UAE abolishes pre-departure PCR-RT for fully vaccinated people (one arrival in Abu Dhabi and none in Dubai)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to Emirates (Dubai) and Etihad (Abu Dhabi), made changes to Covid-19 meter measures effective today that Dubai and Abi Dhabi have adopted, albeit slightly differently.

Fully vaccinated visitors no longer need a pre-departure test to travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi (February 26, 2022). Dubai has also removed the arrival test requirement that was in place for some destinations. However, Abu Dhabi continues to test all arrivals.

You can access Emirates here and Etihad here.

The requirement of the negative PCR-RT test before departure remains valid for non-vaccinated or not fully vaccinated visitors.

Requirements for entry by Emirates to Dubai:

Requirements for all passengers arriving in Dubai

As of February 26, 2022, passengers traveling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must meet one of the conditions below

1. Present one or more valid vaccination certificates indicating 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; Where
2. Present a valid Covid 19 negative test certificate which must be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS COV 2 viral RNA, which is issued within 48 hours of collection of the sample and issued by an accredited health service provider organization, with a QR code system; Where
3. Present a valid medical certificate issued by the competent authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Cov 19 within 1 month from the date of recovery until the date of arrival, with a QR code system

Upon request, passengers must undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result. If the passenger tests positive, 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 point of departure.

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

Conditions of entry by Etihad to Abu Dhabi for fully vaccinated persons:

No quarantine and testing upon arrival

• Free test on arrival at Abu Dhabi airport – after baggage claim
• No quarantine

Dubai Media Office

In agreement with In agreement with @NCEMAUAE‘s, the Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai announces a relaxation of COVID-19 precautionary measures in the emirate from Saturday, February 26, 2022. 1/3

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

Abu Dhabi Media Office (Etihad!)

Good news! No PCR test is required 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 make sure they are fully vaccinated, and proof of vaccination is included on the QR code, as is the case with the EU Covid digital certificate.

It is unclear what happens to visitors from the United States who only have a card with vaccination information but without this QR? Are they required to take a PCR-RT test before departure?

All visitors entering the UAE through Abu Dhabi will be tested, but there is no pre-departure testing requirement if they are fully vaccinated.

Hopefully soon more countries will only have vaccination requirements without long and expensive Covid tests, as I have to do both antigen (Brazil) and PCR-RT (Chile) in the coming week.