PCR tests no longer required for vaccinated travellers entering and departing UAE

Fully vaccinated travellers and those with Covid-19 recovery certificates can now travel freely

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced that vaccinated travellers coming to the UAE no longer need to take a PCR test before arriving in the UAE.

On arrival, travellers must present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code for a WHO- or UAE-approved vaccine, while unvaccinated travellers still have to present an approved negative PCR test result received within 48 hours, or a QR code-accompanied certificate of recovery from a Covid-19 infection obtained within one month from the date of travel.

Likewise, vaccinated travellers departing from the UAE no longer need to take a PCR test to fly on local carriers Emirates, Etihad and Flydubai. Instead, they can now present their vaccination certificate at check-in – however, they will still have to follow any requirements in place at their destination.

A post on the Etihad Airways Instagram said: “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.”

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Dubai-based Emirates confirmed on its website that vaccinated tourists and residents travelling to Dubai now only need to present a valid vaccination certificate. Flydubai also updated its travel requirements for inbound and transit passengers arriving in Dubai stating that proof of vaccination was sufficient for travel.

The regulations surrounding mask-wearing in the UAE have also been relaxed. Though masks remain mandatory in public indoor spaces, they are now optional outdoors. 

In addition, quarantine is no longer required for those in close contact with Covid-19 sufferers.

NCEMA stated that the isolation protocol for the infected will continue as previously announced, without any change and that each emirate has the flexibility to determine the duration of the quarantine period and PCR tests for Covid-19 contacts in their respective sectors and professions.

For establishments in the tourism and hospitality sector, physical distancing has been cancelled, though mask-wearing in closed places is still mandatory.

For more information, visit https://www.ncema.gov.ae