Entry and Exit Policy for Dubai
Dubai is a conservative Islamic city that follows strict rules and norms based on its religion and traditions. As a visitor, you need to be aware of the entry and exit policy for Dubai and respect them to avoid any trouble or offense. In this article, we will provide you with some essential information about the entry and exit policy for Dubai, covering topics such as visa requirements, COVID-19 travel and testing requirements, customs regulations, and departure procedures.
Visa Requirements
The first thing you need to check before travelling to Dubai is whether you need a visa or not. Depending on your nationality, you can get a visa on arrival, or you can apply for your prearranged visit visa from Dubai Immigration before you travel. Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia) can travel within GCC countries and enter Dubai with their National Identity Card (ID Card).
Visa on arrival: If you are a citizen of one of the countries or regions listed below, you do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Dubai. You can get a visa on arrival at the airport for free or for a fee, depending on your nationality. The visa validity and duration vary from 30 days to 90 days, depending on your nationality and purpose of visit. You can check the full list of countries and regions eligible for visa on arrival here.
Prearranged visit visa: If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, you need to apply for a prearranged visit visa from Dubai Immigration before you travel. You can apply for different types of visit visas depending on your purpose of visit, such as tourist visa, transit visa, service visa, or multiple-entry visa. The visa fees and processing time vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality. You can check the full list of countries and regions that require a prearranged visit visa here.
You can apply for your prearranged visit visa online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website or through your airline, travel agent, or hotel. You will need to provide some documents such as your passport copy, photo, flight details, hotel reservation, and travel insurance. You will also need to pay the visa fees online or offline. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an electronic visa copy by email. You need to print it out and present it at the immigration counter when you arrive in Dubai.
COVID-19 Travel and Testing Requirements
The second thing you need to check before travelling to Dubai is the COVID-19 travel and testing requirements. Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, Dubai has implemented some measures and precautions to ensure the safety and health of its residents and visitors. These measures may change frequently depending on the situation, so you need to check the latest updates before you travel.
As of 4 January 2023, all passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID 19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. Passengers travelling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements their final destination.
However, some exceptions may apply depending on your departure country, transit country, and final destination. For example, if you are travelling from or through certain countries that are considered high-risk by Dubai authorities, you may still need to present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure. You may also need to take another PCR test upon arrival in Dubai and quarantine until you receive a negative result. You can check the full list of countries that require PCR tests here.
You also need to check the travel requirements for your departure country, transit country, and final destination. Some countries may have different rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 vaccination certificates, PCR tests, quarantine periods, or travel bans. You can check the travel requirements for different countries here.
Customs Regulations
The third thing you need to check before travelling to Dubai is the customs regulations. Dubai has some strict rules and restrictions regarding what you can bring into or take out of the country. You need to declare any items that are subject to customs duty or are prohibited or restricted by law.
Some of the items that are subject to customs duty include alcohol (maximum 4 litres), tobacco (maximum 400 cigarettes), perfume (maximum 10 ml), and gifts (maximum AED 3,000). You need to pay the customs duty at the airport or at the port of entry. You can check the full list of items that are subject to customs duty here.
Some of the items that are prohibited or restricted by law include drugs, weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, pornographic materials, counterfeit goods, endangered animals or plants, and cultural or religious items. You need to obtain a special permit or approval from the relevant authorities before bringing these items into or taking them out of the country. If you fail to declare any items that are subject to customs duty or are prohibited or restricted by law, you may face penalties such as fines, confiscation, imprisonment, or deportation. You can check the full list of items that are prohibited or restricted by law here.
Departure Procedures
The fourth thing you need to check before travelling to Dubai is the departure procedures. When you are ready to leave Dubai, you need to follow some steps and guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure.
- Check out from your hotel and settle any bills or charges. Return any rented items such as cars, bikes, or equipment.
- Pack your luggage and make sure that you do not exceed the baggage allowance of your airline. You also need to make sure that you do not carry any items that are prohibited or restricted by law in your hand luggage or checked luggage.
- Arrange your transportation to the airport and arrive at least three hours before your flight departure time. You also need to check the status of your flight and the terminal number before leaving for the airport.
- Complete the check-in process at the airport and obtain your boarding pass and baggage tags. You can use the online check-in service of your airline or the self-service kiosks at the airport to save time and avoid queues.
- Go through the security screening and immigration clearance at the airport. You need to show your passport, boarding pass, and any other documents required by the security or immigration officers. You also need to follow the instructions and regulations regarding what you can carry in your hand luggage and what you need to remove from your body or luggage during the screening process.
- Proceed to your boarding gate and wait for your flight announcement. You can use the time before boarding to shop, dine, relax, or enjoy the services and amenities available at the airport.
- Board your flight and take your seat according to your boarding pass. You also need to follow the safety instructions and regulations of your airline and crew members during the flight.
- Disembark from your flight and collect your luggage at your destination airport. You also need to go through the customs and immigration clearance at your destination airport.
By following these entry and exit policy for Dubai, you can ensure that you have a pleasant and memorable experience in this amazing city. Dubai is a welcoming and hospitable city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors. However, it is also a city that values its religion and traditions and expects visitors to respect them. By being aware of the entry and exit policy for Dubai, you can avoid any trouble or offense and enjoy your stay.
