Dubai has opened its doors for the travellers from July 2020. And ever since then, the emirate has been updating its entry requirements for the travellers. And now as per the latest update, travellers and residents will need a PCR test before they travel to Dubai. The update will come into play from Sunday, January 31 and here’s everything you need to know about it.
Also read: Dubai Announces New Covid-19 Rules: All You Need To Know
Passengers Now Have To Get A PCR Test Done 72 Hours Before The Travel
The new update will be a mandate for everyone. UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors will have to carry a pre-travel PCR test, wherever they are travelling. Initially, the test done 96 hours before was accepted in the emirate, but now you have to get the test done, 72 hours before the travel.
Also read: Abu Dhabi Approves Three New Covid Tests That Give Results In 20 Minutes
#Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis & Disaster Management announces updates to travel protocols effective from Sunday 31 Jan.
• UAE citizens will be required to do a PCR test only on arrival in Dubai regardless of the country they are coming from.https://t.co/UeYHPKTdo5 pic.twitter.com/n4ZTMTozpd— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 27, 2021
Rules For UAE Residents Returning To Dubai Have Not Changed
The announcement was shared by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. The new update is in line to ensure the safety of residents and visitors amid the sharp rise in the covid-19 cases in the country. The test should be taken regardless of where the travellers are travelling from.
Also read: UAE Announces Major Discounts For Vaccinated Residents
Besides this, people arriving from certain countries will also have to take additional tests on arrival in Dubai. Meanwhile, rules for UAE citizens returning to Dubai have not changed, and they will not have to have a PCR test before departure, regardless of the country they are coming. They will only need a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Rapid PCR or Rapid Antigen testing is now available at Dubai airports. The testing centres make it easier for those travelling from Dubai to countries that require pre-travel tests.