On Thursday Abu Dhabi introduced new regulations as part of the entry permit into the country. As per the new clause, individuals would need to produce two tests, one a negative COVID-19 PCR-test with a six-day validity, along with a negative laser-based or DPI test. Otherwise, the passengers trying to gain entry in the city can also present negative result on a PCR-test with 48-hour validity.

The new entry restrictions, announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, have come into effect from Thursday, August 27. These were part of the emirate’s massive health drive focused on curbing the spread of the pandemic virus and keeping the infection cases to the minimum as much as possible.  

As per the announcement, “The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in cooperation with the Department of Health, approves two tests to enter the emirate effective 27 August 2020, enhancing precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.”

Abu Dhabi imposed entry restrictions in May, right after the nationwide lockdown was partially lifted to repatriate people to their respective nations and bring back its own citizens. As per the earlier clause, travellers had to present negative PCR-tests to gain entry. Also until Thursday, a negative DPI test result was enough to gain entry for the ones belonging to the age group of 12 years and above. But as per the new regulation, now they also need to provide a supporting PCR-test.

DPI testing, which shows results within minutes, and are far less expensive than the Dh370 PCR-test, was introduced as a means of rapid testing for those aged 12 years and older. The test costing Dh50 is now available at five centres in Abu Dhabi Emirate, and six centres outside the emirate.

The other option which the travellers have is that to show a PCR-test. If they present a negative result, on the basis of that test they can directly enter Abu Dhabi by presenting the test at the border for the next 48 hours.

The authorities also mentioned that people travelling to Abu Dhabi can also take a DPI test at the border, and if they test negative, they would get entry. This option is available for up to the next four days. However, the authorities added PCR-test results are mandatory to present as without showing a PCR-test result with six-day validity, commuters would not be allowed to enter the emirate.