Country / Territory
Related contacts
Senior Manager - Consular Practice
Related offices
Related contacts
Senior Manager - Consular Practice
Related offices
Related contacts
Senior Manager - Consular Practice
Related offices
By: Nikhil Bande, Minu Joseph
Dubai has been preparing to host its first-ever World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region ever since it was announced to host Expo 2020 back in the bidding year 2013. Dubai brought in encouraging visa regulations coupled with safety measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to make the Expo 2020 successful.
While the world is steadily recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai is inviting the entire world to witness the innovation and collaboration that each nation has to propose under the Expo 2020 theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, bringing the world together to initiate an exchange of new perspectives and deliver real-life solutions to overcome real world challenges.
Dubai Expo 2020 will take place from 1 October 2021 and will continue until 31 March 2022. The initial footfall expected for this grand event was incredible, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the UAE to impose strict protocols for those wishing to enter the country to witness the event. Dubai is expected to welcome 25 million visitors during these six months.
New Civic Rules Imposed Prior to Expo 2020
Recently, Abu Dhabi opened its borders for vaccinated travellers and tourists without the need for quarantine—an added advantage for Expo 2020 and a promising step towards revival of the tourism sector. Dubai Expo 2020 tickets are available, free of charge, for individuals travelling to or via Abu Dhabi by certain airlines to attend the event. Additionally, Dubai Government employees can enjoy six days of paid leave to explore the event.
While mask mandates and associated consequences for violators are still in effect in public spaces, as of 22 September 2021, the UAE Government confirmed that masks are not mandatory in the following places and situations:
-
-
- Places of exercising
- When travelling in a private vehicle with family members
- Beaches and swimming pools
- Salons and beauty centers
- Medical centers
- When alone in enclosed spaces
-
Covid-19 Protocols for Expo 2020
All visitors 18 years of age or older must show valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to visiting Dubai. GDRFA or ICA approval is not required by tourists while travelling to the UAE.
Apply for the UAE Tourist Visa to Witness Expo 2020
You can apply for a UAE tourist visa with usual requirements and there is no separate visa category introduced for the Dubai Expo 2020. The UAE Government has also expedited the timelines of issuing tourist visas to encourage visits to the Expo 2020 venue.
Need to Know More?
For further information, please contact Minu Joseph at [email protected] or Nikhil Bande at [email protected]. This blog was published on 29 September 2021, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Senior Manager - Consular Practice
Related offices
Related contacts
Senior Manager - Consular Practice
Related offices
Related contacts
Senior Manager - Consular Practice
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Partner Charles Johanes discusses key tips on managing workforce ratios and other localisation requirements across the APAC region.
Blog post
Associate Anastasija Vasiljeva discusses the digitalisation of the UK immigration system, how these changes are designed to enhance efficiency and security and how student sponsors and visa nationals must stay informed and compliant.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Elizabeth Kamm discusses changes to the Schengen Area that travellers should be aware of and how travellers can ensure they are prepared to meet immigration requirements.
Blog post
Senior Manager Deirdre Murray discusses the possibility of the Irish Government granting the spouses and partners of Intra-Company Transfer employment permits an automatic right to work in Ireland.
Media mentions
El director Miguel Jiménez analiza el programa de viajes de negocios a corto plazo de México con GBTA en la Conferencia LATAM 2024 en Ciudad de México.
Media mentions
Director Claire Cumiskey joins the Breakfast Business podcast to discuss Ireland’s Employment Permits Bill.
Blog post
Senior Associate Evan Tutton and Immigration Supervisor Sanjay Parmar discuss how organisations in the UK employing Student visa holders must ensure immigration compliance, and what steps Student visa holders should take.
Blog post
This blog covers the UK Government's evaluation of the Graduate visa route's effectiveness, its potential for abuse and the impact on the country's higher education system and economy, as well as the impending review by the MAC.
Media mentions
Partner Dan Brown co-authored a whitepaper on how the U.S is better situated to face workforce challenges because of immigration.
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Video
Partner Charles Johanes discusses key tips on managing workforce ratios and other localisation requirements across the APAC region.
Blog post
Associate Anastasija Vasiljeva discusses the digitalisation of the UK immigration system, how these changes are designed to enhance efficiency and security and how student sponsors and visa nationals must stay informed and compliant.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Elizabeth Kamm discusses changes to the Schengen Area that travellers should be aware of and how travellers can ensure they are prepared to meet immigration requirements.
Blog post
Senior Manager Deirdre Murray discusses the possibility of the Irish Government granting the spouses and partners of Intra-Company Transfer employment permits an automatic right to work in Ireland.
Media mentions
El director Miguel Jiménez analiza el programa de viajes de negocios a corto plazo de México con GBTA en la Conferencia LATAM 2024 en Ciudad de México.
Media mentions
Director Claire Cumiskey joins the Breakfast Business podcast to discuss Ireland’s Employment Permits Bill.
Blog post
Senior Associate Evan Tutton and Immigration Supervisor Sanjay Parmar discuss how organisations in the UK employing Student visa holders must ensure immigration compliance, and what steps Student visa holders should take.
Blog post
This blog covers the UK Government's evaluation of the Graduate visa route's effectiveness, its potential for abuse and the impact on the country's higher education system and economy, as well as the impending review by the MAC.
Media mentions
Partner Dan Brown co-authored a whitepaper on how the U.S is better situated to face workforce challenges because of immigration.
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.