UAE removes rapid PCR test requirement for Pakistanis

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has abolished the requirement of pre-departure rapid PCR tests at airports for passengers travelling to Dubai and Sharjah from Pakistan and three other countries.

In a tweet on Tuesday, the CAA said passengers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka will still have to submit a valid negative PCR test certificate within 48 hours of departure.

A CAA spokesperson added that passengers will also undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai and will self-quarantine until the results are released. “The 48-hour period will start from the time the sample is submitted to a laboratory."

It had been made mandatory for Pakistani travellers to get a negative rapid PCR test to enter Dubai since August last year.

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It is pertinent to mention that UAE airlines Fly Dubai and Emirates also issued a press release confirming that a rapid PCR test conducted six hours prior to departure would no longer be required.

"They must be tested on arrival in Dubai, irrespective of their valid negative Covid-19 RT-PCR certificate from the point of origin," a travel update issued by the UAE stated. “Children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are also exempt from taking a Covid-19 RT-PCR test.”