Travel Restrictions: Uae Citizens' Freedom To Roam

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has specific requirements and restrictions for its citizens when it comes to travel. While there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements, the country advises exercising caution due to the threat of terrorism and potential military action in the region. UAE citizens must also comply with passport validity requirements and visa regulations, which vary depending on their destination and purpose of travel. Additionally, there are strict rules regarding prohibited goods, medications, and behaviour when travelling.

Visa requirements for UAE citizens

As of July 2024, Emirati citizens can enter 185 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival. This includes all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where they also have the right to work and reside.

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival:

• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a 90-day visa on arrival:

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a 180-day visa on arrival:

Mexico

GCC citizens can enter the UAE with a GCC national identity card instead of a passport.

For citizens of other countries, the following requirements generally apply:

• Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.
• A minimum of four international working days is required to apply for a visa online.
• A recent passport-sized photograph is required.
• A round-trip ticket and hotel reservation confirmation are often required.
• An International Certificate of Vaccination is sometimes necessary.

US diplomats and officials must submit the following to apply for a visa:

• A completed application form with a photo attached.
• An original passport that will not expire within six months of the expected arrival time in the UAE.
• A coloured photo with a white background.
• An original cover letter from a US department that includes information about the trip, the traveller, and the expected departure date.
• A coloured copy of the passport and the application with a photo attached.
• The applicant must be inside the US during the visa process.

Travel advisories for UAE citizens

UAE citizens are advised to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling, due to various safety concerns. Here are some important travel advisories for UAE citizens to consider:

• Terrorism and Security Risks: There is an increased risk of terrorism in the UAE, including threats against military bases. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and target locations frequented by foreigners, such as transport hubs, shopping malls, markets, and tourist locations. Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they may lead to localised security situations deteriorating with little notice.
• Travel Disruptions: Demonstration and protest activity may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions. It is advisable to avoid all demonstrations and protests and monitor local media for updates.
• Health Precautions: The UAE experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures exceeding 50°C between June and September. Sand and dust storms are also common during this period. Intense storms can occur between December and May, which may trigger flash flooding. It is important to monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities to stay safe.
• Local Laws and Customs: UAE has strict laws and behaviour codes. Dress modestly, especially in Sharjah and Ajman, where Islamic law is strictly enforced. Same-sex relations are illegal and not recognised in the UAE. Additionally, it is illegal to insult religious or ethnic groups, the royal families, government officials, or the UAE flag.
• Visa Requirements: Before travelling, ensure that you have the necessary visas or residency permits for your destination. Some countries offer visa-on-arrival options for UAE citizens, but requirements may vary, so it is essential to check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
• Medication Restrictions: The UAE has strict regulations regarding medications. Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with a valid prescription. Some medications may require prior approval from the UAE authorities, and possession of certain substances without proper approval is generally treated as possession of illegal narcotics.
• Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before travelling, covering all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. In case of an emergency, you may need to pay upfront for treatment, especially in remote areas.
• COVID-19 Requirements: While there are currently no COVID-19 entry requirements for travellers to the UAE, it is important to stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by the local authorities.
• Transport and Tour Operators: Transport and tour operators in the UAE may not always adhere to international safety and maintenance standards. Always check if your travel insurance covers adventure activities, and insist on minimum safety requirements.
• Natural Disasters: The UAE is prone to natural disasters such as flash flooding and earthquakes. Stay informed about potential risks and follow the advice of local authorities in case of an emergency.

Restrictions on medications

When travelling to and from the UAE, citizens and other travellers must comply with local laws and regulations regarding medications. These laws also apply to medicines that can and cannot be brought into the country.

Controlled Medicines

The UAE is a signatory to several international conventions on narcotic and psychotropic substances. These conventions involve applying internationally valid control measures to ensure that narcotic and psychotropic substances are only available for medical and scientific purposes. They also aim to prevent their diversion into illicit channels and eliminate drug trafficking and abuse.

Controlled drugs are those that, if not used responsibly, can lead to addiction and have the potential to be abused by individuals. Narcotic and psychotropic (controlled drug - Class A or CDa) drugs are controlled. Controlled medicines are administered to patients of acute and chronic diseases in accordance with modern medical practice. They are mostly administered to in-patients. Controlled drug - Class B (CDb) are semi-controlled.

