As travel restrictions continue to ease, Dubai Airports has announced changes to its pre-departure PCR test requirements for international passengers traveling into Dubai.
As of December 6, travelers from the GCC will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test result before flying to Dubai.
Previously, arrivals from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman were required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate taken within 96 hours, but now passengers can either take the test 96 hours before departure in their country of origin, or choose to get a complimentary test on arrival at either Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum (DWC).
This is not applicable to passengers arriving by road through the Hatta border, who must take the PCR test 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.
Emirates.com has updated its travel requirements, highlighting that passengers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UK and Germany can take a complimentary Covid‑19 PCR test on arrival in Dubai.
All passengers still have the option of taking the test 96 hours before departure in their country of origin.
Tourists from all other countries must still present a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of departure when traveling to Dubai, while tourists from some countries – including Greece, Lebanon, Philippines and Russia – will then also need to undergo a second test upon arrival in Dubai.
COVID‑19 PCR test requirements for Dubai by country
The following entry rules apply to tourists traveling to Dubai from these countries and territories:
Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States
- Tourists must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.
- The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai.
- If you are taking a test before you depart, you must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.
- If you are transiting in Dubai from the countries listed above, you are not required to present a COVID‑19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by your country of origin or final destination.
- Passengers who wish to avail Dubai Connect, and have booked a hotel outside the airport, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test before departure.
The following entry rules apply to tourists traveling to Dubai from these countries and territories:
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Tourists must take two COVID‑19 PCR tests: one before departure with a validity of 96 hours from the date of the test, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai.
- The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai.
- You must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.
- If you are transiting in Dubai from the countries listed directly above, you must have a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of test, as well as any requirements for your final destination.
Test exemptions:
- Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this test. There may be specific test exemptions in your country of origin and final destination. Please check the requirements before you travel.
COVID‑19 testing laboratories:
- The UAE government has specified designated laboratories. You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID‑19 PCR test.
- If you are flying from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, you must get your certificate from one of the labs listed in the designated laboratories document to be accepted on the flight.
At check‑in
- All travelers to Dubai, including passengers with a connecting flight, must complete this health declaration form and give it to the staff at check‑in. You can download it now and bring it to the airport with you, or you can complete it at check‑in.
When you arrive
- You may need to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival. If you take a test at the airport, you must remain in your hotel or residence until you receive the test result.
- If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
- You must also download the COVID19 – DXB Smart App
- Emirates offers free, automatic cover for your COVID‑19 health and quarantine costs while you’re away from home.
