UAE Scraps Predeparture PCR-RT For Fully Vaccinated (Arrival One In Abu Dhabi & None In Dubai)

United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to Emirates (Dubai) and Etihad (Abu Dhabi), has made changes to the Covid-19 counter measurements effective today that both Dubai and Abi Dhabi have adopted, although slightly differently.

Fully vaccinated visitors no longer need a predeparture test to fly to Dubai or Abu Dhabi (February 26, 2022). Dubai has also scrapped arrival test requirement that has been in place from select destinations. However, Abu Dhabi continues to test all arrivals.

You can access Emirates here and Etihad here.

The negative predeparture PCR-RT test requirement stays for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated visitors.

Entry Requirement per Emirates to Dubai:

Requirements for all passengers arriving in Dubai

Effective 26 February 2022, passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must fulfil one of the below requirements

1. Present a valid vaccination certificate(s) reflecting that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and includes a QR code System; or
2. Present a valid Negative Covid 19 Test certificate that should be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS COV 2 viral RNA, that is issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection and issued by an approved health service provider, with a QR code System; or
3. Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Cov 19 within a period of one 1 month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival, with a QR code System

If requested, passengers must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai and self quarantine until they receive a negative result. In the event the passenger tests positive, then they should follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.

Note that printed or digital PCR test certificates or vaccination certificates, are accepted in English or Arabic and must include a QR Code. SMS certificates are not accepted. COVID 19 PCR Test or Vaccination certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the departure point.

For Transit Passenger(s), the rules and conditions for entry at the final destination will apply.

Entry Requirements per Etihad to Abu Dhabi for fully vaccinated:

No quarantine and tests on arrival

• Free test on arrival in Abu Dhabi airport – after baggage collection
• No quarantine

Dubai Media Office

In line with In line with @NCEMAUAE’s announcements, Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai announces easing of COVID-19 precautionary measures in the emirate starting Sat 26 Feb 2022. 1/3

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 25, 2022

Abu Dhabi Media Office (Etihad!)

Good news! No PCR test needed to fly to Abu Dhabi if you are fully vaccinated, hold a COVID-19 recovery certificate or are under 16 years old.

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) February 26, 2022

Conclusion

So, visitors to Dubai only need to ensure that they are fully vaccinated, and the proof of vaccination is included on the QR code like is the case with the EU’s Digital Covid Certificate.

It is unclear what happens to visitors from the US that only have a card with vaccination info but without this QR? Are they required to have a predeparture PCR-RT test?

All visitors entering the UAE through Abu Dhabi will be tested, but there is no predeparture test requirement if fully vaccinated.

Let’s hope that soon more countries only have vaccination requirement without time-consuming and expensive Covid-tests, as I need to do both antigen (Brazil) and PCR-RT (Chile) in the coming week.