UAE has made it mandatory for all the incoming passengers – both transit and inbound, irrespective of the country - to get Covid-19 PCR tests done. It is applicable to all Emiratis, residents, and tourists.

The decision to get prior testing done for all the passengers entering the country will be applicable from August 1. This will be done without affecting the mandatory testing protocols which are to be followed by the travelers on arrival at the country’s airports.

The joint statement that was released by the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority, NCEMA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) says that all the passengers that are traveling through UAE’s airports to UK and European Union countries, and other nations have to get the require PCR tests done before boarding respective planes.

The announcement is as per country’s efforts to ensure health and safety of its citizens and residents and curbing the spread of novel coronavirus.

People who would be exempted from the testing requirement include children below 12 years of age and those with moderate to severe disabilities. The testing requirement has a validity of 96 hours from testing date.

NCEMA and MOFAIC have stressed on the essentiality that these requirements must be strictly followed by all airlines operating in the United Arab Emirates. 

WAM