Travelers from the subcontinent are no longer subjected to Covid PCR tests..!!

The UAE airlines no longer require the rapid PCR test for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and Sri Lankans at the airport. The list of these airlines includes Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates, the budget carrier flydubai, Sharjah's low-cost airline Air Arabia and Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways. 

Further, some airlines from the Indian Subcontinent have confirmed to the media that rapid PCR tests are no longer required for passengers from the four subcontinental countries.

Here is an updated guide for passengers travelling from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to different parts of the UAE, related to PCR testing for Covid-19 as well as approvals by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA).

These new rules are not only being implemented by UAE carriers, but also by airlines from the subcontinent.

Passengers from the Indian Subcontinent to Dubai:

Passengers flying on Emirates and other airlines to Dubai should follow the following guidelines:

1. A negative Covid 19 PCR test certificate with a QR code is required

2. Ideally, the test should have been performed within 48 hours, and its validity should be measured from when the sample was collected

3. Obtain a PCR test from an approved health facility

4. A rapid PCR test is no longer required at the airport six hours before departure.

5. Covid 19 PCR tests will be required of passengers arriving at Dubai International Airport from the Indian Subcontinent.

6. Residents must obtain approval from GDRFA or ICA before departing.

7. In addition, passengers with a newly-issued residence or employment visa, short-stay or long-stay visa, golden visa, investor or partner visa, visit visa or visa on arrival are exempt from the approval process

Passengers arriving in Sharjah:

Passengers flying to the emirate of Sharjah from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are required to comply with the following requirements:

1. PCR test for Covid-19 within 48 hours of flight arrival

2. PCR test results should include a QR code

3. At the time of check-in, passengers must present a copy of the test report

4. Perform another PCR test upon arrival

5. It is no longer necessary for passengers to conduct rapid PCR tests at the airport six hours before departure

6. PCR tests are not required for children under 16 years of age

7. Prior approval by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security

Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi:

Here are guidelines for passengers traveling by Etihad Airways and other airlines from the Indian subcontinent to UAE capital:

1. PCR test must be negative 48 hours before flight departure

2. A QR code must be included in the test result

3. No travel will be permitted for passengers without a negative Covid-19 PCR test

4. The PCR test is not administered to children under 12 and persons with severe or moderate disabilities

5. According to the Etihad Airways website, rapid PCR tests are not required six hours before departure

6. Before departing, passengers must obtain approval from ICA

Also read: Enter To UAE Easily Through GDRFA Return Permit Service - ICA Approval