With the ever increasing covid situation in India many countries including UAE has imposed travel restrictions from passengers traveling from India. After the UK travel curbs the United Arab Emirates has also barred entry of travelers from India. It was initially set for 10 days which was further extended by a week. Since the situation has spiralled out of control to over half a million cases a days, the UAE has imposed an indefinate ban of flights from India.
According to Emirates Airline, until further notice only the some categories of passengers will be allowed entry to Dubai like members of diplomatic missions, holders of UAE golden visa, UAE nationals and passengers exempted and/or granted permission to enter the UAE by the appropriate authorities.
Passengers exempted from the travel restriction must comply with the following:
- Passengers must have a valid PCR test results issued within 48 hours of the time of sample collection and scheduled flight departure.
- Only PCR test results from certified labs that issue a QR code linked to the original report will be accepted.
- Passengers must undergo PCR testing on arrival in Dubai ( This rule has not changed from the beginning of the pandemic)
- Passengers must sign an indemnity document for a 10‑day home or hotel quarantine, starting from the day of arrival.
- Passengers must download the DXB COVID‑19 app upon arrival at Dubai airports and provide all the required information.
All passengers (including non India citizens) who have travelled from or transited through India in the last 14 days will not be accepted for travel to Dubai from any other point except for returning UAE nationals.
How to return back to the UAE?
With all the restrictions in place for Indian travelers there is indeed a way for residents to return back to the UAE as well as passengers on a tourist visa. The rule is that Indians should spend 14 days outside India preferably in a non high risk country in-order to be eligible to return back to the UAE
Travel agents introduce the quarantine packages for passengers traveling from India to the United Arab Emirates.
The package is custom made mainly for travelers especially from India and/or other countries who hold residence or employment visas for countries like Kuwait and the UAE, Saudi Arabia, US, United Kingdon and many other countries that have banned Indian travelers over the past couple of weeks.
The price of the package ranges from INR 50,000 ( Approx 2500 AED) and goes all the way to INR 120,000 ( AED 6,000) depending on where the passenger is traveling from and country.
In India the quarantine package has been popular with residents of Saudi Arabia and more recently the UK and UAE who have been stuck in India and need to get back to work as soon as possible. The package has been promoted by Seaman Tours and as per the company they are sending customers to many non high risk countries as tourists such as Maldives, Bahrain etc.
The company currently has quarantine packages to the following countries:
- Maldives
Traveling via Maldives is perfect for combing a tour and quarantine package. especially honeymoon with your other half. Once confirmed changes and cancellations can only be made in accordance with hotel and airline policies. Package to Maldives is perfect for traveling with family and kids.
Pros of quarantine in Maldives:
- Perfect for traveling with families
- It is safe as stay is in a secluded island
- No visa required for Indians
Cons of quarantine in Maldives:
- Its expensive
What to expect while traveling via Maldives:
From 5th May there is an additional requirement to fill online form on Maldives immigration website. Check this link for details : https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create
For more information on the Maldives package. Please contact Seaman Tours:
In the United Arab Emirates :
- Landline : +971 4 238 1777
- Mobile /Whatsapp : +971 50 786 9889
In India:
- Office : +91 888 4 777 300
- Mobile/ WhatsApp : +91 888 488 6777
2. Bahrain
Bahrain package is cheaper and is preferred by passengers traveling alone or work collogues.
Pros of quarantine in Bahrain:
- Its cheaper
- Closer to destination country and its just a short bus ride for passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia
- Easy visa processing
Cons of quarantine in Bahrain:
- Shared accommodations
- Not recommended for families
- Multiple PCR tests required ( every 5 days)
What to expect while traveling via Bahrain:
Seaman Tours will process Bahrain visa. The process might take 6-7 days. You will be required to take the covid test 72 hours before the flight departure date. After arrival in Bahrain you will do covid test and be escorted to the hotel where you will stay for 14 day
For more information on the Bahrain package. Please contact Seaman Tours:
In the United Arab Emirates :
- Landline : +971 4 238 1777
- Mobile /Whatsapp : +971 50 786 9889
In India:
- Office : +91 888 4 777 300
- Mobile/ WhatsApp : +91 888 488 6777
Things to keep in mind while traveling on quarantine.
It has come to our attention that sometimes airline staff in India have been known to become finicky when passengers are traveling on quarantine.
- Keep a credit card or have with you enough money to cover your hotel stay
- Fill declaration form for Maldives on the Maldives immigration website https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create
- A dummy return ticket showing travel from Maldives/ Bahrain back to India is recommended https://www.dummyticket.com/
- Stay safe