More than US$18 billion believed to have been allocated to the delayed event, which will happen from 1 October, 2021 to 31 March, 2022. Photo Credit: KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images
Expo 2020 Dubai participants are the latest addition to the country's list of eight categories exempted from travel bans. The catch? Exempt travellers must wear tracking devices and comply with other stringent safety measures, Khaleej Times reported.
The exemption covers all 16 countries where flights in and out of the UAE are otherwise suspended, such as India, Pakistan, South Africa and Indonesia.
Existing category exemptions include diplomatic personnel, UAE citizens and their first degree relatives, official delegations (subject to obtaining approval) and UAE residents with a gold or silver residency permit.
With the latest change, all international Expo 2020 Dubai participants and exhibitors, as well as personnel sponsored by the world fair’s organiser, are permitted to enter the UAE as long as they meet safety requirements.
Exempt travellers will be required to wear a monitoring and tracking device, among other stringent safety protocols, according to Khaleej Times. The full list of measures is as follows:
- Negative PCR test result within 48 hours from the date of departure. The test must have been taken at an accredited laboratory and the result must have a QR code;
- PCR test on arrival, followed by two others on day four and eight;
- 10-day quarantine;
- Wearing of monitoring and tracking device.
Notably, visitors to the mega event will not have to produce proof of vaccination.
Still, vaccination is strongly encouraged and individuals must comply with precautionary measures, including wearing of masks and social distancing.
After a delay, it was confirmed that the mega international expo — expected to attract 25 million attendees — will take place from 1 October, 2021 to 31 March, 2022.
Tickets only recently went on sale on July 18, 2021 via the official Expo 2020 Dubai ticketing portal, as well as 2,500 authorised resellers including Thomas Cook India and its group company SOTC Travel.