Your journey and what you need to know

Procedures for UAE residents and visitors arriving in Dubai

• Passengers with any type of visa and/or entry permission granted by the appropriate authority in the United Arab Emirates who have been in or transited through Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam or Zambia in the last 14 days will be allowed to travel to Dubai subject to meeting the following entry requirements:
  
  • passengers who are UAE resident visa holders must have an approval with QR code granted by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or an approval granted by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to return to the UAE;
  • passengers must be able to present a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (displaying a QR code) in English or Arabic from a test taken in the country of departure by an approved health service no more than 48 hours prior to the departure of their inbound flight to Dubai;
  • passengers must undergo a rapid PCR test (based on molecular diagnostic testing intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS-COV-2 viral RNA) at the departure airport within 6 hours of boarding the aircraft and the test report must display a QR code (passengers travelling from Ethiopia must report to check-in 7 hours prior to the departure of their flight and carry ETB 1,200 to pay for the rapid PCR test);
  • passengers must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
• 
  Passengers departing from any of the countries listed above via one of these restricted countries must undergo a rapid PCR test at the transit point within 6 hours of the departure of the inbound flight to Dubai or at the originating point within 6 hours of departure if they don’t enter the transit point.
  
  Passengers departing from a country not listed above via a restricted country must undergo a rapid PCR test at the transit point within 6 hours of the departure of the inbound flight to Dubai (unless they don’t enter the transit point).
  
  Passengers who are unable to meet all of the entry requirements above must complete 14 days in a non-restricted country before travelling to Dubai.
  
  Please note that children under the age of 12 and passengers with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from testing. Moderate to severe disabilities include neurological disorders, as well as intellectual or developmental disabilities, for example, acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bell’s Palsy, brain tumour, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy and seizures. All other passengers (including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or physically challenged) must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test result as per the requirements.
  
  
• Passengers arriving in Dubai from Egypt, Lebanon or Sudan must be able to present a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result in English or Arabic from a test taken at a certified lab (in the country from which they are travelling) no more than 72 hours prior to the departure of their inbound flight to Dubai. The test result MUST display a QR code.
  
  
• If you are a UAE resident or visitor arriving in Dubai, regardless of where your journey originated, you must be able to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (from a test taken in the country of departure no more than 72 hours prior to the departure of your inbound flight to Dubai). Arriving passengers from the following countries will also be required to undergo an additional PCR test when landing in Dubai: Angola, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe.
  
  
• UAE nationals are not required to take a PCR test before returning to Dubai, regardless of the destination they are coming from and the time spent there. UAE nationals will be tested on arrival in Dubai.
  
  This exemption from the requirement to be PCR-tested before arriving in Dubai is also extended to the following categories of passenger:
  • inbound passengers accompanying the first-degree relative of a UAE national;
  • domestic workers being accompanied by a UAE national sponsor.
  These exempted passengers must be travelling on the same flight as the relative or sponsor.
  
  
• If you are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to the departure of your inbound flight to Dubai, you must be able to present a printed copy of the negative result in English or Arabic to be accepted for travel. Soft copies on mobile phones and handwritten test results will not be accepted. The test must be taken at a UAE government approved laboratory or one of the laboratories listed here. To request for a COVID-19 PCR test, click here. Children under the age of 12 and passengers with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from testing. Moderate to severe disabilities include neurological disorders, as well as intellectual or developmental disabilities, for example, acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bell’s Palsy, brain tumour, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy and seizures. All other passengers (including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or physically challenged) must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test result as per the requirements.
  
  
• Please note that PCR certificates must be issued in the country of departure. Passengers are not permitted to return to Dubai with a PCR certificate issued in the UAE.
  
  
• Please note that if the validity period of your test result is different in the country you are departing from or travelling to, you should follow the requirement which is most restrictive.
  
  
• If you are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai, you will need to quarantine until you receive your results. If you test positive for COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days. You will also need to download the COVID19 - DXB Smart App (from Apple App Store or from Google Play Store) and register with the Dubai Health Authority prior to arrival in Dubai.
  
  
• Please note that even if you are not required to take a second PCR test on arrival in Dubai, you may be selected at random to take another test. If you are selected at random to take a second test on arrival in Dubai, you will need to download the COVID19 - DXB Smart App and quarantine until you receive your results.
  
