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 peculiar 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 the 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?
The Global Village
What Should I Take to the United Arab Emirates?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in the United Arab Emirates
Do I Need Vaccines for the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for the United Arab Emirates. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for United Arab Emirates: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the United Arab Emirates |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease present in the UAE. The risk is highest in urban and residential areas. Travellers should avoid getting insect 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.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the United Arab Emirates?
UK citizens visiting the UAE must have a visa. These are available on arrival allowing for up to 30 day stays, which can be extended twice whilst in country. Work or business visas are valid for three months and must be obtained before travel. Passports must have at least six months’ validity at entry.
United Arab Emirates Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to United Arab Emirates? | |
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Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of United Arab Emirates and GOV.UK
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 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.
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 whilst riding a taxi. Victims should contact the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Abu Dhabi.
The Global Village
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.
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. Sun cream, hats, sunnies, and lip balm are also great things to pack. Sandals and bathing suits are good to pack for the seaside 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 jumper 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 rucksack, 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.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in the United Arab Emirates
If you are in the United Arab Emirates and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Dubai
Al Seef Road
Bur Dubai
Near to Dubai Creekside
PO Box 65
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 309 4444
Emergency Phone: 04 309 4444
Fax: +971 4 309 4301
Contact Form: Click Here
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