Passengers Departing From UAE Must Produce A Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Passengers Departing From UAE Must Produce A Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate

Passengers departing from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports must produce a coves negative certificate prior to departure. The test must be done not more than 96 hours from the time of departure. Airlines will then collect the negative PCR test report at the check-in counter. The Covid test has now been made compulsory and a notice has been issued to all airlines. on that note, in case you’re planning to travel, here are 5 Destinations Under 6 Hours From The UAE That Are Now Welcoming Abu Dhabi Residents.

Rules For Passengers Departing From Abu Dhabi

Passengers leaving Abu Dhabi also need to show a negative Covid certificate. However, only two airlines have made the rules mandatory. Passengers leaving Abu Dhabi via Etihad must have a Covid-19 PCR test before you depart. The test can be done at any government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96-hours before your flight departure time. However,  Abu Dhabi Residents No Longer Need Entry Permit To Return To The UAE.

Only passengers who carry the Covid negative certificate will be permitted to fly. Travellers must print the results and submit the same during check-in. Similarly, Air India Express issued a notice to its passengers departing from Abu Dhabi. Travellers leaving Abu Dhabi via Air India Express need Covid-19 negative test result within 96-hours of departure. The new rule will be effective from 21 August.

#India2UAE: Your Ultimate 7-Step Guide To PCR Test & Approvals

1. Approvals

There has been a lot of confusion if residents traveling back to the UAE must secure approval from GDRFA or ICA. The UAE government has issued clarification on the same. Residents who are returning to Dubai or Sharjah from India, must get a valid pre-departure approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).

However, those entering Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, DO NOT NEED an approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Air India Express recently clarified the same on its website on 12 August.

Travellers can then update Emirates ID number, Passport number or citizenship number on this link: uaeentry.ica.gov.ae. However, this is optional for those wishing to verify the authenticity of their data and travel documents.

2. Covid-19 PCR Test

Residents travelling back to Sharjah, Dubai or Abu Dhabi must carry a valid negative covid-PCR test report. The test must not be older than 96 hours, prior to departure. Lastly, the test must be done only at an accredited lab.

3. Book A Return Ticket

Once you have completed the first two steps, you can book a return ticket to the UAE. ICA manages visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Meanwhile, UAE Announces One-Month Extension For Visitors With Expired Visas.

4. Submit The Negative Covid Test To The Airline

Before boarding, submit your negative covid test to the airline. This will then be checked based on the travel requirements. put out by the UAE government.

5. Take A Covid Lab Test On Arrival

All passengers must take a covid test upon arrival. The UAE airports have been conducting tests at the airports.

6. Download The Al Hosn Mobile App

All passengers arriving in the UAE must download the Al Hosn mobile app.

7. Abide By Quarantine Rules

All residents returning to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain must abide by a 14-day quarantine. Violating the rule can lead to a fine of AED 50,000.

Checklist Of Documents

  • Valid GDRFA approval for those travelling to Dubai
  • Negative PCR test result
  • Health and declaration forms to be filled upon arrival
  • Passport & a valid flight ticket

Until you can fly again, here are some weird virtual tours that you can take from across the world.