Six countries now exempt from pre-flight PCR test under Dubai travel rules

Tourists from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman can take a PCR test on arrival

Tourists from Ukraine arrive at Dubai International Airport on flydubai flight on July 10. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The Covid-19 pandemic requires everyone to maintain hygiene protocols such as wearing a mask and social distancing. AFP

An Indian passenger carries a child as she waits for a repatriation flight from Dubai International Airport. AFP

Health workers test an Indian citizen at Dubai International Airport before he boards a repatriation flight. AFP

Medics screen passengers waiting to board repatriation flights at Dubai International Airport. AFP

Passengers heading for Dubai can now be tested for Covid-19 at a greater number of facilities after the Emirates airlines recognised more clinics outside the Pure Health network. Getty Images

Latest: Flydubai apologises as hundreds of Israeli passengers held up at Dubai airport

Airline passengers from four Gulf nations no longer need to show a negative coronavirus test before they board their flight to Dubai.

Arrivals from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman can get a PCR nasal swab at the city's two airports.

Last month, tourists from the UK and Germany were also exempted from pre-departure tests. Anyone tested on arrival must isolate in their hotel until they receive their results by text message or via the government's Covid-19 app.

Passengers from the six countries still have the option to take the test in their home country within 96 hours of departure.

People driving to Dubai from Oman are not exempt and must show a negative test result at the Hatta border crossing.

Dubai and the other emirates require passengers from most countries to carry negative test results. Antibody and home-testing kit results are not accepted.

Passengers must carry an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic. SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.

The above entry rules apply to passengers travelling from the countries listed below:

Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United States.

Passengers transiting in Dubai are not required to present a test certificate unless it is mandated by their country of origin or final destination.

Transit passengers, who have booked a hotel outside the airport, must present a negative PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.

Dozens more still require double testing – one before departure and a second test on arrival in the emirate.

They would leave the airport and quarantine in hotels or homes until results are ready.

Existing travel rules

Emiratis returning to Dubai were recently exempt from taking a PCR test prior to departure and were also tested on arrival.

UAE residents travelling from dozens of countries have the option to either present a negative test report taken 96 hours before departure or get screened on arrival in Dubai.

But residents from many countries, including Egypt, India, Pakistan and Philippines, need one test before departure and a second one on arrival in Dubai.

Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test.