Update: 27 August 2020
I have made an update on the latest arrival and transit procedures of Dubai and Abu Dhabi here.
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.
Dear Sam,
I have reached Dubai from Lebanon on 16th Sept and did the test at arrival Dubai T3 airport got a negative COVID msg on phone on 17th Do I need to do a PCR test again on 19th Sept when I am flying back to Lebanon.
I am not sure on this, please call the airline and ask. You do need a covid PCR test certificate.
Ok, thanks.
Do you know if transiting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is still permitted providing that you’ve a valid transit visa?
Cheers.
I’m planning to fly to Dubai and then go to Abu Dhabi to catch another flight to Australia. I will have a PCR negative test, however, it is mentioned in the website of Abu Dhabi airport that some people may need to retake the test. My question is how long could the result take? Plus, if the test was negative, I’m not going to be quarantined, right? I just want to make sure I’m not going to loose the second flight, as they are not operated by the same aireline.
I don’t advise such complex routing.
HI Sam.
Thank for your reply.
Ziad
I am flying to Dubai from Toronto on the 3ed of october,for a stay of 4days then to Beirut . Do i need a test an a 14 day quarantine?
Thanks
Situations is changing fast, Dubai may be closed for tourist again. Pls keep checking on Authorities or Airline website.
Hi, I am planning to visit my daughter at Abu Dhabi on Dec should I need to arrive at Dubai? and if I have the Covid test should I still need to quarantine, I live in El Paso, Tx and probably making 2 stops before arriving to Abud Dabhi?
Hi, On 5th of sep I am traveling from Tashkant via Dubai . I am transit at Dubai for 4 Hours on fly Dubai airline and my final destination is Delhi . Connecting flight is same fly Dubai. So do I need require the covid test from my departure country. Or at Dubai airport I can do the test? Pls reply as urgent possible.
You can easily check here, https://www.flydubai.com/en/plan/covid-19
Hey Sam,
we will fly to DXB on 19. September. We are from Germany.
Should we fly with KLM via AMS or with AF via CDG.
They are the same price, almost same times. I am so unsure.
And for the test in the UAE I can easily use a drive thru or a clinic and pay about 35€ right?
Best regards and thanks so much
Both AF and KLM is good. KLM flies B777 while AF flies A330/A350
Test in UAE cost 290 Dhs.
Hi Sam,
I am Dutch and I live in the Netherlands, I am coming to Dubai as a tourist. I know that I need a negative PCR test before travelling to Dubai. But, my question is that when returning to my country to the Netherlands, do I need a PCR test? Where can I have it? How much is it?
Thanks,
Yes, you need a COVID-19 PCR Test. You can get it in many locations. I recommend the drive thru at Festival City, little queues, 5 mins done. No appointment needed.
https://www.healthhubalfuttaim.com/home
We will arrive from Switzerland (Swiss Passport). Do we need to quarantine in Abu Dhbai? Flight is direct with Etihad. Or does a negativ COVID test is enough?
Thanks
For Abu Dhabi, yes you need to quarantine but if you arrive from Dubai, no. 🙂
Dear,
I am passenger of Perth Australia from Munich Germany by Emirate Airline. My flight stop-transit via Dubia UAE and the connection time is about three hours. Should I get the COVID-19 PCR test before departure in Germany? If yes, Where? I couldn’t find the Germany in the list of labratory test countries list.
You do need COVID test before boarding Emirates flight.
check here: https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/help/flying-to-and-from-dubai/tourists-travelling-to-dubai/
Dear SAM ,
I am regular watcher of your videos on your channel , and fan of your work , I am in a situation where your advice matters for me alot for travel from Pakistan to USA Kentcuky
1. whats the current situation of CBD customs of USA at airports for passengers traveling from Asia ? If I have covid test are they allowing to enter B1/B2 visa Holders directly inside the USA?
2. Is there is any intermediate transit I have to take to enter USA suppose Mexico to quarantine myself for 14 Days?
3. Do you really consider safe to travel in those days in Economy Cabin in this covid situation using SOPS?
Please refer to the US CDC website for entry restrictions.
There is no guarantee of safety as the virus is invisible. Int’l long haul flights are not full at the moment.
Hi,
I have called several times and received a range of responses about the 14 day quarantine on arrival in Abu Dhabi with a negative test and then testing negative again. Do I need to quarantine and if not where can I get the official stance on this issue. I have tested negative twice.
Thanks
Hi , residents arriving abudhabi and having abudhabi visa , if found negative of covid in the airport testing result – will there be any further quarentine or no need .
If negative, no need for quarantine.
After reaching Dubai Airport, it’s clear that all passengers & residents need to undergo PCR test. However after receiving the report stating negative, how long the individual need to self quarantined…?
Once you have a negative result you do not need quarantine.