Dubai Requires Negative PCR-RT Test For All Arrivals From January 31, 2021

Dubai has allowed passengers from certain countries to arrive without a negative Covid-19 PCR-RT test that is then performed at the airport. The passenger must have waited at the hotel until the test’s negativity has been confirmed (usually less than 24 hours).

Dubai will require all passengers, including QCC nationals, but excluding UAE ones, to have a negative PCR-RT test certificate not more than 72 hours old (from the test). Some citizens are required to test again upon arrival.

You can access the Emirates page for the information here and here.

Note that this requirement does not apply to transit passengers unless the destination country requires it.

Here’s the newsflash from the Emirates:

New requirement for Dubai arrivals from 31 Jan 2021

Last updated: 27 January 2021, 19:29 Dubai (GMT+4)

Effective 31 January 2021, all passengers arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to time of departure.

UAE nationals are exempt from the above, but will be required to take a PCR test on arrival at Dubai airport.

Passengers arriving into Dubai from certain countries will be required to take another PCR test on arrival at DXB.

Passengers transiting through Dubai must ensure that they comply with the entry requirements of their respective destination country.

Please visit our COVID19 information hub for details of the latest travel requirements.

Here’s more comprehensive information from Emirates:

New requirement for all passengers arriving in Dubai from 31 January 2021

Effective 31 January 2021, all passengers arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative PCR test certificate, for which the test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to time of departure.

UAE nationals are exempt from the above, but will be required to take a PCR test on arrival at Dubai airport.

Passengers arriving into Dubai from certain countries will be required to take another PCR test on arrival at DXB.

Passengers transiting through Dubai must ensure that they comply with the entry requirements of their respective destination country.

COVID 19 PCR test requirements for Dubai by country

The following entry rules apply to tourists travelling to Dubai from these countries and territories:

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

• Tourists must present a valid negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
• The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai.
• If you are taking a test before you depart, you must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.
• Passengers taking advantage of our Dubai Connect service who have booked a hotel outside the airport must present a valid negative COVID 19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 96 hours before departure.

The following entry rules apply to tourists travelling to Dubai from these countries and territories:

Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

• Tourists must take two COVID 19 PCR tests: one 72 hours prior to departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai.
• The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai.
• You must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.

If you are transiting in Dubai, you are not required to present a COVID 19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by your country of origin or final destination.

Test exemptions:

• Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test. There may be specific test exemptions in your country of origin and final destination. Please check the requirements before you travel.

COVID 19 testing laboratories:

• The UAE government has specified designated laboratories. You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID 19 PCR test.
• If you are flying from India, Pakistan, Nigeria or Bangladesh , you must get your certificate from one of the labs listed in the designated laboratories document to be accepted on the flight.

When you arrive

• You may need to take another COVID 19 PCR test on arrival. If you take a test at the airport, you must remain in your hotel or residence until you receive the test result.
• If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
• You must also download the COVID19 – DXB Smart App iOS Android
• We offer free, automatic cover for your COVID 19 health and quarantine costs while you’re away from home. Find out more.

Conclusion

Dubai has allowed tourism arrivals from select countries without any advance Covid-19 PCR-RT tests, but this will change from January 31, 2021, when all passengers terminating in the city need to provide one to board the flight.

The coronavirus infections in the UAE are on the rising path, likely partially due to tourism arrivals.