Returning UAE residents and tourists can arrive at Ras Al Khaimah International airport without prior approval from 15 October. Besides, the emirate has also become the world’s first destination to offer free Covid PCR test for all international visitors. However, all those entering the emirate, including residents, must undergo Covid screening at the airport, and carry a negative result before returning within a period not exceeding 96 hours.
Ras Al Khaimah Becomes First Emirate To Provide FREE Covid PCR Test For International Visitors
International tourists arriving in RAK can now get PCR test done for free. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), in partnership with RAK hospital, on 7 October announced free Covid test for international visitors. The emirate will provide free PCR testing to international visitors staying in and departing from Ras Al Khaimah until 31 December, 2020. Visitors can avail the free test either at RAK Hospital, one of the UAE’s most renowned private hospitals or RAK Medical Centre in Al Hamra Mall.
The partnership marks the Emirate as the first global destination to provide PCR testing free of charge for its international guests and visitors. Earlier, Ras Al Khaimah became the first city in the world to be certified as safe by Bureau Veritas. In addition, the Emirate was also the first to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp, due to extensive hygiene and security measures in place at its hotels and attractions. RAK also provided free COVID-19 PCR testing for hospitality staff across hotels in the emirate.
Arriving Residents & Tourists Must Carry Negative PCR Test Report
UAE residents and tourists can travel to Ras Al Khaimah without prior approval from October 15. All those entering the emirate must present a negative Covid-19 certificate. The test must be taken 96 hours before boarding the flight to RAK international airport. In addition, passengers must also undergo a PCR test upon arrival.
Tourists must also fill in a medical tourism form in addition to presenting the negative Covid-19 test certificate. Besides, Emirati citizens and residents will also be permitted to travel to any country scheduled from RAK, with all protocols in place.
RAK Rated Top Pick Of Domestic Travellers In 2021
A recent survey by dnata Travel revealed that Ras Al Khaimah as the top destination among domestic travellers, followed by Fujairah and Dubai. The survey revealed that 55% of residents picked Ras Al Khaimah as their first choice, while 91% opted to visit other emirates in 2021.
Well, with RAK offering pristine beaches, and thrilling adventure activities, it’s not surprising that the emirate is leading the way as a destination that domestic travellers want to see more of this year. The survey also revealed that 50% of UAE travellers preferred beach breaks as an ideal holiday next year. This was mainly because of the dire need for an outdoor holiday or an island escape.
RAK enjoyed a 5% increase in overall visitor arrivals from January to October last year, with a peak of 117,995 visitors in August 2019. RAK also offers flights to a num per of countries across the globe. A new flight route from RAK to Istanbul, Turkey, was inaugurated last year. In addition, RAK also offers routes to Prague, Moscow, Luxembourg, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Katowice, Poznan, Brno, Cairo, Calicut, Peshawar, Jeddah, Islamabad and Lahore.