In the recent turn of events, the United Arab Emirates released a statement announcing the ease of travel restrictions effecting from the 12th of September. Residents from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, amongst other countries, can now fly into the UAE. The exemptions only apply to fully vaccinated citizens of these countries.
In a joint statement released by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, people who wish to travel to and from UAE are needed to submit a negative PCR report not older than 48 hours from the travel with an official QR code. The authorities also added that the arriving passengers must apply for the same on the official website of the Federal Agency and complete their vaccination procedures before the travel.
The lift would apply to those passengers who are fully vaccinated with any vaccine approved by the World Health Organization. Moreover, the rules are applicable for those who have been residing in these countries from the suspended list for a minimum of six months post the suspension has been imposed. Passengers can enter UAE using the New Entry Permit and rectify the same post their visit. Children below 16 years of age have an exemption from these rules.
Other countries like Afghanistan, Vietnam, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc., are also among the countries allowed by UAE in the travel exemption. UAE is one leading tourism and regional business hub connected to most countries in the world. This decision came in when the world awaits the Dubai Expo 2020. UAE has been planning for the same for a decade, and the event has already been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dubai Expo 2020 was supposed to happen in 2020 but the authorities were forced to cancel it, owing to the extensive spread of the novel coronavirus. The expo is anticipated to happen on the 1st of October, and the nation hopes for its economic boost post the event. The organizers of the expo expressed their hope saying that they expect the governing authorities to lift the remaining travel restrictions on time.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authorities of UAE tweeted about the proceedings saying that permission for the Dubai Expo needs to be sought from the country’s government. The authorities further added that several PCR tests would be conducted for the travelers before they are allowed to enter the country.
The authorities stated that the passengers need to take a Rapid PCR test before boarding the flights, followed by a proper PCR test on the 4th and 8th day after their arrival. Complying with all the precautionary measures advised by the government is also necessary.