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United Arab Emirates

If you’re travelling to the United Arab Emirates, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Natural Disasters and Climate
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security status

High Degree of Caution

Travel to UAE

The UAE Government and the Government of Dubai’s international travel protocols apply to citizens, residents, visitors and transit passengers. If you are planning to travel to the UAE, you should consult official published guidelines and confirm requirements with your airline or travel provider. We strongly urge all passengers to double-check the latest requirements with their airline prior to travel. 

Detailed information  is available on the UAE Government information website,  Etihad travel updates and Emirates travel updates and here for those travelling to Ras Al Khaimah.

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to UAE from Ireland. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19 on arrival.

For passengers transiting through UAE the rules for entry at the final destination will apply. When in transit, there is no requirement to present PCR test certificate unless it is required by the final destination country. Always double check with your carrier.

General Travel Advice

Most COVID-19 restrictions in the UAE have been lifted. The UAE Authorities have maintained a limited number of public health measures.  

Mask wearing is generally optional in the UAE, but is obligatory when entering health care facilities.

Anyone with symptoms will have to take a PCR test. If positive, up to 5-day self-isolation period will be required. The self-isolation will end if two negative PCR tests taken within a 24 hour period are received.

The UAE Authorities have stated that any violation of the instructions and procedures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 will be treated as a crime punishable by law.

The UAE is linked to the EU COVID-19 Digital Certificate System (EU DCC), with UAE digital vaccine certificates on the Al Hosn app equivalent to vaccine certificates in Europe. This means people vaccinated in the UAE will be able to use the Al Hosn app throughout Europe in the same way the EU Digital Pass is used.

UAE Visa and Entry Permits

Irish passport holders can get 30-day visit visas on arrival in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Information on requirements for travel to Dubai is available on the Visit Dubai website. Visitors to Abu Dhabi should follow information on Etihad Travel guidelines and guidelines for travel to Abu Dhabi.

Updates on UAE visas during COVID-19 can be found on the UAE Information and Services website.

Queries on the validity or expiry of visas, or on change of visa status (e.g. from a residency visa to a visit visa) should be directed to UAE immigration (ICA for visas issued by Abu Dhabi and other emirates; and GDRFA for visas issued by Dubai). In Dubai you can call AMER on 800 5111 or +97143139999 or visit one of the AMER centres located around Dubai.  

There are ongoing regional tensions and, in the event of any incidents, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. 

There is considered to be a high threat from terrorism. Irish citizens should remain vigilant at this time.

The UAE is a Muslim country. Laws and customs are very different to those in Ireland and other western countries. It is important to respect local customs, laws & religions while in the UAE. There can be serious penalties, including custodial sentences, for doing something that may not be illegal in Ireland. See Local Laws & Customs section.

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, start by talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management. You can also contact the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi if you require assistance or advice.

The Emergency services number in UAE is 999.

Important Information

Please note that in the UAE defaulting on the repayment of loans or bills is taken extremely seriously. A criminal case is often filed resulting in a travel ban. Individuals in such circumstances are not permitted to travel outside the UAE. Ensure that any personal debt is fully paid off before you leave the UAE. 

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Political Situation

There are ongoing regional tensions and, in the event of any incidents, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

The political situation in the UAE is stable but you should avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.

Terrorism

You should be aware that there is a threat from terrorism generally in the region. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and against Western interests, as they have been elsewhere in the region.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in the UAE but you should take sensible precautions. 

  • Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place 
  • Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
  • Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places
  • Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible
  • Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but do happen. UAE law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the attacker was known to the victim. If the sexual relations are determined to have been consensual, both parties may face prosecution for the offence of sex outside marriage. Drink spiking can occur. Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.

Photography

You should also stay away from military sites – taking photos of military or security installations, and some public buildings is prohibited. Avoid filming or photographing people without their permission. 

The UAE has strict laws regarding online behaviour, including comments made via social media, with offences punishable by fines, imprisonment and deportation. Sharing videos or photographs of others through social media can be a punishable offence. 

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in the UAE, you should be extremely careful. Road safety standards are low, particularly outside towns and cities. Accidents are frequent and are often caused by speeding, poor driving and inadequate lighting.

Drivers involved in an accident causing injuries may be detained until the injured are released from hospital. In an accident causing injuries or fatalities, those found at fault may be legally required to provide financial compensation to the injured or the family of the deceased. 

You should exercise great care as a pedestrian and only cross the road at designated pedestrian crossings. Drivers often fail to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings. 

Offensive gestures and bad language can lead to fines, a jail sentence and deportation.

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous especially without adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicles. Serious accidents can occur when driving on sand dunes in the desert, which can result in death. You should always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.

If you want to drive:

  • Bring your international driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and the penalties can be severe. Your insurance is likely to be invalidated, leaving you to pay claims by other parties involved
  • Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Water Safety

Rip currents can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Always comply with warning signs, especially red flags, and only swim from approved beaches. Only swim at pools with a lifeguard in attendance, and always check and ensure that there are qualified lifeguards present if your children will be swimming as part of their school activities or at summer camps.

The safety of tourist boats may not be up to Irish standards. Ensure that life jackets are available for all passengers.

 

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Muslim culture

The UAE is an Islamic country and you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Be aware of your actions and take care not to offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals, or if you intend to visit religious areas. In 2020, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 23 April.

Dress conservatively, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman emirates, where Islamic law is rigorously enforced. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs and underwear should not be visible.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public. Sex outside of marriage is illegal, as is cohabitation, adultery and homosexual behaviour. If you conduct a sexual relationship outside heterosexual marriage you run the risk of prosecution, imprisonment and/or a fine and deportation. Private life is respected in the UAE, however people are punished for sexual activity outside marriage where there is a public element or if it is brought to the attention of the police authorities.

