Emirates issues new travel procedures, makes PCR test mandatory

Anwar Daoud, Staff Reporter

Emirates Airlines stressed that all passengers arriving in Dubai from any part of the world need to comply with the new entry requirements effective from Jan.31, 2021.

Emirati citizens are exempted from the procedure but they must take a PCR test on arrival at Dubai airport.

All other passengers are required to show a negative PCR test before boarding the plane.

The carrier said in a new update, “As of January 31, 2021, all passengers arriving in Dubai from any point of departure, including the GCC countries, must carry a negative PCR test certificate, and the test must be done at least 72 hours in advance from the time of departure.”

The airline said, “UAE citizens are exempt from pre-screening, but they will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival at Dubai airport.”

The authorities emphasised that passengers arriving in Dubai from certain countries will be required to take another PCR test upon arrival at Dubai International Airport.

Emirates explained that passengers transiting through Dubai must ensure that they comply with entry requirements at their final destination.

On the other hand, Emirates’ flights to South Africa will remain suspended until Feb.4, 2021, in line with recent government directives that restrict the entry of travellers originating from South Africa, into the UAE.