The Supreme Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai on August 17 (Monday) has issued an updated list of requirements for travelers holding Dubai residency visas.
The list details the step-by-step procedure for returning Dubai residents. Among the protocols listed, those who tested negative for COVID-19 will no longer be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine, as was the case before.
The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai has clarified that the conditions for residents returning to #Dubai include the following: pic.twitter.com/zN9nvXeKyG
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 17, 2020
Dubai Updates Requirements for Returning Residents; Quarantine Not Needed for Negative COVID-19 Test Results
According to a tweet shared by the Dubai Media Office, the conditions set by the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai include the following:
- Returning residents must apply for an entry permit through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.
- Residents must present a certificate proving they have tested negative in a valid PCR test before boarding the plane and on arrival at the airport.
- All returning residents must download the COVID-19 DXB Smart App.
- The mandatory 14-day quarantine is not required for residents that have presented a negative test result certificate at the airport.
Pre-departure tests mandatory in Abu Dhabi
Meanwhile, at the UAE Capital, passengers exiting via the Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport are required to submit a COVID-19 negative test result before their departure, reported the Khaleej Times.
According to the report, Sharjah Airport has sent a notification to its travel partners, which said: “As per the directives received from UAE Ministry of Health, with immediate effect, all passengers departing from Sharjah Airport are required to have COVID-19 negative PCR test with a validity of not more than 48 hours from the time of departure.”
The announcement also noted that “airlines are required to collect the negative PCR test report at the check-in counter.”
In line with this, two airlines in Abu Dhabi have already made it mandatory to submit a negative COVID-19 test.
Etihad Airways posted the announcement on Wednesday, August 18, noting on its website: “It is mandatory to have a COVID-19 PCR test before you fly with Etihad Airways, starting Sunday, August 16.”
The announcement noted, “Your test can be carried out at any government accredited medical facility a maximum of 96-hours before your flight departure time.“
In line with this, passengers were also advised: “You will only be permitted to fly if you have a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued by an approved clinic a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time. Remember to print your test results and keep them with you throughout your trip – you will be required to present your result for validation at check-in.”
Another major airline flying via Abu Dhabi airports, Air Indi Express released a similar notice to its passengers, saying: “Effective August 21, all passengers departing from Abu Dhabi Airport need Covid-19 negative test result within 96-hours of departure.”
