One of the most stringent requirements for those departing from the Indian subcontinent to Dubai and other UAE airports has been the requirement to do a second Rapid-PCR test just six hours before boarding the flight to UAE. This requirement has led to crowds at the airport and of course, people paying more than they need to pay for travelling to the middle eastern emirate, for tourism or earning their livelihood.

Dubai Airport notifies new requirements to enter Dubai

Till so far, arriving in Dubai from India and other South Asian countries had three medical tests required for it:

• An RT-PCR negative test report (with a valid QR code), with the sample collected within 48 hours.
• A Rapid-PCR conducted at the airport within 6 hours of flight departure.
• A free on-arrival RT-PCR at Dubai Airport (and quarantine till you receive your negative test result).

As of February 22, 2022, these requirements have been changed, and the Rapid-PCR test at the airport is no longer required for departing to Dubai (it might be still needed for the other emirates). This information is based on an email alert sent out from the Dubai Airport management to travel agents.

The requirements do not reflect on the Dubai Airport or the Emirates website just yet, but a pilot was conducted out of Kolkata airport a couple of days ago to this effect.

This has also been confirmed by Emirates in a trade bulletin sent out today.

The new requirement for arrival in Dubai, then, is:

• An RT-PCR negative test report (with a valid QR code), with the sample collected within 48 hours.
• A free on-arrival RT-PCR at Dubai Airport (and quarantine till you receive your negative test result).

Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and RAK are the other airports in the UAE which have removed this requirement. Here is a trade circular from IndiGo ascertaining this move for Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

And here is one from Air Arabia which operates from Sharjah and RAK.

Bottomline

Effective February 22, 2022, 8 AM UAE Time (9:30 AM India Time), arrivals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and RAK will no longer require a rapid PCR test prior to boarding the flight from India. Only an RT-PCR negative test report within 48 hours of departure and an on-arrival RT-PCR test at Dubai Airport (free of cost) will be required.

Are you flying to the UAE on or after February 22, 2022, from India? Do share your experiences. 

(H/T Avinash Adnani)

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