Travel Vaccines and Advice for the United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain are the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates. These emirates make the country a diverse and unique place to travel.
Travellers can visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, the Dubai Museum, and many more sites. Other activities include desert safaris in Dubai, sightseeing tours, dinner cruises and water parks. They have something for everyone.
If travellers are feeling hungry, the cuisine of the United Arab Emirates will fill your appetite. The food ranges from Pakistani and Peruvian to Ethiopian and Iranian.
Whether you love adventure, eating great food or learning about culture, the United Arab Emirates has everything you need.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for United Arab Emirates?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in United Arab Emirates
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the United Arab Emirates?
What Is the Climate Like in the United Arab Emirates?
How Safe Is the United Arab Emirates?
Abu Dhabi
What Should I Take to the United Arab Emirates?
Canadian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates
Do I Need Vaccines for United Arab Emirates?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for United Arab Emirates. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for United Arab Emirates: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for United Arab Emirates |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for United Arab Emirates |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
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.
Polio vaccination is not recommended for the United Arab Emirates. But, a single adult may recommended for some surrounding countries.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the UAE if arriving from a region with the virus. Immunization is not otherwise recommended for the country.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in United Arab Emirates
Prevent Bug Bites in United Arab Emirates
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in United Arab Emirates
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Infections To Be Aware of in United Arab Emirates
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, a severe viral illness, spreads through infected ticks and direct human contact with bodily fluids. Prevention includes tick avoidance, protective measures in healthcare settings, and the development of a potential vaccine to curb its transmission.
- MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV virus. To prevent MERS, maintain proper hygiene, minimize contact with infected individuals and camels, and adhere to PHAC travel recommendations.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the United Arab Emirates?
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.
What Is the Climate Like in the United Arab Emirates?
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 around 25. The Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea have temperatures a bit over 20 degrees.
Dust storms are also known to occur violently, causing limited visibility.
How Safe Is the United Arab Emirates?
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 Canadian embassy in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi
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Abu Dhabi is a city in the United Arab Emirates that has a mix of old and new things to do.
One reason people go there is to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is a huge and beautiful mosque that can fit lots of people. Another thing to do in Abu Dhabi is to visit historical and cultural sites like Qasr Al Watan, which is a palace that shows what life was like in the UAE in the past.
If you like outdoor activities, you can go to Yas Island, which has a big theme park, a waterpark, and a beach. You can also do things like ride camels, go on desert safaris, and ride on the sand dunes. Abu Dhabi is also a great place for luxury shopping, with fancy malls like the Abu Dhabi Mall and The Galleria, and luxurious hotels like the Emirates Palace.
Abu Dhabi has a variety of foods to try, both traditional Emirati dishes and international cuisines from around the world. The city is a great place to visit because it has lots of different things to see and do that will be fun and interesting for everyone.
What Should I Take to the United Arab Emirates?
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.
Canadian Embassy in 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!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the United Arab Emirates
“I found the nurse to be kind, knowledgeable and courteous. The office was clean, comfortable and clutter-less. I will definitely go back if needed and recommend this clinic to others. Thank you for helping me stay healthy in the UAE.”
“It was different than what I was expecting, but still very good. They did a great job in presenting what I would and wouldn’t need for the UAE. The service was good and the nurse was knowledgeable.”
“I had an excellent experience! Would recommend this location to anyone who is travelling!”
“The nurse was friendly, thorough, and very clear in her directions. I felt very comfortable with her. She was relaxed and open to hearing my questions about vaccines and that helped so that I could take in the amount of information about vaccines for the UAE.”
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