Abu Dhabi opens free COVID-19 vaccine to tourists

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, provides tourists with free COVID-19 vaccinations, which were previously limited to UAE Citizens and residence visa holders.

There is no indication that this change will apply to Dubai, the most populous emirate, or the five other emirates that make up the UAE.

Visitors holding a visa Abu Dhabi According to information provided by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Corporation (SEHA), which operates the UAE’s public health infrastructure, passport holders who are eligible for a tourist visa when arriving in the UAE through Abu Dhabi can book free vaccines.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office stated on June 11 that people with expired residence or entry visas are also eligible for free vaccinations.

Unemployment and travel restrictions during the pandemic mean that some people’s residence visas have expired or have been cancelled due to layoffs.

UAE health authorities said this month that nearly 85% of eligible people have received at least one vaccine Dosage, but did not say how many people took two doses.

In the past month, the infection rate in the UAE has increased, and Abu Dhabi still has entry restrictions, including home quarantine and PCR testing at regular intervals after arrival. People driving from other emirates were tested to prove that they were not infected.

Travellers from 27 countries, including China, Germany and the United States can enter the country without isolation.

SEHA provides a COVID-19 vaccine from a Chinese state-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer Sinopharm Holdings And pass Pfizer/BioNTech In Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Media Office There was no immediate response to a request for comment on whether the eligibility criteria would change. Dubai Health Authority The information stated that the vaccine is only available to citizens and those holding a valid Dubai residence visa.