Have you missed shopping in the glitzy malls of Dubai? Well, this glamorous city has missed you just as much! But if you are feeling a little jittery about making international travel plans, then let our step-by-step guide put you at ease. Just follow these protocols and be on your way to a dream break in Dubai.

Step 1: Check Your Visa Eligibility

You can now travel to Dubai with any type of visa, including Tourist Visa. For UAE residents travelling back to Dubai, GDRFA and ICA clearance is required (where applicable).

Step 2: Download the Required Apps

Before your arrival in Dubai, download and register on the DXB Smart App (click here). If you are transiting through any other emirate within UAE, you will also need to download the ALHOSN app (click here).

Step 3: Declare Your Health Status

You must submit a Health Declaration Form (here and here) and a Quarantine Undertaking Form (here) while entering UAE. These forms also state that you will be able to bear all costs of quarantine and treatment (if they arise).

Step 4: Carry a COVID-Negative Test Report

You must carry a printout of your negative RT-PCR test certificate when you travel. This must have been issued to you by an ICMR-accredited lab within 96 hours of your departure time. Soft copies on mobiles are not accepted, so remember to carry a hard copy! Children below 12 years of age and those with severe or moderate disabilities will be exempted from the pre-arrival PCR test. But they must get it done after their arrival and wait for the results before proceeding as instructed by the health authorities.

Step 5: Follow Safety Protocols During Your Stay

After showing your negative test result, you are free to exit the airport and go where you want, as long as you wear your face mask and are mindful of the 2 metre/ 6 feet social distancing protocols.

Want to know more? Here are some resources to keep handy during your stay:

• Check the health advisory issued by Dubai authorities: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/sc7/articles/coronavirus-advisory
• For toll-free helpline numbers, visit https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Pages/ContactUS.aspx
• Contact details for the Indian Consulate in Dubai: https://www.cgidubai.gov.in/page/contact-us/

Step 6: Prepare for Return

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has issued specific guidelines for international passengers travelling to India. Please make careful note of these.

• You must submit a self-declaration form at www.newdelhiairport.in at least 72 hours before your scheduled flight to India. This link works for international passengers arriving at any airport in India.
• For seeking exemption from institutional quarantine, you must submit a request on newdelhiairport.in (72 hours before boarding). Otherwise, you will have to undergo quarantine for 14 days (7 days self-paid institutional quarantine + 7 days home quarantine) on arrival. A request for exemption from institutional quarantine can be made for compelling reasons like pregnancy, death/ serious illness in family or if travelling with children (below 10 years).
• If you are able to submit a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival (issued less than 96 hours before departure), you may be exempted from institutional quarantine, provided you upload your certificate on the online portal in advance and submit a hard copy on arrival.
• Please ensure that the Aarogya Setu App on your phone has all your latest health information.
• Don’t forget to register yourself on https://repat.videshapps.gov.in/regis and carry a copy of the registration form on the day of travel. Without a registration number, travel may not be allowed

Updated on 21 Sep 2020