Schools in the UAE will take a break next week, as the holiday season begins on October 17 for more students across the country. And with the UAE announcing a public and private sector holiday on October 21, it looks like people will be preparing for the moment.
This year, many families have lost their summer holidays due to the Covid-19 epidemic, so taking a short break can be one way to get your feet back on track.
However, planning a trip is now more complicated than just booking a flight with your hotel. You also need to consider any travel restrictions on coronavirus available at your destination, as well as entry rules for vaccinated and vaccinated passengers, including children.
But just because it is more complex does not mean that it cannot be done. If you are thinking of taking a vacation, here are 11 places with easy travel restrictions and flight times of no more than five hours from the UAE, making it a good choice for a short break.
If you are happy about not going through the epidemic, there is a lot to see and do right here in the UAE, too, from visiting Expo 2020 Dubai to hunting in Ras Al Khaimah or enjoying living among the natural mangroves of Abu Dhabi.
1. Oman
Why should you go? For the closest international flight home, Oman is also an option. The sultanate has reopened the uninhabited hosted tourists, meaning the old town of Muscat and corniche, the lush green hills of Salalah and the majestic Hajar Mountains are ready to explore again.
In the capital, enjoy the rugged and bustling coastline of Mutrah Souq, and relax at one of the luxury hotels, including The Chedi Muscat or W Muscat. Go to Nizwa to see the historic castle, or continue on to Mussanah, a cool coastal town.
Jebel Akhdar\’s limestone peaks are some of the highest in Oman, and there are amazing resorts here that offer spectacular stone views, astronomical experiences and beautiful temperatures in October. Try Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort with high mountain comfort. Or head south to Shalah, where you can see dolphins, visit the incense museum and enjoy the thriving marine life in the Gulf of Oman.
How long does it take to get there? If you fly, it takes more than an hour to get to Muscat from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Fairs with Etihad Airways start at Dh1,451 ($ 395) from the capital or travel with Oman Air from Dubai for Dh1,455. If you want to drive, it\’s about a four-hour drive to Muscat from Dubai, depending on the traffic line and the border control line. Not all checkpoints are open to visitors in this category, and you still need to be vaccinated and have a negative PCR test to pass land crossings.
What do I need to do before I leave? Oman is open to fully vaccinated tourists. Visitors should receive both doses of the known vaccine at least 14 days before departure. Passengers must also upload their vaccination certificate and PCR testing certificate, both of which contain QR codes, to the Oman\’s tourist authorization program before taking the trip. Find out more about traveling to and from Oman here.
2. Cyprus
Why should you go? The Mediterranean island is very hospitable and is packed with endless archeological sites, beautiful coastal towns, and pristine beaches. To the west of the island, the Paphos region has the longest coastline in the country with beaches of its entire length. The Tilliria Forests cross paths and are lined with picnic areas and the city of Paphos is also worth a visit with its many bars, restaurants and hotels built near the remains of history, some of which have been inherited by Unesco.
A visit in October will give you the opportunity to catch the end of the summer season in Cyprus, which is the perfect time for a holiday hike or a mountain bike ride. The days are warm, the evenings cool and the summer crowds are low, so you will be able to experience the beauty of the island without any problems.
How long does it take to get there? When flying from Dubai via the Emirates, travelers check the flight time of about four hours. The fee starts at about Dh2,000.
What do I need to do before I leave? The UAE is currently labeled as orange by the Cypriot authorities, which means that vaccinated travelers do not need to undergo a PCR test before flying there. Uninvolved vacationers are welcome, but must have a PCR test at least 72 hours before the trip; children under the age of 12 are exempted from testing. All travelers must apply for an entry permit at least 24 hours before departure, via Cyprus Flight Pass.
3. Egypt
Why should you go? Graves covered with sand, ancient pyramids, the Nile River and the bustling souqs await Egypt. Coastal cities offer a retreat, and maritime life in the Red Sea of Egypt worth checking out, or go to the cool vibes of Dahab before returning to the capital to capture the chaos of Cairo.
On a historic diving trip, head to Luxor. The city listed on the Unesco World Heritage is separated by the Nile River and is home to several temples and tombs, including the famous pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Hatshepsut that can be found at the bottom of The Bank\’s West Bank.
October is a great time to visit as there is still plenty of sunlight, but the weather is a little cool so exploring ancient temples, hiking on rocky streets or visiting the Great Sphinx of Giza will be a lot of fun.
How long does it take to get there? Most flights operate between the UAE and Egypt. Flight times are approximately three and a half hours in the Egyptian capital, with the lowest prices available in this term terminal from Dh943 via Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
What do I need to do before I leave? Unscrupulous travelers arriving in Egypt will need to demonstrate the adverse effects of a PCR test issued within 72 hours of departure; however, children under the age of 6 are exempt from testing. Vaccinated passengers are also relieved of this pre-flight test. All travelers to Egypt must also complete a health declaration form that will be distributed to passengers on their flights.
