Passengers carrying passports from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Uganda with UAE tourist visas can be accepted if they have not entered or been in those countries in the last 14 days, said Flydubai. Furthermore, the airlines company clarified that PCR requirements will vary and will be based on the country of departure.

Procedures for UAE residents and visitors arriving in Dubai:

 The carriage of UAE residents (holding valid Dubai-issued visas) to Dubai from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda will be permitted if the passengers meet the following conditions:

-      They must have a valid GDRFA approval to return to Dubai

-      They must be able to present a printed copy of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (displaying a QR code) in English or Arabic from a test taken in the country of departure by an approved health service no more than 48 hours prior to the departure of their inbound flight to Dubai

-      They must undergo a rapid PCR, RT PCR, ID NOW or molecular test for detection of nucleic acid for SARS COV2 at the airport within six hours of boarding the aircraft in their country of departure

-      They must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai

Additionally, Flydubai stated: “If you are a UAE resident, GCC citizen or visitor arriving in Dubai, regardless of where your journey originated, you must be able to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (from a test taken in the country of departure no more than 72 hours prior to the departure of your inbound flight to Dubai).”

Abu Dhabi travel

Etihad Airways stated that they will accept passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi from Pakistani airports of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Whereas flights were previously open to only transit passengers.

Passengers will be permitted to fly to Abu Dhabi as their final destination if they are:

-      Fully vaccinated residents of the UAE – passengers must have proof of having received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine within the UAE no less than 14 days before travel.

-      Medical personnel, education sector workers or students studying in the UAE.

-      Travelling for medical reasons.

-      Federal government agency workers.

Passengers can still travel to Abu Dhabi if they fall into these categories:

-      Diplomats.

-      UAE nationals.

-      Golden/silver visa holders.

In order to travel, passengers must have:

-      ICA approval (including submission of vaccination certificate where required). Once the passenger receives a green tick approval status from the ICA portal, no further action is required.

-      A negative PCR test – travelers should take their test a maximum of 48 hours before first flight departure time. The test must be taken at an approved lab in the origin city and must contain a QR code for verification.

-      A rapid PCR test taken within six hours of boarding at the airport. Rapid PCR tests must be taken at an airport facility. Any test taken outside of an airport facility will not be accepted. Passengers must arrive at the airport at least six hours before the flight to ensure that they receive their rapid test results in time.

-      A PCR test on arrival in the UAE.

Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi will be required to quarantine for 10 days and wear a medically approved wristband for the duration of the quarantine. The wristband will be provided by the authorities at Abu Dhabi airport after immigration. A PCR test must also be taken on arrival and on day nine.

Gulf News