As reported by Gulf News and confirmed by the Dubai Tourism Authority, FlyDubai, and Emirates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ended all COVID-19 entry restrictions on Monday, November 7, 2022.
For UAE travelers, this means that passengers traveling to Dubai are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or perform a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. In addition, Gulf News reports that the previous mask mandate has been suspended as well. The wearing of masks is now optional in open and closed settings, including religious facilities and houses of worship.
However, keep in mind that if you do test positive for COVID-19, you may still be subject to an isolation period. At local gatherings, such as sporting events, you may also still be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. This will be at the discretion of the organizing body that is putting on the event.
Is Travel Insurance Still Required for the UAE?
This is a little harder to discern. Though UAE government websites and UAE airline websites do mention that all COVID-19 restrictions have now been dropped, they do not specify if those dropped restrictions include the insurance requirement. The UAE had previously implemented a requirement for travel insurance covering COVID-19 in February, 2022. As of this writing, it still appears to be in effect. Regardless of requirement, international insurance coverage for the UAE remains highly recommended.
It is important to remember that while local residents can receive free medical care in the UAE, international tourists cannot. If you get hurt or sick for any reason and require medical treatment, you would be required to pay the entire treatment cost out of your own pocket if you do not have insurance. And although Dubai in particular offers world-class medical care, it can be quite expensive. Rather than risk spending a significant portion of your savings on an unexpected medical issue in the UAE, a far better option is to get travel medical insurance.
If you’re flying to the UAE from the US and would like protection in the event of speedbumps like trip cancellation, travel delay, trip interruption, and lost baggage, you should consider purchasing UAE travel insurance. It can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you must cancel your UAE trip for a covered reason, provide coverage for emergency medical care, and offer a host of other benefits, all depending upon the plan you choose.