
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
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
