A health worker collects a swab sample from a woman for a COVID-19 PCR test. File/ AFP

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Residents and tourists flying to the UAE from August 1 need not worry if they have done a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from an accredited local laboratory in their native country. The UAE airlines have updated their guidelines to ease the restrictions for travel to the UAE.

But a COVID-19 PCR is a must for travelling to the UAE, and failure to provide the results at arrival will bar entry to the UAE.

According to Emirates Airlines travel guidelines, “If the UAE government has specified a designated laboratory in your country of origin, then you must get your certificate from that lab. If it is not specified, please use an accredited lab in your country of departure.”

The test must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure. This includes all UAE citizens, residents, tourists, and passengers connecting in Dubai. Without a negative test certificate, you will not be accepted on the flight. Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test.

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Travellers may need to take another COVID-19 PCR test on arrival. If they take a test at the airport, they must remain in their residence until they receive the test result. If the test result is positive, travellers will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.

The procedure includes UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from. This measure helps assure tourists and residents alike of a safe and healthy environment within the airport and broader Dubai community.

In addition, travellers heading to the UK and Europe on Emirates will also be required to hold a negative PCR test certificate.

On the other hand, Emirates Airline is offering free medical cover for COVID-19 and quarantine costs if any passenger is diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling for the safety of the people and will boost their confidence to travel.

As directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Emirates will cover its passengers for COVID-19 related medical expenses and quarantine costs when they travel onboard Emirates, to and from the UAE and around the world, free of charge. Emirates customers can travel with confidence, as summer approaches, with the ability to claim medical expenses of up to 150,000 euros and quarantine costs of 100 euros per day for 14 days, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home.