How to Travel from Dubai during the COVID-19 Pandemic

You may be wondering how to travel in and out of Dubai during this time. Here is a quick guide to travel during the pandemic based on my own experience.

What you need to know before you decide to travel from Dubai during COVID-19.

First, you need to know if you can travel. Here are some of the things that you need to check.

1. Check your document validity. Check if your passport and visa are valid with at least 6 months after the date of intended return. This is a requirement in some countries.
2. Check with your company HR and/or your manager if there is a moratorium on travel during COVID-19 times.
3. Consult with your colleagues if they are OK to take on your responsibilities during your absence.

Where to travel during Covid19 pandemic?

Once you have identified that it is OK for you to travel, the next thing to do is decide where to travel. Here are some points to consider:

1. Ask yourself why you want to travel. The answer to this will guide you on your selection of destination to travel to during this pandemic. Do you want to see family? Do you want to travel for leisure? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself.
2. Once you know why you want to travel and probably have several options where you want to go, you need to check what are the requirements in that city.
   • Check if inbound travel is allowed.
   • See what is the daily infection rate.
   • Check if there are other people who are travelling to that city.
   • Is there a mandatory quarantine? This is very important if you don’t want to spend your precious holiday time in quarantine.
   • Is it required to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result? Even if the city/airline does not require a test result, it is advisable to get your self tested to make sure that you are not infected.
3. It is currently mandatory for expatriates to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result when returning to Dubai. You will need to find a clinic in your destination, one the can provide test results within 72 hours or earlier. The cost of the test in that city is one the factor to consider.

Book your ticket

After you have done your due diligence and decided to proceed, the next thing you need to do is book a ticket.

1. Check which airline flies to your intended destination.
2. Check what the airline is doing to ensure health and safety of passengers
3. Once you have selected a carrier, check the ticket price. It is advisable to book a ticket that gives you as much flexibility as possible. You need to consider a fare where you are protected from rebooking charges and one that gives you full refund in case you change your mind. It might be slightly expensive but it is for your own protection.
4. Check if the airline requires negative PCR test result.
5. Purchase a travel insurance that covers Covid-19.

OK, at this point all is set for your trip. But keep checking entry rules in your destination as well as airline schedule and policy because things can change at any moment.

If the airline/destination requires a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, you will need to make a booking from one of the authorized laboratories here in Dubai.

Book the test in advance.

Permit to Return to Dubai

A permit to return is mandatory for expatriates to be able to return to Dubai. The GDRFA permit to return can be applied from GDRFA website. The return permit is valid for 30 days from date of application. It is recommended to make an application before you leave if you are expected to return in less than 30 days.

Departure day

Check your email, SMS, and airline app for any updates related to your flight. Check the news or health authorities website in your destination country for any changes in regulation.

Do not forget your mask, sanitizer and gloves. Pack extra in your carry-on. Some airlines will provide them for free but it’s a good practice to have it anyway.

Allocate extra time and leave earlier than usual. Due to social distancing protocols, check-in and the pre-departure processes can take longer than usual.

Always follow the safety protocols in the airport and in the airplane.

Bon voyage!

Have you travelled recently? Let us know your experience in the comments!