Travel & Tourism
No need of rapid Covid PCR test for passengers flying to Dubai from 22nd Feb
No need of rapid Covid PCR test for passengers flying to Dubai from 22nd Feb
With the relaxations in COVID curbs, passengers to Dubai are no more needed to undergo COVID-19 rapid test at the airport. The authorities have lifted the mandate in view of the decline in the COVID-19 cases. However, the negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours is still needed to travel to Dubai. The exemption of rapid test came into effect from Tuesday onwards.
There is no exemption from the requirement to carry an RTPCR negative result taken within 48 hours from an accredited lab. Currently, the Rapid Test is only available at Dubai Airport. However, a rapid test is mandatory for travelling to other emirates in the UAE.
There will be a PCR test upon arrival at Dubai Airport. The traveller should be in quarantine until the result is obtained. The results will be available in 6 to 12 hours. Many expatriates fail in rapid test at the airport even after testing negative in the RTPCR test 48 hours before the journey. The latest exemption in the rule will help the passengers to such hurdles in the airport.
In an updated circular sent to travel agents and airlines, authorities have not specified the requirement for the rapid test at the departure airports of four countries within six hours of the flight.
According to the circular, effective February 22, passengers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka need a negative result of a PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel. They also need to undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Passengers are required to self-quarantine till they get their test results. The circular does not mention the rapid PCR test requirement.
