Revised protocols for air travel to Dubai

The Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai is all set to implement new rules for air travel from January 31. Travellers who arrive at the Dubai airport are expected to adhere to the three new additional protocols.

According to the latest measures, UAE residents, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) citizens and visitors have to take a PCR test prior to travel, irrespective of their country of departure. On the other hand, UAE citizens have to undergo a PCR test only after arrival in Dubai, no matter where they’re coming from. 

“Arrivals from some countries (based on the pandemic situation there) may be required to undergo an additional test when landing in Dubai,” the committee said, as per the tweet by Dubai Media Office on Wednesday.

#Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis & Disaster Management announces updates to travel protocols effective from Sunday 31 Jan.
• UAE citizens will be required to do a PCR test only on arrival in Dubai regardless of the country they are coming from.https://t.co/UeYHPKTdo5 pic.twitter.com/n4ZTMTozpd

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 27, 2021

Travellers to Dubai should keep in mind that the PCR test validity is now changed to 72 hours from the previous 96 hours. Therefore, UAE residents and those travelling to Dubai from other countries should carry a negative COVID-19 test report not older than 72 hours from the date of travel. 

A rapid PCR or rapid antigen test facility will be made available at the airport for passengers departing from Dubai, in case their destination country requires a pre-travel test. Those transiting through Dubai should also follow the stipulated protocols of the respective countries they’re travelling to.

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