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United Arab Emirates
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French nationals are exempt from visa requirements. Since the signing on May 6, 2015, of the visa exemption agreement in the Schengen area for Emirati nationals, and as a reciprocal measure, a stamp affixed to the passport upon arrival at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports authorizes a stay of up to 90 days, in one or more visits, over a period of 180 days from the date of the stamp.
You must have a passport in good condition that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE, otherwise you may be refused entry.
Please note: emergency passports (valid for one year and issued on an exceptional basis) are not recognized in the United Arab Emirates. Holders of such passports may therefore be refused entry to the UAE by the Emirati authorities without the Consulate General of France being able to intervene.
French nationals wishing to settle in the Emirates can therefore arrive without a visa and then have 30 days to complete the formalities for obtaining a residence visa through their employer.
However, it should be noted that the Emirati authorities retain full discretion to accept or refuse entry to foreign nationals into their territory. French nationals may be turned away upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates (particularly in Dubai) by border police and forced to return to their point of departure without compensation for expenses incurred (travel, hotel, etc.). Although no formal reason is given to the travelers concerned, these decisions, which are not subject to appeal, are part of the preventive measures taken by the local authorities in the area of security, in the context of the fight against terrorism.
Warning: Local authorities refuse to issue residence visas to people who are HIV-positive or have tuberculosis or hepatitis B. If any of these conditions are discovered, the individuals concerned will be immediately expelled from the country. See also the "Health" section of this fact sheet.
In order to cover the very high hospitalisation and healthcare costs in the United Arab Emirates, it is strongly recommended that you take out an assistance contract or insurance policy covering all medical expenses (surgery, hospitalisation, etc.) and medical repatriation, otherwise you may not have access to care, even in a life-threatening emergency. These costs cannot under any circumstances be covered by the French embassy or consulate general in the country. In the event of non-payment, travelers will be prevented from boarding their return flight at the end of their stay.
The hospital system in the United Arab Emirates is modern. French or French-speaking doctors practice in many medical centers and hospitals, whose contact details can be provided, if necessary, by the French Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai.
Health recommendations
If necessary, consult your doctor or an international vaccination center to assess your health and obtain health recommendations, particularly regarding vaccinations. You may also wish to consult your dentist before departure.
Put together a personal first-aid kit and only take the necessary medication with you; never take medication bought on the street (risk of counterfeits). For more information, see the Practical Information sheet.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory, but certain vaccinations are recommended; ensure that you are up to date with routine vaccinations as well as those related to all geographical areas visited.
Depending on local travel conditions, vaccinations against typhoid fever, meningitis, and viral hepatitis A and B may be recommended.
Health risks
MERS-CoV coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause a wide range of illnesses in humans, ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory disease. The most common symptoms are fever and lung infection.
There is no vaccine for MERS-CoV. Standard hygiene measures are recommended to limit the risk of transmission, in particular regular hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It is also advisable, as far as possible, to avoid crowds and large gatherings, contact with animals, particularly camels and dromedaries, and close contact with sick people. Consuming camel meat or camel milk is strongly discouraged.
If you experience a high fever, cough, and/or breathing difficulties while abroad, consult a doctor immediately. If you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms in the days following your return to France, call the emergency services (telephone: 15) and inform them of your travel history.
For further information, please visit the Coronavirus page and the websites of the Pasteur Institute and the World Health Organization.
Legionnaires' disease
Cases of Legionnaires' disease (respiratory infection) are possible, particularly for patients with lung disease. If you experience respiratory symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor promptly. More information is available on the dedicated page of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.
Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial disease linked to salmonella. Symptoms include high fever and digestive problems and require urgent medical attention as serious complications are possible. The usual precautions are recommended (see food hygiene).
HIV infection – STI
With regard to sexually transmitted infections, it is recommended that you take all the usual precautions and avoid risky behavior.
There is no serological test for tourists.
However, local authorities require proof of HIV-negative status and refuse to issue residence visas to people who are HIV-positive, have tuberculosis or hepatitis B, and immediately proceed to deport those who test positive for HIV.
Please refer to the following link.