UAE tourist visa to open for fully vaccinated travellers

From August 30, travellers to the UAE can apply for a tourist visa if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vaccines used by passengers have to be WHO-approved, according to an announcement made by The Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

Moderna, Covishield, Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Oxford/AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Sinovac, are the approved COVID-19 vaccines on the WHO’s list.

The decision applies to travellers from around the world, including those arriving from previously banned countries.

The previous rules for unvaccinated passengers, including exempted categories, remain in place.

Passengers arriving on a tourist visa must take a rapid PCR test at the airport.

This comes as part of the country's strategy to create a balance between "public health and the activities of vital sectors, in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth".

Travellers who want the benefits provided to vaccinated individuals in the UAE can register on the ICA platform or Al Hosn app.