Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? Whether you're heading to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or the desert dunes, it's important to understand the UAE's vaccination rules to avoid delays at the border and stay healthy during your trip.
Find out all you need to know about mandatory and recommended vaccinations and other entry rules, such as the UAE Tourist eVisa.
Do I need vaccines to enter the United Arab Emirates (Dubai)?
For most travelers, no vaccines are mandatory - but there are a few key exceptions:
✅ Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from or transiting through a high-risk country
✅ Polio vaccine is required for travelers from polio-affected regions
Summary of all UAE vaccination requirements and recommendations
Vaccine |
Required? |
Who needs it? |
Yellow fever |
✅ Yes |
Travelers from/transiting high-risk countries |
Polio |
✅ Yes |
Travelers from polio-endemic or recently affected areas |
COVID-19 |
❌ Not required |
Recommended carrying proof in case of policy updates |
Hepatitis A/B |
❌ Not required |
Recommended for long stays, food risk, or healthcare exposure |
Typhoid |
❌ Not required |
Recommended if visiting rural areas or eating street food |
Rabies |
❌ Not required |
Consider if hiking, camping, or near animals |
Meningitis ACWY |
❌ Not for UAE entry |
Required only if transiting to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah |
💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert:
"Always carry both digital and physical copies of your vaccination certificates, like the yellow book."
Yellow fever certificate for traveling to Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
If you're traveling from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Kenya, Ghana, Brazil, Peru), you must show a valid yellow fever certificate. Without it, you risk delays or denied entry.
If you're medically exempt from the vaccine, bring a signed exemption letter and check if UAE authorities will accept it before departure.
“I had my yellow fever certificate ready on paper and breezed through Dubai immigration, while another traveler was held back for hours as they couldn't prove their vaccine status.” — Amara, traveler from Nairobi
Other UAE and Dubai entry requirements for travel
Many nationalities need a UAE tourist visa to enter. Luckily, it’s easy to apply online with iVisa and through their handy mobile app:
- Valid for short stays
- Fully digital process
- Fast approval, no embassy visits
Check your eligibility below:
Final tips for a smooth trip to Dubai and the rest of the UAE
➡️ Carry all required vaccination and visa documents (digital + printed)
➡️Visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure
➡️ Stay updated on UAE government and airline health advisories
➡️ Apply timely (at least 1 month in advance) for your UAE Tourist eVisa if you require one
Need more info about traveling to the United Arab Emirates?
Reach out to us via WhatsApp or chat if you have any questions about traveling to Dubai or another destination.