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Travellers To Dubai From These 5 Countries No Longer Need A Pre-Departure PCR Test

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Travellers To Dubai From These 5 Countries No Longer Need A Pre-Departure PCR Test

Dubai Airports have received a new travel update from the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre. As per the new rule, all passengers arriving from GCC countries are not required to conduct PCR test before departure. The rules applies to passengers landing at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The new rule is effective immediately.

Also read: Oman To Charge Travellers For Transit From January 1, 2021

UAE PCR test price
Pic Credit: WSJ

Emirates & Fly Dubai Have Also Updated The Same On Their Websites

As per the latest update on Emirates’ website, all passengers arriving in Dubai from GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman need not take a Covid-19 PCR test prior to departure. The notice further said that passengers can do the test upon arrival at Dubai International Airport. On that note, UAE Slashes PCR Test Price To AED 85 From AED 150. 

However, Emirates further clarified that the new rule is not applicable to passengers arriving by road. Travellers entering Dubai through the Hatta border, must take the PCR test 96 hours before departure.

Also read: UAE Frontline Workers Can Enjoy FREE Entry To Qasr Al Hosn & Louvre Abu Dhabi Until April 2021

Fly Dubai also posted similar updates. The airline said that UAE residents, tourists and visitors arriving in Dubai from GCC countries can take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai. The site also states that passengers who take the test in Dubai must quarantine until they receive the results. Besides, travelers must also download the COVID19 – DXB Smart App and register with the Dubai Health Authority prior to arrival in Dubai. Those who test positive must quarantine for 14 days.

Until recently, only UAE nationals arriving from GCC countries were exempt from the pre-departure Covid test. Passengers transiting in Dubai from the GCC countries also were not required to present a COVID 19 PCR test certificate. However, they must undergo the test if it is mandated by their country of origin or final destination.

 UAE residents travelling from GCC countries already had the option to present a negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 before departure. Alternatively, they could also take the COVID 19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai. However, tourists had to present a negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate that was valid for 96 hours before departure.

Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from the COVID-19 PCR test.

Also read: Air Arabia Announces Free Covid-19 Global Cover For Passengers Boarding Flights From Sharjah and Abu Dhabi