Travel Vaccines and Advice for the United Arab Emirates

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the United Arab Emirates. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for United Arab Emirates: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease present in the UAE. The risk is highest in urban and residential areas. Travellers should avoid getting bug bites to protect themselves from the virus.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

A passport and visa are required to enter the United Arab Emirates. Visas are valid for thirty days.

A medical exam is mandatory for the UAE. Travellers with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or hepatitis may be denied entry.

United Arab Emirates Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to the United Arab Emirates?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of the United Arab Emirates and Canadian Travel and Tourism

A departure fee may be required depending on when you are leaving and where you are going.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

It is generally hot and dry in the United Arab Emirates. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures in the high 30’s on the coastal plain. Cooler temperatures are in the mountains of the Al Hajar Gharbi because of the increased altitude. In January and February the temperatures range from 10 to 14 degrees.

The sea has its own temperatures in the United Arab Emirates. The temperature of the water depends on the temperature of the air. In the winter the Persian Gulf sees temperatures in the high 20’s. The Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea have temperatures in the low 20’s.

Dust storms are also known to occur violently, causing limited visibility.

Terrorism is a concern in the United Arab Emirates. Travellers should exercise caution when coming to this country. There is a possibility of terrorist attacks on travellers to the UAE and areas of the Gulf. ISIS is another group that are currently planning attacks. Avoid drawing attention to yourself and avoid contact with people who look suspicious.

Photography is not allowed in military and civilian sites. The punishment is arrest, detention, and prosecution by authorities. Mapping activities are prohibited as well and will result in the same punishments.

Crime doesn’t happen that much in the United Arab Emirates. Car break-ins are not common, but travellers should still take their valuables with them.

Women shouldn’t bring attention to themselves while riding a taxi. Victims should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.

If you love shopping, the Global Village in Dubai is the perfect place to explore. It has a carnival like atmosphere that will draw you in. From November to late January shoppers can look around more than 30 pavilions. The village is like a world fair and offers travellers the chance to learn about the UAE’s culture.

The Global Village isn’t only for shopping, but they have a fair with a lot of rides. Entertainment includes dancing, music, a haunted house, and so much more.

When you travel to the United Arab Emirates, you need to pack the essentials. Since there is so much to do, you should pack for every occasion.

• Seasonal Packing — In summer, pack modest and loose clothing that covers their arms and legs. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lip balm are also great things to pack. Sandals and bathing suits are good to pack for the beach as well as a waterproof camera. An umbrella is a great thing to pack to protect you from the sun’s rays. In the winter pack a light jacket or sweater for those winter nights in the desert. In the daytime you can pack what you usually do for the summer.
• Other Essentials — Moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated when it’s dry. A portable fan is a good thing to have when it’s hot. If you’re planning to hike, you should bring hiking boots, a backpack, water, and extra clothing. Extra underwear and socks are good to pack because it’s constantly humid.
• Currency — The United Emirate’s currency is dirham. You should carry cash for smaller shops. Debit and credit cards are accepted everywhere.
• Passport and Visa — You should take a passport that has six months validity after the date of arrival. You should have a blank page for an entry stamp. You need a visa before you travel to the United Arab Emirates.

If you find yourself in need of help while travelling in the UAE, there is a Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Canadian Embassy Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Trade Towers (Abu Dhabi Mall),
West Tower, 9th Floor,
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel.: 971 (2) 694-0300

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!