The tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend Expo 2020 next month will be required to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test result, organisers said Wednesday. 

The announcement comes as Dubai ramps up preparations for the world’s biggest in-person global event since the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year. The exhibition, which will run for six months from October 1, is expected to attract 30,000 visitors every month. 

Required to present proof that they have received a vaccine recognized by their country of origin are visitors aged 18 and above. Unvaccinated visitors can show a negative result of a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours, a statement said. 

People who are unable to show proof of vaccination or test result at the exposition’s entry point can still take a test at the PCR testing facility adjacent to the Expo 2020 Dubai site. The test is free of charge for holders of Expo 1-Day or Multi-Day Pass. 

UAE’s daily coronavirus infections have been on a decline, with the average daily case count averaging below 1,000 since late August. The Gulf state has rolled a series of initiatives that further ease travel restrictions to boost visitor arrivals. 

“The UAE continues to drive the global to drive the global tourism recovery, and Expo 2020 Dubai will be the only global gathering of this size and cultural diversity since the start of COVID-19, said Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai. 

“By updating our vaccination and testing requirements, we are opening up a world of discovery and education for every visitor from every corner of the planet, enabling the world to experience Expo 2020’s incredible offering in a safe and secure manner.” 

(Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria  ) 

Cleofe.maceda@refinitiv.com 

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