Bringing Medication into the UAE

All travellers to the UAE must carry the prescription for the quantity of the medicine that they are bringing into the country. Travellers should also check with their doctor to confirm if their prescribed medication is controlled or not, and follow instructions regarding allowed quantities and required documentation.

All travellers carrying controlled medication into the UAE must apply for approval through the Ministry of Health (MoH) website before their trip. All other medication (prescription for uncontrolled medication and over-the-counter medication) does not need prior approval from MoH.

Bringing Medication out of the UAE

The majority of medicines that are used worldwide are available in community pharmacies and hospitals in the UAE. However, narcotic, psychotropic and other controlled drugs/medicines of class A or B are neither freely available in the UAE, nor can they be freely exported out of the country. They fall under the controlled/restricted items category.

Prohibited items

The United Arab Emirates has a strict set of rules regarding prohibited and restricted items for travellers entering and exiting the country. Here is a comprehensive list of items that are banned or restricted for UAE citizens and travellers:

Banned Items

• Controlled/recreational drugs and narcotic substances
• Counterfeit currency
• Items used in black magic, witchcraft, or sorcery
• Publications and artwork that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values
• Gambling tools and machines
• Dry coconut (copra) due to its high oil content, which is highly flammable
• Fireworks, flares, party poppers, matches, paint, fire camphor, ghee, pickles, and other oily food items
• E-cigarettes, lighters, power banks, and spray bottles
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and related devices
• Stunning devices such as stun guns, tasers, stun batons, and animal stunners
• Sharp objects like axes, hatchets, cleavers, knives, scissors, and martial arts equipment
• Workmen's tools such as drills, screwdrivers, chisels, saws, bolt guns, and nail guns
• Blunt instruments like baseball bats, clubs, batons, and martial arts equipment
• Detonators, fuses, replica explosive devices, mines, grenades, fireworks, smoke-generating canisters, and dynamite
• Alcoholic beverages and materials containing alcohol, including beer, wine, distilled spirits, and foods/perfumes with alcohol
• Pornography and obscene materials, including videos, magazines, books, images, toys, and digital files
• Narcotics and illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and unauthorised prescription drugs
• Israeli and Egyptian goods, including products containing components from these countries
• Fresh foods, plants, seeds, soil, and organic materials without advanced authorisation
• Radios, transmitters, antennas, satellite phones, and other unapproved communication equipment

Restricted Items

• Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vape products, and loose tobacco leaves
• Medication, including over-the-counter products, narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, and prescription drugs. These may require approval from the Ministry of Health.
• Religious books and media, which need approval from the National Media Council
• Pets, which require advanced health checks, documentation, and entry through approved ports
• Certain breeds of dogs, farm animals, and endangered species are typically prohibited
• Artwork and antiques depicting nudity or containing religious themes may be censored or restricted
• Political or culturally sensitive materials, including direct criticism of the government or royal family, may be banned or censored
• Encrypted software, virtual private networks (VPNs), and similar privacy tools require approval and licensing

Passport validity

UAE citizens are allowed to travel to many countries, but passport validity requirements vary depending on the destination. Here are some important points to note about passport validity when travelling as a UAE citizen:

• Visa-free countries: Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa to enter the UAE and can use their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry.
• Passport validity for visas: When applying for a visa to enter the UAE, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This requirement is consistently mentioned across various official sources.
• Visa on arrival: Some countries offer visas on arrival for UAE citizens, with a validity of 30 or 90 days. However, it is important to check with the specific country's embassy, as these requirements may change.
• Transit visas: If you are transiting through a country, they may have different passport validity requirements. For example, the UAE requires a valid passport for entry, but the time frame may differ for those who are only passing through.
• Destination-specific requirements: Each country has its own rules regarding passport validity. Always check the requirements for your destination, as some may mandate that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure from their country.
• Emergency passports: These are generally not accepted for entry into the UAE. Regular or standard passports are typically required.

Frequently asked questions