Dubai exempts GCC countries, UK and Germany from pre-flight PCR tests

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In an extraordinary move, Dubai has exempted all passengers arriving from four GCC countries from prior COVID-19 PCR tests.

The Dubai Airports authorities said the travellers would undergo a test when they arrive in the emirate’s airport.

Passengers would be asked to take a complimentary COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

UAE’s leading airline Emirates gave details of the process.

Emirates said on its website, “All passengers arriving in Dubai from the GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are not required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test prior to departure.”

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

It also said, “You can opt to do the test on arrival at Dubai International Airport. This is not applicable to passengers arriving by road through the Hatta border, who must take the PCR test 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.”

Emirates also said, “The test on arrival in Dubai also applies to passengers travelling from the United Kingdom and Germany.”

However, passengers still have the option of taking the test 96 hours before departure in their country of origin.

Emirates clarified that COVID‑19 PCR test requirement rules would apply to tourists travelling to Dubai from other countries and territories.

•    Tourists must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.
•    The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai.
•    If you are taking a test before you depart, you must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.
•    If you are transiting in Dubai from the countries listed above, you are not required to present a COVID‑19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by your country of origin or final destination.
•    Passengers who wish to avail Dubai Connect, and have booked a hotel outside the airport, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.  

Dubai-based budget airline flydubai also said, “If you are a tourist or visitor arriving in Dubai, and your journey originated in a GCC country, you only need to take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.”

flydubai also said that if your journey originated in the UK or Germany, you have the option of taking a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.