As countries across the world reopen their doors for tourists, people are planning international trips after months of lockdown. Here is a checklist you must keep in mind while planning your trip to foreign countries in order to have a smooth and safe journey. From testing measures to quarantine rules, these protocols must be followed with diligence throughout your journey:

1. Choose your destination carefully

During a press briefing on July 6, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) urged all community members to check and learn about all requirements and procedures of their destination countries before making the bookings in order to avoid any penalties during the journey. It is important for all community members to adhere to the necessary preventive measures to avoid fines for any violation.

Earlier this month, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management also urged travellers to comply with the precautionary measures with utmost caution during their journey and avoid travelling to places experiencing a severe COVID-19 outbreak.

2. Choose places offering quarantine-free travel

There are several countries across the world that are currently offering quarantine-free travel options for travellers who are fully vaccinated or present a negative PCR test result. Therefore, the authorities have called on the public to check all requirements of destination countries before planning the trip.

3. Wait for your maximum immunity to kick in

The authorities have advised people to travel only after receiving both doses of COVID-19 vaccines such that they have maximum immunity against the virus. In this regard, the Dubai Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has urged people to wait for at least 14 days after receiving their second dose before travelling to foreign destinations. This will provide sufficient time for the body to develop maximum immunity against the disease.

4. Get a PCR test

While travelling to any international destination, passengers are required to get a negative PCR test report, taken between 48-72 hours before boarding the flight. This requirement may vary on the basis of the destination’s travel requirements. The UAE is offering PCR testing across various centres, including options for walk-in, drive-through or even home sample collection.

5. Keep printed copies

Along with the tickets and passport, passengers must keep multiple printed copies of their negative PCR test result as well as vaccine certificate. In case the passenger is not eligible for vaccination due to health conditions, they must carry a copy of their vaccine exemption.

6. Download the IATA Travel Pass

Passengers must check if their airline is using the IATA Travel Pass. The IATA has now linked Travel Pass to the Al Hosn app with major airlines in the UAE using it to ensure ease of travel for passengers. This move allows passengers to access their medical information related to vaccination and PCR tests through the app. It will allow easy verification by the airlines and immigration authorities of the port of destination countries.

Passengers must download the Al Hosn app and other necessary apps required by the port of their destination countries. Passengers must also learn more about the country they are travelling to if they have a contact tracing or COVID-19 related app. In case the country has such an app, they must enter the necessary details, including their vaccination status and PCR test report on the app.

7. Follow COVID-19 precautions throughout the trip

From the airport to travelling to public places, passengers must ensure to follow basic COVID-19 precautions all the time, including wearing a face mask, avoiding crowded places and maintaining social distancing.

8. Get a PCR test ahead of planning your return

While planning a return to the UAE, passengers may need a PCR test taken within 48 hours of their flight departure time. They may also take a test on arrival to the UAE, based on the destination country they are travelling from or the flight regulations.

9. Check for quarantine requirements

On arrival to the UAE, quarantine requirements may vary from emirate to emirate:

Abu Dhabi: In Abu Dhabi, people coming from countries in the Green List may not require to undergo quarantine measures. Unvaccinated individuals would be required to perform a PCR test on arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport and a follow-up test conducted on Day 6 and on Day 12. Depending on your vaccination status, you would be required to quarantine for seven to 12 days if you are coming from other countries not on the Green List.

Dubai: Depending on the country you are returning from, you might be required to take a test on arrival at Dubai’s airport. You would be required to remain in quarantine at your residence until the test result arrives.

If the test result is positive, you would be required to stay in isolation and comply with precautions issued by the Dubai Health Authority. If the test result is negative, you are not required to follow quarantine measures. It is also important to download the COVID-19 Smart DXB app for better assistance.

Sharjah: You would be required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Sharjah’s airport and stay in quarantine until the results arrive. In case of a positive test result, you must stay in isolation for 10 days and follow precautionary measures implemented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.