Which Covid vaccines are on the approved list for travel to the UAE?

Tourists from any country can now apply to visit the UAE but should have received a WHO-approved Covid-19 vaccine

A tourist takes a selfie before he gets a medical screening upon arrival at Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. AFP

A traveller stands by the electronic entry gates at Terminal 3. AFP

Tourists and visitors travelling to see family in the UAE. AFP

A tourist checks her phone as she waits for medical screening. AFP

The huge arrivals hall at Terminal 3 has been transformed into a screening centre. AFP

Tourists are asked to get tested in their home countries several days before they depart, but if unable to Dubai's health authority screens them for free. AFP

Passengers wait to have their documents processed. AFP

An airport police officer directs a traveller towards medical screening area upon arrival. AFP

Emirates and airport staff wear disposable gowns and protective gear that can be changed and disposed of easily. AFP

Visitor numbers are expected to rise after the summer as cooler temperatures arise. AFP

Both tourists and visitors coming to see family have passed through the airport since inbound flights for non-residents began on Tuesday. AFP

Tourists can now apply to visit the UAE from 14 countries where travel was previously restricted.

Only fully vaccinated UAE residents were previously allowed to return from these countries until the change, which has now opened up travel to tourists.

But authorities have confirmed travellers must have received both doses of a World Health Organisation-approved Covid-19 vaccine to be eligible for a visa.

The National sets out everything you need to know about the process.

Which countries are affected by the rule change?

Earlier this year, the UAE temporarily halted passenger flights from 14 countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Liberia, Vietnam and Congo over concerns about coronavirus cases and variants of the virus.

Visit visas can now be issued to anyone from those countries, as long as they are fully vaccinated.

Which vaccines are approved for entry to the UAE?

All vaccines which have been listed by the WHO.

They are:

• Pfizer/BioNTech: Comirnaty
• Oxford/AstraZeneca, including Covishield, produced by Serum Institute of India
• Johnson & Johnson: Ad26. COV2. S
• Moderna: Spikevax
• Sinopharm: BBIBP-CorV
• Sinovac: CoronaVac

It is important to note that because Covaxin has not yet been approved by WHO, it is not yet accepted for travel to the UAE.

How do people submit proof of the vaccination they received?

By visiting the ICA website, which will ask applicants to provide their passport details, as well as the name of the vaccination and dates of the first, second and third dose, where applicable. Uploading the Covid-19 vaccination card is mandatory.

Alternatively, they can upload proof of the vaccination they received via the Al Hosn app.

Is any additional testing required?

Yes, in addition to providing a negative Covid-19 test 48 hours before travel, travellers must take a rapid test at the departure airport, as well as another rapid test on arrival in the UAE.