COVID-19 information and disrupted travel

The transit rules for Dubai depend on where you are travelling from, where you have transited through, and the requirements of your final destination. It also depends on the countries you have recently visited.

Check the latest rules for transiting in Dubai as a tourist(opens in the same window) or a resident(opens in the same window).

You must also meet the requirements for every country you travel to and transit through on your journey, in addition to your final destination(opens in the same window).

The rules change frequently so check for updates regularly before you travel.

The COVID-19 test requirements vary in each destination.

You may need to take a COVID-19 PCR test before you travel to or connect through Dubai. Children under 12 years old and passengers with moderate or severe disabilities do not have to take the test to travel or connect through Dubai. Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities. For example: Acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Ataxia, Autism spectrum, Bell's palsy, Brain tumours, Cerebral aneurysm, Cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy and seizures. All other passengers, including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired or physically challenged must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate as per the requirements.

For more details visit our Travel requirements for Dubai page(opens in the same window).

If you are travelling beyond Dubai, you need to check the COVID-19 test requirements for your final destination on our Travel requirements by destination page(opens in the same window).

There may be specific departure requirements in your country before you leave. Check the information on our Travel Requirements page(opens in the same window).

Check this list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories (opens in a new window) in each of our current destinations. This includes a list of COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (opens in a new window).

For more information about special rates and COVID-19 PCR test requirements for travel to and from Dubai, go to our Travel requirements for Dubai page(opens in the same window) .

For information about COVID-19 test requirements for travel to our current worldwide destinations, go to our Travel requirements by destination page(opens in the same window) .

If you do not have the correct travel documents and required negative COVID-19 test certificate you will not be able to board the flight.

Wearing a face mask is optional in the UAE and on Emirates flights. If you are travelling from or transiting through Dubai International, the mask rules of your destination will apply throughout your journey.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled we’ll send an email and an SMS to the contact details you provided in your booking. To make sure you get operational notifications, update your contact details in Manage your booking(Opens in the same window). If you booked through a travel agent, please provide them with your latest information to ensure that you receive any updates on your flight.

We will try to rebook your tickets on the first available connection if your Emirates flight is disrupted. If you have any other connecting or return flight that will be affected, please contact us so we can assist you in rebooking those too.

We will first try to get you on the next available Emirates flight. If there are no Emirates flights available, we will look into your other options. Please contact us so we can assist you.

If your new travel date and time do not suit your schedule, please contact us so we can assist you in finding other options. You can make changes depending on your booked class of travel and availability.

Alternatively, you can also keep your ticket and contact us when you’re ready travel again if your flight has been impacted by COVID‑19. See your ticket options(Opens in the same window).

If your connection time in Dubai is between 10 and 24 hours, you might be eligible(Opens in the same window) for our Dubai Connect services.

If you are eligible, you can request Dubai Connect services through Manage your booking(Opens in the same window) once you complete all the entry and testing requirements for travel to Dubai and your final destination.

We understand you might not want to travel during severe weather conditions. We have a very generous waiver policy for these circumstances, outlined below:

• You can change your date of travel to seven days before or after your original travel date.
• You can change your booking to the closest airport in the same country.
• You can refund your ticket.

Yes – from 26 October 2017 we’ll have extra security measures in place for all USA-bound flights from Dubai International (DXB). This is in line with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.

There will be dedicated areas marked for US check-in, and you’ll need to answer security-related questions prior to checking in for your flight. Electronic devices will also be subject to enhanced checks at the boarding gate, and security checks will be required before boarding. Our Group Security team will be providing assistance 24 hours a day to help all customers departing on flights to the US.

All passengers will still be able to check in online, and drop off checked baggage at the Online Check-in Baggage Drop counters in DXB’s dedicated US check-in area.

Please note early check-in is only permitted on the day of travel, up to 12 hours before the flight departs and all travelling members must appear in person with all baggage and documents.

No, from the 30 April 2022, the Hong Kong Government has imposed a ban on the possession and importation of alternative smoking products, such as electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, in baggage, parcels, packages or as cargo. Parts and accessories for their use are also included in the ban.

The ban does not apply to medicines approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, as well as to transit passengers connecting through Hong Kong International Airport without going through immigration. The Hong Kong Government will impose a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment and a fine of USD 50,000 on customers who fail to comply.

We’ll give you a confirmed seat on the next available flight to your final destination. That’s in addition to a voucher that you can redeem for a complimentary return ticket on selected Emirates routes. Learn more about your options(opens in the same window)

Denied boarding compensation rules may differ depending on the local regulation.

You’ll receive your voucher at the Emirates Airport Services office, as soon as it is established that you’re not able to make it on to the flight.

You can book your ticket (on valid routes, as per the denied boarding options redemption zonal table) through our Contact Centres or ticket offices between 7 to 365 days after your voucher was issued.

The ticket will be valid for one year from the date the ticket is issued.

No. The voucher is issued for you and can’t be transferred to anyone else. Once the ticket is issued, it is also non-transferable.

No – unfortunately this isn’t possible.

No. The voucher can only be redeemed for one return ticket and must be used in one booking.

Yes. You can change the date or the route (within the applicable zone) only for completely unutilized tickets, at no additional charge, as long as it’s within the ticket’s one year validity.

You can get in touch with the Emirates Contact Centres. Learn more(opens in the same window)

Yes. You can use our Chauffeur-drive service on your compensation ticket when you travel in Business Class.

No. These tickets are not eligible for Skywards Miles accrual.

Yes. You can upgrade your cabin using Skywards Miles or cash. Please get in touch with us(opens in the same window) for more information.

Denied boarding compensation tickets cannot be redeemed if the voucher was lost and / or misplaced.

No, the voucher is only valid between 7 to 365 days after the date it was issued.

No, infant tickets are not applicable for denied boarding vouchers.