Do UAE residents still have to quarantine when travelling to the UK? A guide

After long last, the UAE has been moved from the UK’s Red List to its Amber List, going into effect Sunday, August 8.

So, what does that mean exactly? We’ve got you covered.

In short, if you’re coming from the UAE and have been vaccinated in the UAE, you will likely have to self-isolate either with friends, at home or at a hotel, an upgrade from the previous rule that required only hotel quarantine.

Those coming from the UAE once the move to the Amber List goes into effect who are fully vaccinated with vaccines approved and administered in the UK, EU and US will not have to self-isolate.

If you are vaccinated with these vaccines, and have an approved certificate from one of the bodies mentioned below, you will have to provide a negative Covid-19 test within two days of arrival, with no hotel quarantine or self-isolation period.

Which vaccines are approved? there are four: Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, the latter of which is not yet available in the UAE.

You will also have to prove you are double vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines, with evidence of an NHS Covid Pass, EU Digital Covid Certificate, or CDC certification. 

Ok, if you got vaccinated in the UAE, can you get one of those?

For the EU Digital Covid Certificate, EU citizens who were vaccinated in a non-EU country can request the EU Digital COVID Certificate from the Member State of their nationality or residence. The EU Digital COVID Certificate will be issued, if there is a reliable proof of vaccination and if the structure of the health system allows for it. For further information, address your Member State of nationality or residence through a consolate or embassy. 

For the NHS Covid Pass, UK citizens should contact their consulate or embassy for more information.

For CDC certificate, US citizens should contact their embassy as well.

However, reports have come that it has been difficult or impossible for those vaccinated out of those countries to obtain these certificates, but it is worth checking directly with these bodies mentioned above.

For all non-citizens of the above, citizens of the EU, US or UK who were vaccinated in the UAE and are unable to obtain a certificate, those who obtained a non-UK-approved vaccine, as well as non-vaccinated individuals, you will have to self-isolate for a period of 10 days either at home, with friends, or at a hotel.

People traveling from red list countries are obligated by law to pay £1,750 to quarantine for a period of 11 days and take multiple PCR tests in order to go home. However, starting August 12, the price will rise to GBP 2,285.

Those arriving before August 8 are still under Red List rules.

Safe travels, everyone!