4. Georgia
Why should you go? With autumn colors and cool temperatures, Georgia in October is a good choice. Known for its mountains, ancient cities, and rich culture, not to mention its delicious food, Georgia enjoys temperate temperatures from September to November.
Visitors can expect a different take on the UAE climate with rain showers, ponds, fallen leaves, pumpkins and more. In the capital city of Tbilisi, shop in the Old City, visit the sulfur baths and try the long line 270 meters above Georgia\’s National Botanical Garden.
How long does it take to get there? Your best bet on arriving in Georgia is to fly from Dubai.
What do I need to do before I leave? Georgia is open to vaccinated passengers from the UAE without the need for further testing. Uninvited visitors must have a Covid-19 PCR test 72 hours before arrival, and will need to undergo a follow-up test on day 3. All guests must also complete this application form.
5. The Maldives
Why should you go? Tropical islands, evergreen palm trees, pristine waters and clear lakes – the Maldives are very much in demand for bucket lists when it comes to holidays.
October is the wettest month in the tropical Indian Ocean, so go for it if you don\’t mind other hot showers and high humidity. However, it is also the last month of the Maldives surfing season and the last time in the year is guaranteed to see the beauty of whale sharks and manta rays. The setting of one-resort-per-island also makes it a good choice to stay the longest in the community.
How long does it take to get there? A four-hour rapid flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives, leaves the UAE. Flydubai has flights from Dubai to Male from Dh3,281; Emirates funding starts from Dh3,566; and from Abu Dhabi you can fly by Etihad for Dh3,500.
From the Maldivian capital your travel time depends on where you live – some resorts are available by short boat ride, others include long sea trips. Many resorts will arrange for transfers, although this will always be at an additional cost.
What do I need to do before I leave? Visitors flying to the Maldives need adverse PCR test results, which can be taken more than 96 hours before the trip. However, if you live on any of the islands and resorts where at least 90 percent of the population is vaccinated, you may be relieved of the need for a negative PCR test before you leave – check your accommodation before you leave. Only children under the age of 1 are exempt from general examination rules and all travelers must complete a traveler\’s health declaration form at least 24 hours prior to travel.
6. Jordan
Why should you go? Home to Petra, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, the Jordan has amazing natural treasures and ancient archaeological sites, along with the warm Bedouin hospitality.
Spend a few days in the capital Amman, a place of art and culture and entertainment for foodies, and head to the red rocky city of Petra – the Jordan Stone and the ancient seat of the Nabataean Empire. Stay with the locals in the Ward Rum Desert, cross plains like Mars, or go for a look at the stars in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and head to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where floating in the water does not work.
To the south, check out the new Aqaba water park, the largest in the country and where the October temperatures remain warm enough to dive into the sea.
How long does it take to get there? The Royal Jordanian has direct flights from Dubai to Amman from Dh1,300 in this quarter, or flights with the Etihad from Abu Dhabi on a flight from Dh1,479.
What do I need to do before I leave? All travelers fleeing the Jordan are required to complete this declaration form. Visitors also need a negative PCR test, which can take more than 72 hours before arriving in the country. Vaccinated travelers vaccinated in selected countries, including the UAE, do not need to undergo a PCR test before departure once they have completed the full known vaccination course. Visitors should also have insurance that covers any Covid-19 treatment regimen.
7. Turkey
Why should you go? The land to which the East meets the West has reopened the travelers and offers a historically rich area full of delicious food, mountain peaks and beautiful beaches, not to mention the thriving city of Istanbul – the only major city on two continents.
Given its size and geographical geographical location, there are varied climates across the country in October, but many parts of Turkey continue to enjoy warmer temperatures and a bit of sunlight. Head to the southern Mediterranean coast for some beautiful beach vacations, or explore the open streets of Istanbul where you will experience the sunshine mixed with the cool evening air. If you are a fan of UAE Hotel Addresses, you can book a stay at the newly opened Istanbul Address.
How long does it take to get there? Four and a half hours will take you to the new Istanbul airport from the UAE. Go by flydubai from Dubai for Dh1,629, or fly by UAE national airline – Etihad return to Istanbul starts from Dh1,610.
What do I need to do before I leave? Passengers are required to complete a details form at least 72 hours before flying to Turkey. You can find it here. Vaccinated travelers who have received their final dose of Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in Turkey do not need to submit PCR test results.
Unvaccinated travelers should show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or a quick antigen test performed within 48 hours. Children under the age of 11 are exempted from testing. Travelers from Brazil, South Africa, Nepal and Sri Lanka cannot fly to Turkey at this time.
8. Seychelles
Why should you go? Containing more than a hundred islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles identifies anyone who enjoys some of the world\’s most beautiful beaches, rocky areas, giant tortoises and Unesco heritage sites.
