Travel Requirements to Dubai from Philippines (Resident and Tourist Visa) During Covid-19 Pandemic

 

1. All passengers travelling to Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.  See the list of government-accredited Covid-19 testing laboratories in the Philippines.
2. Passengers arriving in Dubai from the Philippines will be required to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International airport. The certificate must be a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. Travelers must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted. PCR certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the originating station.
3. GDRFA approval for Dubai Issued residence visa on https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx . ICA eligibility registration for other emirates issued visas on        https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/residents-entry-confirmation. Do not travel on a red note as you maybe denied boarding during check-in or denied entry during immigration check at Dubai Airport. Always check your ICA status before departing as your status may changed without prior notice. Tourists with valid visa or visa on arrival are not required to get any approvals from GDRFA or ICA.
4. Download the COVID 19 DXB Smart App before departure. Click here to download. Register and fill the required information. 
5. Bureau of Immigration (BOI) Declaration of acknowledging the risks involved in travelling. Click to download the BOI Declaration form.
6. Fill out the UAE health declaration form. You may print out and fill out the form from here. Copies are also available at the airport.
7. Guests travelling with a Visit and Tourism Visa must present a valid roundtrip ticket from the country of origin.
8. Please make sure that you have a valid health insurance that can be used in the United Arab Emirates, as required by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
9. Dubai resident visa holders should enter UAE via Dubai Airport and Abu Dhabi resident visa holders should enter via Abu Dhabi airport. 
10. Prepare No Objection Letter from your sponsor/employer if you have stayed in the Philippines for more than 6 months even if your visa is still valid. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What documents are checked during check-in?

During check-in, they will check for your valid passport, visa, valid negative Covid PCR Test result (printed), OEC/OEC Exemption (for Overseas Workers), Entry permit GDRFA/ICA for non-tourist visa (printed or screenshot). Make sure to comply with the requirements mentioned above. 

What do I do if I don't have entry/reentry permission (GDRFA/ICA)?

Before booking your ticket, you need to check and recheck until you get a green note or a permission to reenter UAE. Airlines will deny you boarding if you have a red note even if you previously have permission for entry/reentry. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have strict regulations and may deny you entry during immigration check. 

Can I enter UAE through other Emirates if I have red notes on GDRFA/ICA?

You can try flying through airports in other Emirates, such as Sharjah airport, which have more loose regulations on GDRFA/ICA. Some resident visa holders have success entering UAE through Manila-Muscat-Sharjah route. Fly at your own risk as these cities may implement stricter regulations at any moment. You may use the multi-city feature of booking sites to find cheaper connecting flights. 

I have green note GDRFA/ICA during checked-in but becomes red during immigration check, what do I do?

You will most likely be intercepted at the immigration checkpoint. If you have Dubai visa entering at Dubai airport, they might allow you entry. Show them you previously have green note and explain your situation. If you have Abu Dhabi visa entering through Dubai Airport, you maybe denied entry and deported back to the Philippines (you will shoulder the cost of the ticket). Try to contact your sponsor or company PRO/external affairs officer so they may communicate with the immigration officers. 

Note: Rules and regulations of UAE, DXB airport, and airlines may change without prior notice. Always check with your airline to find updated information. Updated April 2021. 

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