Dubai, whose economy depends on tourism and retail, said it will allow foreign visitors to enter as of July 7, while those on residence visas will be able to enter from Monday in further relaxation of their coronavirus lockdown.
“… taken a decision to allow foreign nationals holding residency visas issued in Dubai to return to the emirate starting Monday (June 22). It will also allow citizens and residents to travel to any foreign country starting Tuesday (June 23) provided the destination countries agree to receive them. Furthermore, they should commit to observing precautionary measures outlined by the countries they are visiting…. has also decided to start welcoming visitors and tourists from overseas beginning July 7 2020,” the government of Dubai’s media office said on its website Sunday.
Those entering would have to present certificates to show they had recently tested negative for the coronavirus or would undergo tests on arrival at Dubai airports, the Dubai government media office said in a statement on Sunday.
Citizens and residents would be permitted to travel abroad from Tuesday June 23, it added.
“The new announcement will allow thousands of people affected by the worldwide restrictions in passenger air traffic since the start of the pandemic to resume their travel plans,” the Dubai media office said in the statement.
It also said that international health insurance, COVID-19 tests and a completed health declaration form were mandatory for tourists visiting Dubai.
The announcement comes more than two months since the United Arab Emirates introduced strict measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
The UAE halted all passenger flights in March and banned foreign citizens from entering the Gulf Arab state except those holding UAE residency, who required UAE government approval before returning.
In recent weeks, many of those restrictions have been eased, allowing the resumption of a few flights, while domestic restrictions such as the closure of shopping centres have been lifted and private businesses have reopened.
Last week, the UAE allowed citizens and residents to travel to countries deemed low-risk for catching the coronavirus.