Travellers from these 3 countries are exempted from PCR tests at Dubai airport

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

Dubai based Emirates Airline has eased PCR test requirement for travellers from three countries staring Sept. 4.

The airline said on its website, “Effective 4 September, passengers travelling from Austria, Maldives and Oman will no longer be required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.”

The PCR test has been put up as a mandatory requirement by the airline after the emergence of the COVID-19 variants in the past few months.

The move is to ensure utmost safety of passengers and travellers with Emirates.

The airline said that GDRFA/ ICA approval is not required for tourists travelling to the UAE.

But passengers must follow the requirements to travel to Dubai hassle free.

The authorities said that a negative PCR test certificate with a QR code must be presented to the airline staff within 48 hours from the time of the sample.

The airline directs all travellers to conduct a rapid PCR test at the departure airport within six hours of departure.

Test exemptions:

—Citizens of the UAE are exempt from COVID-19 PCR test before flying to Dubai. This is also covers passengers traveling with family members or domestic servants of First Degree UAE citizens.

—Children under 12 and passengers with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from RT-PCR testing for COVID-19.

—Moderate or severe disability includes neurological disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities.

—Passengers who are visually, hearing or physically impaired.