The UAE is, currently, the most vaccinated country in the world. Almost 74% of the 9.7 million people have received their first dose, and around 64% are fully inoculated. The vaccines distributed are Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Moderna. Doses from these vaccines are accepted in several countries, which are gradually opening up their borders. Here are a few quarantine-free popular tourist destinations around the world where vaccinated UAE residents, including NRIs, can travel to.
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Europe:
As of yet, the approved vaccines by European Medicines Agency (EMA) are BioNTech Pfizer, Moderna, and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
Switzerland
Source: Times of India
UAE residents who have received their second dose of the EMA-approved vaccines 2 weeks prior to their travel to Switzerland are permitted to enter the country with proof of vaccination. Travellers will receive a QR Code that they must present during Check-In by filling an entry form regarding travel arrangements and location during their stay.
France
Source: Conde Nast Traveler
Fully vaccinated (EMA Approved) residents in UAE can travel to France after taking a PCR test 72 hours before arrival or an Antigen test prior to 48 hours.
Spain
Source: The Independent
Travellers must be fully vaccinated 2 weeks prior to departure with proof of vaccination and must complete a Health Control Form within 48 hours before travel. They will obtain a QR Code, which is to be presented before boarding and at health control checks in Spain.
Greece
Source: Lonely Planet
Greece accepts Sinopharm and Sputnik V alongside EMA-approved vaccines. Inoculated travellers must either carry proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival. They must also fill in Passenger Locator Form 24 hours before departure.
Italy
Source: Britannica
Vaccinated tourists must submit a negative PCR test within 48 hours before departure and must pre-book a rapid swab test at arrival costing EUR20 via online. They must complete Passenger Locator Form to secure a QR Code to be shown at Check-In.
Iceland
Source: The Jakarta Post
Visitors to Iceland must carry a vaccination certificate (only BioNTech Pfizer & Oxford-AstraZeneca are accepted) and will undergo a free PCR test upon arrival. They must enter quarantine temporarily until test results are collected. They must also complete a pre-registration form.
Malta
Source: Vogue
Vaccinated travellers to the country, home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, must submit a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival.
Asia:
Thailand (Phuket)
Source: Time Out
Thailand presently accepts all vaccines given by the UAE government, excluding Sputnik V. Visitors can arrive at Phuket with a Negative COVID-19 test issued less than 72 hours before departure and must submit proof of COVID-19 health insurance policy with minimum coverage of $100,000. Tourists can explore the country further after seven days on the popular island.
Maldives
Source: Unsplash
All visitors must present a negative COVID-19 test less than 96 hours before departure and are supposed to book their stay at a registered tourist facility.
Jordan
Source: Reddit
Passengers arriving at the country of Petra, one of the seven wonders of the world, must carry a negative PCR test taken less than 120 hours before arrival.
Turkey
Source: Travel Pulse
Visitors must submit a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure and complete a Turkey Entrance Form 72 hours prior.
Africa:
Egypt
Source: IATA
Visitors to Egypt must complete a Health Declaration Form provided by the airline and present a negative PCR test report as well as its QR Code in a hard copy taken within 72 before departure.
Kenya
Source: Travel Pulse
Tourists must fill an online Travellers Health Surveillance Form before departure. The QR Code generated after completion must later be presented to the health official upon arrival. They must also submit a negative PCR test certificate taken less than 96 hours before departure and must be verified digitally through Trusted Travel Initiative.
Seychelles
Source: US State Department
For Seychelles, visitors have to apply for entry online through Health Travel Authorization prior to travel and they also need health insurance to cover possible COVID-19 related costs. They must also take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before departure.
Americas:
Mexico
Source: Planet Ware
Vaccinated tourists to Mexico only need to complete a Traveller Information Form upon arrival.
Bahamas
Source: Hotels.com
For travel to the Bahamas visitors only have to provide a proof of vaccination by BioNTech Pfizer, Moderna, or Oxford-AstraZeneca.
Belize
Source: CNN
Vaccinated visitors must provide their vaccination card as proof of total inoculation 2 weeks before arrival as well as a negative COVID-19 test result. They must also add their health information to Belize Health App 72 hours prior to arrival.
Puerto Rico
Source: Architectural Digest
Tourists must present a negative PCR
