New RT-PCR Test Rule For Passengers Travelling To Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced a new advisory for passengers traveling to Dubai from India, As per the advisory copies of COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports submitted by passengers must have a QR code linking to their original test report.

As per the latest entry rules, all passengers from India must need to show a negative RT-PCR test report issued not more than 72 hours before the departure of the flight to Dubai.

It must be noted that children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are exempt from this.

Indian low-cost carrier Air India Express on Saturday has also issued an advisory for its Dubai-bound passengers.

“As per the advisory issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), copy of the COVID-19 PCR test report submitted by passengers must have QR code linking to their original test report.”

“Also, the time of sample collection (date and time of sample collection) and sample reporting (date and time of test result) must be mentioned accurately.”

Air India Express said in a tweet

According to Air India Express, the move follows an advisory from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

RT-PCR Test Rules For Passengers Travelling To Dubai

Earlier, Air India Express had stated that the negative COVID-19 test result should only be taken from the laboratories which are approved by the Indian Council for Medical Research or Pure Health.

“The test report should be issued, duly signed, and stamped on the original letterhead of the testing lab. The test result should not be handwritten or have any corrections on it. Kindly note that photocopies of the results will not be accepted,” the airline had said.

However, Dubai airlines Emirates and flydubai had not announced the new QR code requirement at the time of publishing this report.

As per the most recent updates from Emirates, only PCR test reports are accepted in Dubai. “Other test certificates including antibody tests and home testing kits are not accepted in Dubai. Travelers must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check-in. SMS and digital certificates aren’t accepted. PCR certificates in other languages are acceptable if they will be validated at the originating station,” the emirates website states.

Similarly, budget carrier flydubai said “passengers must be able to present a printed copy of the negative result in English or Arabic to be accepted for travel. Soft copies on mobile phones and handwritten test results will not be accepted. The test must be taken at a UAE government approved laboratory or one of the laboratories listed here.”

Also Read: Indian Govt Issues New Guidelines For International Arrivals