If you become pregnant outside marriage, both you and your partner could face imprisonment and/or deportation. Doctors may ask for proof of marriage during ante-natal checks. An unmarried woman who gives birth in the UAE may also encounter problems when registering the birth of the child in the UAE, and could face arrest, imprisonment or deportation. To obtain a birth certificate from the UAE authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate and the authorities may compare the date of the marriage against the estimated date of conception.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

Forbidden products

Bringing drugs, pork products and pornographic books and material into the UAE is forbidden. Videos, books and magazines are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

Prescription medications

Prescription medicines are tightly controlled in the UAE. Medications available over the counter or by prescription in Ireland, such as codeine may be illegal or considered a controlled substance in the UAE. You should carefully consult the UAE Ministry of Health guidelines before travelling to the UAE to see if your medication is on the list of controlled or prohibited substances. If in doubt you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
If your medication is on the controlled drugs list you will require approval to bring it into the UAE. You can apply for online approval prior to travel or on arrival in the airport in the UAE. Online approvals can take up to five working days following completion of the online application. You will require the original prescription and an attested medical report and will only be permitted to carry up to 30 days’ supply. If you arrive in the UAE without prior approval or the required documentation for approval on entry, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and you may be prosecuted under UAE law.
 
Even if you do not bring such medications with you to the UAE, local authorities may prosecute you if blood and urine tests detect traces of a prohibited substance in your system.
 
Other medicines not on the controlled list may be brought into the UAE but you should carry your original prescription and not more than three months’ supply. Medicines should be in the original packaging and should not have expired. 
 
Some herbal remedies may be restricted or prohibited. Cannabidiol oil or CBD oil is considered an illegal drug in the UAE and there have a number of arrests for possession, including traces in vaping devices, at border entry points. Possession carries a minimum sentence of two years but for larger quantities can be ten years or more. 
 
Further information on controlled medicines and permissions can be obtained directly from the UAE Ministry of Health by emailing info@moh.gov.ae or calling +971 2 652 0500.

Criminal offences

Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing cheques and the non-payment of bills, is regarded very seriously in the UAE and can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine. Non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud do not generally get bail. Convicted debtors will not usually be released from jail until the debt is paid or waived. Several Irish citizens have received custodial sentences as a result of non-payment of outstanding debts.

Swearing and making rude gestures (including online) are considered obscene acts and can lead to prosecution. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.

Women travellers

Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced.

LGBT

Homosexual activity is illegal in the UAE.

Alcohol

Liquor licences can be obtained by non-Muslim residents to consume alcohol in private homes and licensed hotels and clubs. Tourists in Dubai can apply for a temporary liquor licence through one of the official distributers of alcohol in Dubai. Liquor licences are only valid in the Emirate in which they are issued. Liquor licences are not available to non-residents in the other Emirates, but it is possible for tourists and visitors to buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. Drinking alcohol in the Emirate of Sharjah is illegal. It is a punishable offence under UAE law to drink alcohol or to be drunk in public. Passengers in transit through the UAE under the influence of alcohol may also be arrested.

Illegal drugs

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession are severe. Drug trafficking penalties can include the death sentence or life imprisonment. The presence of drugs in the body constitutes possession and carries a minimum sentence of four years.

Travellers who transit in UAE airports are subject to these laws. UAE airports have excellent technology and security, so transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested.

Weapons and related equipment

Weapons, ammunition and gun belts etc. all require permission for entry or transit through the UAE.

 

Natural Disasters and Climate

Natural disasters and climate

Climate

The UAE is hot and dry most of the year. Drink plenty of water but remember that during Ramadan it is an offence to eat or drink in public between sunrise and sunset.

Sandstorms

There are occasional sandstorms but they are not usually bad enough to affect daily life. 

Flooding

In some parts of the country, particularly in the mountains, occasional heavy rain can cause flash floods. Take precautions and seek out local advice.

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry & exit requirements (visa/passport)

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months to enter the UAE. A longer period of validity may be required if you intend to seek a UAE residency visa. If you hold a UAE residence permit, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months in order to travel into the country.

If you are unsure of what the entry requirements for the UAE are, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the UAE.

For non-residents, Irish temporary passports are not valid for entry into the United Arab Emirates. However, temporary passports are accepted for airside transit and exit from the United Arab Emirates.

Visitors must have legal status in the UAE when they depart. If your residency visa is under process, or if you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country. A number of Irish nationals have been arrested when departing or transiting the UAE, including as a result of unpaid debts in the country.

Buying Property

If you wish to buy property in the UAE, you should seek appropriate professional advice, as you would in Ireland.

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

If you need emergency assistance from the Embassy, then contact us immediately. Our telephone number is: +971 (0) 2 4958200.

If you require emergency assistance at the weekend or on a public holiday, you will be asked to leave a message on the answering machine. The answering machine is monitored regularly, and the Duty Officer at the Embassy will contact you as soon as possible. When you leave a message, remember to state your name, the nature of the problem, where you are now, and the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (e.g. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying). If necessary, contact the police also. Please note that the Duty Officer will deal with emergencies only

Embassy of Ireland
Al Yasat Street off 6th Street
Al Bateen
P.O. Box 61581
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971 (0)2 4958200
Fax: +971 (0)2 6819233

Monday - Thursday 09:00-13:00

Friday 09:00-11:00

Contact us