UAE COVID Travel Updates 2025: What Travelers Need to Know, Travel updates to and within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are now significantly relaxed with respect to COVID-19 requirements — a positive sign if you’re planning a trip. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current situation, what remains relevant, practical tips, and how to plan your travel from India (or via India to the UAE) smoothly.
What’s the current COVID-19 travel situation in the UAE
Entry & Transit
- According to the country’s official portal, there are no longer any COVID-19-specific entry requirements such as pre-travel tests or vaccination status for travellers entering the UAE for tourism.
- Specifically, for the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as of 26 February 2022, travellers — whether vaccinated or not — were welcomed without requirement for PCR test or quarantine.
- The U.S. travel advisory says: “There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens” travelling to the UAE.
- Similarly, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy site states that for travellers, the standard visa and immigration rules apply, and that COVID-19 testing procedures are kept up to date via airlines.
Domestic / Local Measures
- Within the UAE, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. In Abu Dhabi, mask-wearing in most public places has become optional (outside healthcare settings) and the “green status” app requirement was removed.
- The UAE government portal confirms that guidelines relating to COVID-19 still exist (for workplaces, events etc) but those are general health safety protocols rather than travel-specific restrictions.
What this means for travellers from India (or via India)
If you’re based in India (for example from Bihar) and planning to travel to or via the UAE, here are the implications:
- No required pre-departure COVID test solely for entry to the UAE if you are travelling for tourism or transit (unless your airline or originating country imposes one).
- Standard visa/entry requirements apply as usual: passport validity, visa or visa-on-arrival (if eligible), onward/return ticket, accommodation proof etc. It’s wise to check them.
- Transit travellers are covered by the same relaxed regime. If you’re connecting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you typically won’t face COVID-specific additional barriers beyond normal immigration and airline rules.
- Onward travel: If you are flying from the UAE onward (for example back to India or another country), ensure you also check the destination country’s rules — some countries may still ask for tests or vaccination proof.
- Local behaviour: Even though the UAE has relaxed many protocols, it may still be wise to carry a mask (especially if you visit healthcare facilities) and be aware of any venue-specific requirements (hotels, events) which may have their own guidelines.
Practical travel tips & check-list
Here are some steps and tips to make your travel smoother:
- Check your passport validity – For most traveller’s entering UAE, a minimum of 6 months validity is standard.
- Visa & immigration – Confirm your visa type (tourist, transit, etc) and whether your nationality requires pre-application or is eligible for visa-on-arrival. For Indian passport holders there are specific provisions (e.g., some stay arrangements) so check the latest.
- Flight & airline requirements – Although the UAE may not require a COVID test, your airline or the country you are flying from might still require it — always check 24-48h before departure.
- Health insurance / traveller’s insurance – Because pandemic risks continue globally, having adequate travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related issues (treatment, forced quarantine) is prudent.
- Accommodation and onward ticket – Make sure you have booking proof of your hotel or stay, and a return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask for these.
- Carry a mask & some basic health kit – Even though mask mandates are lifted in many public settings, it’s sensible to carry one (especially if you visit medical centres) and maybe a small hand-sanitiser.
- Stay updated – While current rules are relaxed, health policies can change if there’s a resurgence of cases globally. Monitor official UAE portals or your airline for any last-minute changes.
- Be mindful of your local health status – If you feel unwell, it’s wise to avoid travel or check with your airline/doctor. Some establishments in UAE (especially health-related) may still request you to wear a mask or follow extra precautions.
- Transit/Connections – If you are transiting through the UAE to another country, make sure you meet the destination country’s criteria (vaccination, tests). Also verify whether you need to pass through immigration or remain airside.
- Destination rules – Once you arrive in the UAE, check the local rules at your destination (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, others) because some policies may differ by emirate (for example event venues, resorts).
