New Regulations for Travelling to Dubai

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The Dubai International Airport has announced significant changes in its pre-departure PCR test requirements for international passengers traveling to Dubai.  Earlier, passengers travelling from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia had to present a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate taken within 96 hours. Travellers from GCC will no longer be required to show a negative PCR test result before flying to Dubai. Passengers can now take the test 96 hours before departure in their country of origin or choose to get a complimentary test at the Dubai International Airport or the Al Maktoum.

Phased Changes

This easing of restrictions is solely limited to those traveling by air. Passengers from the same countries, who are traveling by road are not privy to such a leeway. They will have to take the PCR test 96 hours from the day the test before their departure was taken.  Travellers coming from other countries including Greece, Philippines, Russia, and Lebanon have to undergo a second test upon arrival at Dubai. Most travellers from the European, American, and Asian countries have to present a Covid-19 PCR test certificate valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before the departure. Moreover, the passengers have to present a polymerase chain reaction test certificate as an antibody test will not suffice. The regulations also stated that a SMS or digital certificate is not accepted by the Dubai airport authorities. An official printed certificate in English or Arabic is mandatory.

Exemptions and Other Requirements

The Dubai International Airport has also specified that there are certain exemptions from such rules. Children under the age of 12 and passengers with moderate to severe disabilities are exempted from such testing. Moreover, for passengers with a connecting flight at Dubai, also have to submit a declaration form to the staff at check-in. The form can also be downloaded and filled-in prior to one’s arrival at the airport.  In case a passenger tests positive in the second PCR test conducted upon arrival, he will have to self-isolate and follow the Dubai Health Authority regulations. The Covid19-DXB Smart app has to be downloaded on one’s iOS or Android device before commencing travel.