Do you need Covid-19 booster shots to enter Abu Dhabi?
In the whole world, Omicron variant cases have broken previous records of Covid-19 cases. The reason is the amplified transmissibility of this variant. As large numbers of people have been infected, many countries restore safety precautions to stop the spread of the virus.
Covid-19 cases in Abu Dhabi
50 Covid-19 cases were reported each day on an average in the first week of December 2021. The number climbs up to over 3000 per day in early January 2022.
The United Arab Emirates ranks among the countries having the highest average vaccination rates. According to the health ministry, over 90% of people have completed their two doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
While Covid-19 cases had fallen as the year 2021 come to an end. However, infections have shot up to heights not observed in months since mid-January.
Dubai is an autonomous tourism-dependant center that also happens to be a neighbor of Abu Dhabi. Dubai authorities have issued less strict rules and guidelines in terms of the pandemic than Abu Dhabi.
Do you need Covid-19 booster shots to enter Abu Dhabi?
Like the whole world, the United Arab Emirates is battling a rise in Covid-19 cases all over the country. The Omicron variant is believed to be responsible for this nationwide rise. It’s been said that the Omicron variant spreads much more fastly than the previous variants of Covid-19.
To stop the spread of the virus, the Abu Dhabi government has made it mandatory to show evidence of booster doses to step inside the city. The booster shot should be taken when at least 6 months have passed after the second dose.
Note that individuals have to show green passes to set foot in public spaces in the emirate.
Department of Culture and Tourism stated that tourists don’t need to get booster shots for any Covid-19 vaccine to enter into Emirate. The administration gave this statement to clarify the new rules for UAE residents.
The authorities said that vaccinated visitors must show evidence of their complete vaccination status through their country’s authorized vaccination certificate in physical or digital format. Along with this certificate, they should be negative in PCR tests conducted within the last two weeks. Or they should show negative PCR test results within 48 hours attained from the visitor’s home country.
The fresh order came into effect from mid-January 2022. It exerts to only those individuals who have taken two doses of vaccine like Pfizer-BioNTech.
People who haven’t had any covid-19 vaccine are allowed to enter the emirate. But, they need to show a negative PCR test for corona virus. This will make the official app green for just three days.
New rules for the residents of Abu Dhabi
The new guidelines say that the residents have to show a green pass on the government’s application with a negative PCR test within 14 days or a negative test within 96 hours.
The emirate’s residents need a green pass to enter government offices or public spaces.
What is the Al Hosn app?
Al Hosn is the Covid-19 testing network for health systems made by the ministry of health (Preventive Medical Center) and prevention in the UAE. The app’s purpose is to involve the common public in the government’s aim to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. With this app, anyone can help the authorities in keeping their friends and family safe.
The application is developed for iPad. If you are in UAE and have taken the Covid-19 test, you will get your reports on your Al Hosn app. You will receive a distinct QR code that will prove you are vaccinated.
Furthermore, people around you can show their vaccination status on their phones if they have the Al Hosn app. It will satisfy you that your interaction with those people won’t harm you.
To start using the app, users have to enter their unified ID or Emirates ID and contact number for validation. The application allows you to add your loved ones and receive your test results immediately wherever you are at any time.
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Do I need a booster shot?
The UAE government has been offering booster shots to adults since November 2021. It means that if an individual has received their second dose of a Pfizer-BioNTech or Sputnik V vaccine, they are eligible for signing up if 6 months have passed.
The authorities said that booster jabs are crucial to battle emerging stresses of the Covid-19 virus. Also, all government employees have to take the booster dose otherwise, they will be denied entry into the offices.
Moreover, UAE nationals need to receive booster shots to visit other countries.
Who can’t get a booster shot immediately?
If a person recently encountered coronavirus, they can’t receive booster shots immediately. As per the officials, if a person is found positive in two PCR test results, they will be exempted for 90 days. After this time, they can take their vaccine doses or boosters.