Tests on arrival but no pre-departure PCR tests needed for travellers to Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways’ testing rules have changed following the UAE's relaxation of Covid-19 rules

Following the UAE's updated PCR rules for travellers, Etihad no longer requires passengers to have a negative PCR test before boarding if fully vaccinated. Photo: Etihad

Travellers flying with Etihad Airways no longer need to provide a negative PCR test result before boarding flights to the UAE if they are fully vaccinated.

An updated announcement from the national airline of the UAE came on Saturday evening.

Earlier in the day, Etihad had said passengers should still have a negative PCR test to fly to the emirates.

Now, this requirement has been scrapped

Fully-vaccinated travellers to Abu Dhabi no longer need to present a PCR test when boarding Etihad flights. All arriving passengers will continue to undergo a PCR test on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

No further follow-up PCR tests are required for tourists arriving in the UAE capital.

Etihad has updated testing rules for travellers to Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

“We warmly welcome this move by the UAE authorities to make travelling to and from Abu Dhabi and the UAE even easier, while maintaining a safe environment,” said Terry Daly, executive director guest experience, brand and marketing at Etihad Airways.

“Abu Dhabi has built a reputation for delivering a robust response to the pandemic with high vaccination rates and a comprehensive approach to health and safety measures.”

“Similarly, through the Etihad Wellness programme, we’ve ensured a healthy in-flight environment with fully vaccinated crew to look after our guests on board. With this in mind, we look forward to welcoming more and more visitors to enjoy our beautiful home and sunny climate throughout the year” said Daly.

An update on Etihad’s website confirms that PCR tests are not required for travel to Abu Dhabi.

Children under 16 remain exempt from needing a negative PCR test when flying with Etihad, unless it's a requirement of their final destination.

Etihad was the first airline in the world to require all passengers to have a negative PCR test for travel during the pandemic.

It implemented the rule in August 2020 as part of its safety measures put in place to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 via air travel.

Travellers flying to Dubai with Emirates need only have a negative PCR test result to board flights when their final destination requires it.

Unvaccinated travellers need PCR tests to fly to the UAE

Travellers who have not been vaccinated for Covid-19 need a negative PCR test result to fly to the UAE. AFP

Unvaccinated travellers flying to the UAE need to continue to show a negative PCR test conducted within 48 hours of departure, or a recovery certificate with a QR code proving they have recovered from the virus within a month of the date of travel.

Abu Dhabi has also scrapped its green list of countries for travel and removed quarantine for international travellers.

Top post-pandemic destinations for UAE travellers: in pictures

1. Dubai topped the list of destinations for UAE travellers. All photos: Unsplash

2. Abu Dhabi ranks second.

3. Switzerland is the international destination UAE travellers have the highest impression of.

4. Singapore was the second-top international destination in the YouGov survey.

5. Fifth-ranked Canada.

6. The Maldives ranked sixth overall, and the fourth-best international destination.

7. Still tightly sealed to tourists, Japan is the seventh most coveted destination for UAE residents.

8. The UK may drop passenger locator forms for foreign travellers in April.

9. Germany scored 23.2 in the survey.

10. South Korea rounded up the list with a score of 21.8.