COVID-19: Can I travel to the UAE from Oman through the land border?
All the visit visa and PCR test requirements for entering the UAE by land
Dubai: With UAE’s land borders with Oman now open, what are the requirements that need to be fulfilled when you are driving in from Oman? This was the question raised by a Gulf News reader.
He asked: “My friend who has a valid Oman resident card has to travel to UAE via the Hatta Land Border. He has already applied for the Dubai tourist visa for 30 days with insurance and has taken the PCR test, with the results expected within 24 hours. I would like to know that with the UAE-Oman land border now open, can he enter the UAE with the Dubai tourist visa? Or is the entry restricted via airports only?”
On November 18, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that land borders with Oman were open and Omani citizens can enter the UAE.
PCR test
Those coming from Oman must present a negative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result at the land borders.
DPI test at the border
According to the NCEMA announcement, a rapid laser test or Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test will also be conducted at the border. In the event of a positive result a PCR test will be performed with the individual returned to Oman until a negative result is given. If the result is negative, travellers will be allowed into the UAE.
AL HOSN app
It is also important for people entering the UAE to download the AL HOSN app. The app allows users to update their COVID-19 test result status as well as conduct contact tracing, in order to curb the spread of the virus.
Pledge
Each visitor will be required to sign a pledge at the border – a person who refuses to sign will not be allowed to enter. The head of the family may sign a pledge form for the rest of their family members if the relationship is of the first degree.
A person over the age of 18 may sign on behalf of a second-degree relative if they are under the age of 18 years.
Quarantine measures
NCEMA also urged people coming in to the UAE to adhere to the quarantine measures as implemented by each emirate. In Abu Dhabi, a 14-day quarantine is mandatory.
Additionally, travellers are advised to sterilise their luggage and adhere to precautionary and preventive measures.
People with chronic diseases and the elderly are advised not to travel to ensure their health and safety.