If you’re planning on hanging out for an overseas holiday, but don’t want the hassle of quarantining on arrival, plan an escape to one of the featured destinations where UAE residents can travel without having to quarantine on arrival.
As travel regulations and entry requirements are changing on a regular basis, be sure to check the latest updates from local authorities before booking. And, with flights yet to resume to all destinations, it might take a couple of flight transfers to make it to your dream destination.
Croatia
Croatia is open to tourists so long as they present a negative PCR test result on arrival, which was obtained within the past 48 hours. Otherwise, you’ll have to quarantine for up to 14 days. You’ll also be asked to fill in a travel announcement form, and provide proof of your pre-booked accommodation.
Egypt
Egypt is now welcoming tourists in possession of a negative PCR test certificate, issued within 48 hours of travel, and in paper format (no digital certificates). You’ll undergo health screening at the airport, and must have valid insurance that covers Covid-19. Although some parts of Egypt remain closed to tourists, the coastal regions of the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Matrouh are open for business. Facemasks are required when out in public, and there are strict social distancing rules in place.
Greece
Greece has reopened its borders to some nations, including residents of the UAE – although there are a few steps you’ll need to take before soaking up the Santorini sun. First, fill in the passenger locator form (PLF) before you arrive in Greece. You’ll also need to provide proof of your permanent residence in the UAE, have return air tickets and hotel reservations, and provide the results of a negative PCR test, taken with 72 hours of departure..
Kenya
Kenya began welcoming visitors from 129 countries for quarantine-free stays in the African nation from August, including UAE residents and citizens. Before you set off your African escape, you’ll need to fill in this health surveillance form and present a negative PRC test that was taken within 96 hours of travel.
Lebanon
Lebanon is open to tourists – and what better way to support the country than spending a few Lebanese pounds on the ground. All passengers into Lebanon must fill in a health declaration form prior to departure, and provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test issued within 96 hours of travel. You’ll then have to undergo another PCR test on arrival and must have valid health insurance, which can be purchased when you arrive at Rafik Hariri International Airport. Keep an eye on the official Ministry of Public Health site for the latest travel updates.
Maldives
Travellers to the Maldives must present a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours of arrival. Visitors can get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Tourists may now also visit more than one resort in the Maldives, so long as you make a request to the Ministry of Tourism two days prior to travelling. Keep an eye on the Maldives travel requirements here.
Sri Lanka
According to Sri Lanka’s official tourism operation guidelines, tourists to Sri Lanka must commit to a minimum five-night stay, booking accommodation at ‘Safe & Secure’ certified establishments. You’ll need to bring your negative PCR test results (issued less than 72 hours prior to departure) and undergo another test on arrival. A repeat test will be conducted five to seven days later, or if you develop respiratory symptoms.
Tanzania
News is that restaurants and bars have reopened in Zanzibar, and there’s no longer a 14-day quarantine on arrival. You’ll just have to submit to health screening and follow the latest rulings from the local health authorities. If you’re displaying symptoms, you may be sent to an isolation centre for further testing. Keep an eye on tanzaniatourism.go.tz/en/ for updates.