and shopping malls are open, and public transport is operating normally.
• Activities are also possible in compliance with recommended health protocols.
• There is no curfew.
• Masks must be worn for all outings, in enclosed spaces, shopping malls and public transport, and at all gatherings.
• Before returning to France, you must present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old (price of a test on site: 40 – 80€).
• If you test positive for COVID 19 on site, you will have to quarantine yourself until you obtain a negative PCR test result. You may be asked to carry out your isolation in a compulsory location (approved hotel, etc.).

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