The following information has been obtained from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Smartraveller website. However, as every country decides who can enter or leave through its borders, and entry and exit requirements can change at short notice, we recommend you reconfirm all requirements before you depart.
TO ENTER
DUBAI : to enter Dubai you’ll need to complete a Health Declaration Form prior to departure and have international health insurance. You may also need to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival. If you take a test at the airport, you must remain in your hotel or residence until you receive the test result. If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines. You must also download the COVID19 – DXB Smart App – iOS or Android
ABU DHABI : you must verify your vaccination certificate before travelling to Abu Dhabi on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. You will need to present a printed negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 48 hours of departure for Abu Dhabi even if you’re just transiting. Rapid tests will not be accepted . You’ll also be subject to COVID-19 testing on arrival. Exemptions apply for children under the age of 12 and travellers with a disability. For more information see the Abu Dhabi Government media office website.
TO DEPART
DUBAI : you’ll need to present a negative PCR test certificate if departing from Dubai to Australia. See here for the latest information on travelling to, from or connecting through Dubai.
ABU DHABI : when departing the UAE from Abu Dhabi to any destination, you are required to present a printed negative PCR test certificate. Check the Etihad website for the latest information on travelling to and from Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Government has introduced a green pass based on the emirates 4-pillar strategy to combat COVID-19.
The green pass is used with the Alhosn application to show vaccination status and PCR test validity. The green pass process will be used for entry to:
- shopping malls
- large supermarkets
- gyms
- hotels and hotel facilities
- public parks and beaches
- private beaches and swimming pools
- entertainment centres
- cinemas
- museums
- cafes and restaurants
For more information see the Abu Dhabi government media office and Visit Abu Dhabi websites.
If you have not registered your certificate prior to travel to Abu Dhabi you can still seek an official exemption. For more information please visit the Protect Yourself Against COVID-19 Choose To Vaccinate website.
PCR TESTING – PRIOR TO ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE
The UAE government has specified designated laboratories. You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test.
VISAS
Visas are issued on arrival in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and are free of charge for Australian passport holders.
Additional important information
If you have unresolved criminal charges, including unpaid debts in the UAE, authorities may detain you when you arrive. Immigration officials may then transfer you to police custody. This can be the case even if you only plan to transit through the airport. See Local laws. Immigration authorities can refuse you entry if you have a criminal record. It won’t matter how long ago the offence took place. If you’re worried about authorities denying you entry, contact UAE embassy or Consulate-General before you leave Australia.
It’s illegal to import:
- pork products
- poppy seeds
- pornographic material
Authorities may examine and censor or confiscate videos, books and magazines. It’s illegal to carry weapons or replica weapons, including used bullet cartridges, into the UAE.
Additional useful links:
Abu Dhabi Government media office website
Visit Abu Dhabi
UAE embassy or Consulate-General
Emirates – Dubai Travel Requirements
Etihad – Abu Dhabi Travel Requirements
Covid PCR testing laboratories in Dubai
COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map
The above information and links are made available to you for information purposes only and the content is not intended to serve as the sole and exclusive basis for your assessment and decision making. Although The Classic Safari Company (TCSC) makes every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations, warranties, or other assurances, express or implied, about the accuracy, sufficiency, relevance, and correctness of this information, and nothing contained herein constitutes a recommendation, endorsement or opinion by TCSC. Links to third-party websites are provided as a courtesy.