  
• All passengers arriving in Dubai need to comply with precautionary COVID-19 measures, including wearing a mask, observing social distancing and washing hands regularly.
  
  
• All passengers departing from Dubai need to follow transit and final destination requirements. Please check travel requirements by country here. 

 

Requirements for UAE resident visa holders

• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has extended the expiry date of Dubai-issued UAE resident visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia who are stranded outside of the UAE. The expiry date has been extended to 10 November 2021. This applies to Dubai-issued UAE resident visas which have expired or will expire between 20 April 2021 and 09 November 2021 inclusive. The expiry date will not be extended for UAE residents with Dubai-issued visas who have stayed outside of the UAE for more than 6 months if they left before 20 October 2020. The status of Dubai-issued resident visas can be checked at https://amer.gdrfad.gov.ae/visa-inquiry
  
  
• If you hold a valid residence visa issued by an emirate other than Dubai, you will need to confirm your entry/re-entry to the UAE at uaeentry.ica.gov.ae before booking your flight. If you do not confirm your entry/re-entry to the UAE, you will not be accepted for travel. You can check the validity of your visa at https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity.
  
  
• Please note that if you hold a UAE residence visa, you must not stay outside of the country for more than 180 days.

Procedures for passengers transiting in Dubai

• If you are transiting in Dubai and your journey originated in any country not listed below, unless mandated by your final destination, you are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to the departure of your inbound flight to Dubai. However, make sure you can meet any transit and final destination entry requirements.
  
  
• If you are transiting in Dubai and your journey originated in Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam or Zambia, you must:
  
  • obtain the necessary entry permission/approval from the country which is their final destination;
  • be able to present a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (displaying a QR code) in English or Arabic from a test taken in the country of departure by an approved health service no more than 72 hours prior to the departure of their inbound flight to Dubai.
    
    
• If you are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to the departure of your inbound flight to Dubai, you must be able to present a printed copy of the negative result in English or Arabic to be accepted for travel. Soft copies on mobile phones and handwritten test results will not be accepted. The test must be taken at a UAE government approved laboratory or one of the laboratories listed here. To request for a COVID-19 PCR test, click here. Children under the age of 12 and passengers with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from testing. Moderate to severe disabilities include neurological disorders, as well as intellectual or developmental disabilities, for example, acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bell’s Palsy, brain tumour, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy and seizures. All other passengers (including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or physically challenged) must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test result as per the requirements.
  
  
• Please note that PCR certificates must be issued in the country of departure. Passengers are not permitted to return to Dubai with a PCR certificate issued in the UAE.
  
  
• Please note that if the validity period of your test result is different in the country you are departing from or travelling to, you should follow the requirement which is most restrictive.
  

What to expect on your journey with us

We’re taking all measures necessary to make sure you’re protected during your flight and that our crews are protected too, so here are some things you need to know when preparing for your flight.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must wear a face mask throughout your entire journey: at the airport, during boarding, throughout your flight and as you leave the aircraft. Children under 6 years old and passengers who have certain medical conditions do not have to wear a mask.

If for medical reasons you’re unable to wear a face mask throughout your entire journey, you need to send an email to specialassistance@flydubai.com at least 72 hours before the departure of your flydubai flight. Please attach a medical report signed and stamped by a qualified physician which states that you are unable to wear a face mask. Please also include your booking reference, contact details and any other relevant information. Please note that you will need to present the original medical report when you check in for your flight.

Alternatively, if you are a UAE resident departing from Dubai, you can apply for a Mask Exemption Permit at dxbpermit.gov.ae.

Medical reasons for being exempt from wearing a face mask include the following cognitive, intellectual and sensory conditions:

• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Hydrocephalus
• Down syndrome
• Developmental delay
• Autism spectrum condition

This also applies to passengers who require supplemental oxygen or have the following respiratory conditions:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart failure
• Cystic fibrosis
• Asthma

Please note that even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, you must still wear a face mask throughout your entire journey.

Before booking your flight

Check the passenger procedures above for travelling to and from Dubai. Passenger procedures are changing frequently, so check what you need to know depending on whether you’re a citizen or resident returning to Dubai or a visitor travelling to Dubai.

Check for any restrictions. Before you book your flight, check the IATA Travel Centre website to understand what restrictions are in place at your destination of travel.

