Travel

Dubai holidays: UAE opens to British tourists today – follow these rules or risk huge fine


Dubai holidays have not been possible for months during the coronavirus pandemic. The UAE entered a very strict lockdown earlier this year and closed off its borders to tourists. Today, however, this has all changed, as the latest travel advice explains.

From July 7, international visitors are able to travel to Dubai.

This comes as Etihad Airways, a flag carrier airline of the UAE, reveals it will be resuming a wider network of flights as UAE restrictions ease.

Throughout July and August, subject to the lifting of international restrictions and the re-opening of individual markets, Etihad plans to fly to 58 destinations worldwide from its Abu Dhabi hub.

These will include major gateways in the Middle East, North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

READ MORE: Holidays 2020: FCO updates travel advice for Britons

Etihad’s summer schedule will feature a wider network and increased frequencies to the following European destinations from, to, or via Abu Dhabi: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome and Zurich.

Dubai relies very heavily on tourists for its economy but strict measures do still remain in place as it welcomes back visitors.

Flouting the destination’s rules could have very serious consequences.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) explained on its website: “Before visitors fly to Dubai, they will also be required to complete a Health Declaration Form and a Quarantine Form.

“Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival.”

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The FCO continued: “Visitors to Dubai will also have to register their details on the Covid-19 DXB App.

“Visitors must have international health insurance before travelling and must show that they have had a negative PCR Covid-19 test a maximum of four days before their departure date.

“If they do not have a test result or are showing symptoms of Covid-19, they will be tested at Dubai airport.

“All visitors to Dubai must adhere to all public health measures issued by the Dubai authorities including any requirements to quarantine.”

Failing to download the government tracing app could see tourists landed with a hefty fine.

Salem Al-Zaabi, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution, told local media this could be as much as DH10,000 (£2,200).

Face masks also must be worn in public.

Tourists could also face a fine of up to DH 3000 (£650) for not wearing one.

Hotels in Dubai are ramping up heath and safety measures to ensure tourists feel safe.

Travellers should expect thermometers, mandatory face masks and hand sanitiser galore.

“I think that will give people confidence — when they’re ready to travel — to come to Dubai,” Paul Bridger, the corporate director for operations at Dubai-based Rove Hotels, told Associated Press.

“It will take time to come back… We are expecting to be one of the first markets to be back because of the confidence that we can give to people that are travelling.”

Britons must remember the UAE is not on the UK’s list of quarantine-exempt countries so anyone travelling there will have to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Britain.

The current COVID-19 travel guidance states: “The Foreign & Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.

“Travel to some countries and territories is currently exempted.

“This advice is being kept under constant review.

“Travel disruption is still possible and national control measures may be brought in with little notice, so check our travel guidance.”





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