The UAE lifts bans for vaccinated residents as Dubai expo nears including people from Pakistan. The United Arab Emirates ministry said on Friday that residents who had been fully vaccinated with a shot approved by the World Health Organization for traveling could return as of September 12 from a list of previously suspended countries that includes Pakistan.
As UAE relaxes the ban and allows residents to come to the country, this announcement came at a time when Dubai expo is due to open. Dubai, one of the UAE’s seven emirates, is due to open the Expo 2020 world fair on October 1 after a year-long delay due to the pandemic. The international city and regional business and tourism hub is relying on the fair to give its economy a boost that is affected by the economic meltdown due to pandemic outbreak.
UAE lifts the ban on 18 countries for Dubai expo
Organizers of Dubai expo had previously said that they expect remaining UAE flight restrictions imposed to curb coronavirus infections will lifted in time for Expo 2020.
Countries from which residents can fly into the UAE from Sept. 12 are: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan.
Approval must be sought from the UAE government to return, and various PCR tests must be taken, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said on Twitter.
Read more: UAE retains its ban on entry from India, Pakistan among 11 others!
UAE started issuing tourist visas on condition of vaccination and PCR tests
The United Arab Emirates had announced that it will resume issuing tourist visas to vaccinated travellers from Pakistan and other countries from August 30.
The UAE’s National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) said in a statement that people will only be granted a tourist visa if they are fully vaccinated with one of the World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved Covid-19 vaccines. Passengers who arrive on a tourist visa must take a mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport.
The United Arab Emirates announces opening of tourist visas for vaccinated persons of all countries from 30th August 2021, the decision includes countries from which entry has been previously restricted, with mandatory pre-PCR Covid test and Rapid PCR testa at airport
— UAE Embassy PK (@uaeembassyisb) August 29, 2021
However, the previous rules for unvaccinated, including exempted categories, remain in place, the statement added.
“This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth,” NCEMA said.
Earlier, the UAE had made it mandatory for passengers travelling from Pakistan and transiting through Dubai to take a rapid PCR test before departure.
As per the directions by the UAE authorities, the rapid PCR test should be conducted within six hours of departure.
Read more: Is Sinopharm vaccination hindering our travel plans?