Dubai and Abu Dhabi New Arrival/Transit Procedures – Negative PCR Test Required

Update: 27 August 2020

I have made an update on the latest arrival and transit procedures of Dubai and Abu Dhabi here.

Update on Dubai and Abu Dhabi Entry and Transit Procedures

Dubai has updated their entry requirements for inbound travellers. From 1st August 2020, COVID-19 PCR tests will be required for all travellers arriving to Dubai or transiting Dubai.

Dubai (DXB or DWC) will require all passengers arriving and transiting through Dubai to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test, administered within 96 hours of departure effective today.

Passengers departing from Dubai to the European Union and the United Kingdom are also required to have a negative COVID-19 certificate.

Arriving or Transiting at Dubai

Passengers are advised that effective from 1st August 2020 the following conditions must be met for all flights to/from DXB or DWC:

• All citizens, residents, tourists and transit passengers are required to obtain a negative COVID19 certificate before arriving into DXB or DWC
• All passengers, including citizens, residents and tourists, departing from DXB or DWC to the European Union or United Kingdom are required to carry a negative COVID19 certificate
• Children under the age of 12 and children with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from PCR test requirements
• Negative COVID19 certificates will be valid for up to 96 hours from the time of the PCR test
• Some passengers may be required to complete another PCR test upon arrival in DXB

Procedures For Dubai Residents Returning to Dubai

Below are the procedures for Dubai residents returning to Dubai

• If you hold a Dubai residence visa and you are flying back to Dubai, you must have return approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)

• Apply for return approval when you book your flight online or through their contact centre. You can also complete the application on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website before you book your flight

• During the GDRFA application process, you will be asked to enter your Resident File Number. This number is on your visa under File

• Check the GDRFA website to see the status of your application. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with a GDRFA reference number. If the application can’t be processed at the time of the request, you can try again after four days

• All passengers arriving in Dubai from any destination must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate. 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

• 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

• 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 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 iOS-Android

• All travellers to Dubai, including passengers with a connecting flight, must complete this health declaration form and give it to the staff at check-in. This form will also be available at check-in

• You will also need to complete the quarantine undertaking form given to you on board if Dubai is your final destination. Hand this form to the Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival

Procedures For Dubai Residents Travelling out of Dubai

• The process above applies to all Dubai residents travelling back to Dubai. If you travel out of Dubai and return – this process will still apply to your return journey

• All passengers travelling from Dubai to UK or Europe (and other mandated destinations) will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 96 hours before departure and present the test result certificate at check-in

• Dubai residents do not need Dubai government approval to leave Dubai, but you must have approval to return

Arriving or Transiting at Abu Dhabi

Effective 1st August, all travellers flying from around the world to Abu Dhabi, and those transferring via Abu Dhabi onto other flights, will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a list of approved testing facilities, listed here, alongside their ICA approval if Abu Dhabi is their end destination.

The PCR test must be carried out within 96 hours prior to arrival in Abu Dhabi , a negative COVID-19 PCR test result certificate from one of the approved clinics listed must be shown for approval to board. Children under the age of 12 and people with mild to severe disabilities are currently exempt from this PCR test requirement.

Travellers leaving the UAE from Abu Dhabi to any country in the European Union, the United Kingdom or to any country where it is mandatory by the authorities at the destination, a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will be required within 96 hours prior to departure.

NOTE: All travellers arriving into Abu Dhabi as their end destination may be subject to further PCR screening at Abu Dhabi International Airport.