A pre-departure PCR test is no longer needed if you are fully vaccinated…

Emirates has updated its travel rules for Dubai after the UAE announced major changes to its Covid-19 restrictions over the weekend.

Published in an update on February 26, Emirates travel advice for Dubai now reflects the updated rules issued by UAE officials, advising that a pre-departure PCR test is no longer required for those that are fully vaccinated.

As per the Emirates website, vaccinated tourists and residents travelling to Dubai only need to present a valid vaccination certificate at check-in. The vaccination certificate must show that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the UAE, and it must show a QR code. Emirates doesn’t say whether two or three doses counts as fully vaccinated.

For those that are not fully vaccinated, a PCR test must be presented before travelling to Dubai, with a negative result taken within 48 hours of departure.

There is a third option for those travelling to Dubai who have recently recovered from the virus: a valid medical certificate with a QR code issued by the relevant authorities that shows a passenger has recovered from Covid-19 within the last month can also be used for travel.

Children under 12 and people of determination are exempt from PCR test requirements.

Some passengers may also be asked to undergo a test on arrival in Dubai, which is provided free of charge. Those that do are required to quarantine until their results are returned.

Transiting through Dubai

Transiting passengers are not required to present a Covid-19 PCR test to travel through Dubai, and should abide by the rules and conditions for entry at the final destination.