Dubai: If your travel plans were on hold because of quarantine requirements and safety concerns, there is good news. The UAE has established safe travel corridors with various countries across the world, giving you the chance to travel stress-free. Here is all you need to know.
What is a safe travel corridor?
A safe travel corridor is being established by the UAE with several countries, where the two countries recognise the COVID-19 vaccinations administered by the respective country and enable fully vaccinated individuals to enter without the need to quarantine. The agreement also allows travellers to present their vaccination certificates and negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results on the official health authority apps of the respective countries. For UAE citizens and residents, this would mean that they will be able to travel to these countries quarantine-free, as long as they present the necessary documentation and abide by other precautionary measures that may be in place in their country of travel.
Where can I see the COVID-19 vaccine certificate and negative test result?
In the UAE, the following apps show the vaccinated status of individuals:
1. ‘Al Hosn’ app
2. Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) app – ‘MOHAP’
3. ‘Seha’ app
4. Dubai Health Authority app – ‘DHA’
Once you get a PCR test done, you will receive an email on your registered address with the test result from the relevant health authority (MOHAP, Seha or DHA). You can also view the test results on the Al Hosn app.
Which countries are open for quarantine-free travel?
1. Greece
On May 13, UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that a safe travel corridor has been established between UAE and Greece. The two countries said that they mutually recognised vaccination certificates issued by health authorities in the two countries and fully vaccinated people would be able to travel without the need to quarantine, while abiding by other precautionary measures adopted at each destination to ensure safe and secure travel for all.
As per the new regulations, citizens and residents wishing to benefit from the quarantine-free travel corridor in both countries will be required to show documentation that they have received the last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the approved applications or certificates issued by health authorities. Travelers can also present PCR laboratory test results through official applications.
When will the travel corridor be active?
The agreement was effective immediately from the date of announcement (May 13) in Greece and will be effective as of May 18, 2021 in the UAE.
2. Seychelles
The UAE and Seychelles announced the establishment of a safe travel corridor for fully vaccinated individuals, in addition to mutual recognition of vaccination certificates issued by health authorities in the two countries. Individuals holding vaccination certificates will not need to apply for quarantine requirements upon arrival, while abiding by other precautionary measures adopted at each destination to ensure safe and secure travel for all.
When will the travel corridor be active?
The quarantine-free travel corridor came into effect from May 13, 2021.
3. Bahrain
On May 10, the UAE and Bahrain announced that they have adopted a safe travel corridor for travellers vaccinated against COVID-19, as part of their joint cooperation and coordination, and their joint efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
When will the travel corridor be active?
The quarantine-free travel corridor came into effect from the first day of Eid Al Fitr (May 13, 2021).
4. Serbia
On May 12, the UAE and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a quarantine-free travel corridor for fully vaccinated people. Travellers would need to abide by other precautionary measures, to ensure safe travel for all.
When will the travel corridor be active?
The quarantine-free travel corridor came into effect from May 15.