Check for quarantine requirements. Don’t forget to check any quarantine requirements for when you arrive at your destination, as well as for your return if you’re planning a round trip.

If necessary, make sure you can obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to travel to Dubai. Review the passenger procedures above to check if you need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to be accepted for travel. 

Before leaving home

Ensure you have no COVID-19 symptoms. You may be subject to health screening at the airport to determine that you have no symptoms of COVID-19 before travelling. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. Some people experience body aches, muscle pain, headaches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, nausea or loss of smell and taste.

Check in for your flight online. If available, please use online check-in for your flight to help reduce contact with airport staff and support social distancing measures.

Prepare a travel hygiene pack. Carry your own travel hygiene pack with you to the airport. Include enough masks for the entire duration of your travel along with hand sanitiser (less than 100ml) and antibacterial hand wipes. Gloves are optional. Children aged six years and over are required to wear a mask.

Put your mask on. Before leaving home, wash your hands and put your mask on. You’ll be required to wear this at every stage of your journey from the moment you leave home until you reach your final destination. Children aged six years and over are required to wear a mask.

At the airport

Arrive on time. To allow time for additional checks, you should arrive at the airport (wearing your mask) 3 hours before your flight (unless advised otherwise). Health screening may take place at check-in or at other points throughout the airport.

Pass through security and immigration. Continue to wear your mask as you pass through security and immigration and continue to observe social distancing, following floor signage and avoiding crowded areas. Don’t forget to use any hand-sanitisation stations provided.

Wait for boarding. When you reach the departure gates, continue to wear your mask and observe social distancing by waiting in designated seating.

Proceed to board. Only proceed to board when you are called by the boarding gate staff, continuing to maintain a safe distance from other passengers and airport staff. To help with smooth boarding, have your passport open at the picture page. Please note that you must wear a mask to be able to travel. Children aged six years and over are required to wear a mask.

Board the bus. You will only be allowed to board the bus if you are wearing a mask. The capacity of the bus will be limited so you can maintain social distance from other passengers.

On board the aircraft

Board the aircraft. Continue wearing your mask as you board the aircraft. Hold your boarding pass at arm’s length for a member of crew to inspect. After your boarding pass has been checked, stow your own hand baggage and take your assigned seat.

Stay in your assigned seat. During the flight, you must remain in the seat assigned to you and keep your seatbelt fastened. Limit your movement around the aircraft to avoid close contact with crew and other passengers. Please do not enter the galley area. Press the call bell if you need to attract the attention of a member of crew.

Use designated lavatories. If required and only when there is no queue, use a designated lavatory. Economy class passengers must use the lavatories at the rear of the aircraft and business class passengers must use the lavatory at the front of the aircraft. Try to reduce visits to the lavatory as much as possible to protect our crew and other passengers.

Protect our crew and other passengers. Wear your mask throughout the flight and sanitise your hands regularly. If you need to sneeze or cough, lower your head, turn away from fellow passengers or members of crew and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow.

Follow crew instructions. Always follow the instructions of our cabin crew and comply with any request to have your temperature taken or to complete forms required by the authorities at the destination of your travel.

Notify crew if you feel unwell. If you start to feel unwell at any time during the flight, or begin to have difficulty breathing, you must inform a member of crew immediately and follow any instructions given.

Arriving at your destination

Leave the aircraft. Continue to wear your mask as you leave the aircraft, retrieving your own hand baggage from the overhead locker. If there is congestion in the aisle, remain seated until you can leave and still maintain a safe distance from other passengers.

Be prepared for medical screening. Health screening (including temperature testing) may take place on arrival at your destination. You may also be required to present documentation which indicates that you are negative for COVID-19. Additionally, you may be required to quarantine or self-isolate. These mandatory requirements may need to be met at your own cost.

Pass through security and immigration. Continue to wear your mask as you pass through security and immigration and continue to observe social distancing, following floor signage and avoiding crowded areas. Don’t forget to use any hand-sanitisation stations provided. If you are transferring onto another flight and don’t hold a boarding pass, you’ll need to proceed to the transfer desk.

Collect your baggage. Continue to wear your mask as you wait for your baggage. To avoid crowding, stand away from the baggage belt to allow other passengers to retrieve their baggage. Once you’ve retrieved your own baggage, wipe the handles with an antibacterial wipe.