With an altitude of 30 degrees and seven hours of sunshine a day in October, the islands are also a delight for aquatic children because of its pristine marine life and untouched underground land. This month is actually the beginning of the rainy season, but don\’t let that hold you back – nothing like a few tropical showers that will bring out the lush vegetation of the island.
Once on the island of Praslin, do not miss the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, one of the only two places in the world where coco de mer or the sea coconut plant grows.
How long does it take to get there? From the UAE to the Seychellois capital of Mahe, the flight time is four and a half hours. From Abu Dhabi, fly with the Etihad with a fare from Dh2,820. From Dubai, the Emirates will also get you there, but the fare starts from Dh3,232.
What do I need to do before I leave? Negative PCR testing taken 72 hours before departure is required for all visitors including infants and children, regardless of immunization status. Travelers must also have effective health insurance to cover Covid-19-related costs such as isolation, separation and treatment.
No visa is required to enter the Seychelles, but each visitor must apply for a Health Travel Authorization permit to visit Seychelles.govtas.com, for a fee of € 10 ($ 12) per person.
9. Uganda
Why should you go? If you want to go on an adventure, consider leaving Uganda for this half term. \”Pearl of Africa\” offers wildlife safaris where you can see all the \”Big Five\” species and more than a thousand species of birds. Then there are the lovely mountain gorillas living in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, accessible only by a strictly controlled trek.
If you would like to be in the water, there are options for boating, boating, rafting and kayaking across the Nile, Lake Victoria basin and many other rivers and wetlands. And if you want to get away from it all, head for the unspoiled northern tip of the country to enjoy the untouched wilderness in lesser-known parks such as Kidepo.
By October, the rains are starting to return, but there are still plenty of wildlife on display and temperatures remain pleasant.
How long does it take to get there? It is exactly five hours from Dubai to Entebbe with Uganda Airlines, which has just launched a new direct flight to Dubai. The economic cost starts from Dh1,450.
What do I need to do before I leave? Immunized and unvaccinated travelers can fly to Uganda. You will need a negative Covid-19 test not taken more than 72 hours before the flight, and this applies to all children over 3 years of age. When you arrive in Uganda, there will be another requirement for a PCR test at your own expense, at a cost of $ 65.
10. Bahrain
Why should you go? If you are looking for a few days away, neighboring Bahrain is a great way to change places. As well as a very short flight, the state offers a restored vibe, plenty of leisure resorts and a healthy culture of culture.
Enter The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain where you will have access to a private beach, lake and marina or enjoy a stay at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, where you can relax with hydrotherapy. The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay orders its own private island or try the stylish boutique hotel The Merchant House, where you will find a huge collection of artefacts and a library of over a thousand.
For a little culture, take a guided tour of the Al Fateh Grand Mosque and head back in time to Bahrain Fort. Don\’t miss out on a visit to the Bahrain National Museum, the largest public museum in the country, with beautiful collaborative exhibitions. If you are a fan of seafood, La Perle at the Novotel Al Dana Resort is a must visit for dinner and the bohemian area of Adria should also be a tour.
How long does it take to get there? The flight to Bahrain from Dubai and Abu Dhabi takes more than an hour. Emirates, flydubai, Gulf Air and Etihad all fly to the state via standard connectivity, but if you look at saving money and being able to travel light, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi\’s basic budget startup is about Dh220 – perfect for a couple of nights away from home.
What do you need to do before you leave? As long as you are fully vaccinated and receive the final dose of your vaccine at least 10 days before departure, you can fly to Bahrain without being confined alone. The Al Hosn App of the UAE is accepted as proof of your vaccine. You will have to deal with the arrival of Covid-19 at the airport, which will take you back to Dh330, but children under the age of 6 are exempt.
11. Armenia
Why should you go? If you crave fresh air, rich history and endless adventure, closed Armenia is a good choice. The fact that a friendly place to bag is an added bonus.
October is one of the best times to visit Armenia due to the autumn cycles, low temperatures and plenty of freshly harvested local products. Temperatures around the 20s are low and it is also a dry moon, with plenty of sky and sunlight.
In Yerevan, explore the neoclassical squares that line restaurants and wider areas under the shadow of Mount Ararat. Take a stroller ride, visit national parks, take a boat ride on Lake Sevan and spend time in museums and monuments to learn more about the shocking world history.
How long does it take to get there? A short three-hour flight from Dubai to Yerevan and a less expensive airline will get you a break from Dh1,062 in the economy.
What do I need to do before I leave? Travelers are required to show a valid Covid-19 PCR test certificate not issued more than 72 hours before arrival. Babies also need to be tested unless they are under 11 months old. Vaccinated travelers are exempted from testing and may present proof of vaccination. The second dose of the vaccine should be given at least 14 days before arrival.