UAE updates travel measures, extends PCR test validity to 14 days for vaccinated travellers

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that they updated the protocol for entering the country through land ports and border checkpoints for citizens of neighboring countries who live in UAE-adjacent border areas and repeatedly enter and exit from the country.

According to the new protocol, which takes effect from Tuesday, November 23, GCC citizens or foreigners, who have taken the approved vaccines and boosters, must present a 14-day negative PCR test result when coming to the UAE via all land ports.

They must also undergo a PCR test on the sixth day in case of staying for six successive days. Non-vaccinated individuals, however, must present a 72-hour negative PCR test result when coming to the UAE.

They must also undergo a PCR test on the fourth day of entry in case of staying for four successive days or more.

In addition, they must undergo a further PCR test on the eighth day in case of staying for eight successive days or more.

Meanwhile, the validity of the PCR test has been extended for 14 days for vaccinated and non-vaccinated educational staff, students and parents of students, who pick them up from educational institutions, knowing that the established procedures related to supply chains have remained unchanged.

These measures are in line with the health situation and are aimed at easing the procedures for the citizens and visitors of neighboring countries to come to the UAE.

The ICA and NCEMA stressed the importance of the arrivals’ commitment to applying all preventive and precautionary measures such as wearing facemasks, maintaining physical distance and disinfecting luggage.

Those with chronic diseases or those who feel COVID-19 symptoms are advised to avoid travel.