UAE Travel Update: Pakistan to set up rapid PCR test counters for UAE-bound passengers at Karachi airport in two days

Mian Mujahid Shah, Gulf Today

To overcome the difficulties faced by Pakistan flyers to the UAE, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the counters for conducing rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 will become functional within two days at the Jinnah International Airport Karachi.

In a statement, the aviation authority said that the services of Pakistani laboratories accredited by the UAE authorities would be available at the Jinnah Airport four hours before the departure of passengers going abroad, adding that the fee of the rapid PCR tests would have to be paid by the passengers.

“The CAA is finalising all possible measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic,” the Pakistani authority further stated in a statement.

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The announcement came after hundreds of UAE-bound passengers were barred from travelling for not having a rapid PCR test at the airports, which is required to be conducted within four hours before the departure of the flight.

The Jinnah International Airport administration said that the rapid PCR test facility counters are being set up at the domestic lounge due to the non-availability of space at international lounge. It further said that the PCR test desks would continue to work 24 hours a day.

Earlier, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had said that it will set up mobile testing facilities at airports amidst Pakistani expatriates’ denial to fly to the UAE due to the non-availability of rapid test facilities.

The UAE authorities have allowed vaccinated stranded residents in India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda to return to the UAE.

The authorities have also urged residents to seek the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and GDRFA approvals before booking a flight to the UAE.

Users need to visit the Smart application on Apple devices and Google devices or by visiting the website http://smartservices.ica.gov.ae

GDRFA approval for Dubai visitors:https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitServiceForm.aspx

The authorities said that anyone who will arrive without the ICA approval will not be allowed to enter the country. 

The authorities also urged individuals and residents who have taken vaccine doses outside the country to register with the ICA “Vaccination Certificate” to return to the UAE.  

The authority said, “It should be noted that only UAE-approved vaccines will be accepted in the country. The approved certificates will appear in the AlHosnApp.”

Travellers and residents can start registering from Aug.15.

The application has the ability to include various data related to the travellers, including information about vaccination certificates.