After UAE-based airlines updated their requirements for inbound passengers, UAE residents will be able to travel to the UAE without approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) as of February 26, 2022.
According to the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, the requirement for pre-departure PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests for vaccinated travellers entering the UAE has been eliminated as of February 25. (NCEMA). The UAE had previously abolished the requirement that some countries take a Rapid PCR test before leaving or entering the country.
There is no need for ICP or GDRFA permission
UAE citizens no longer need to request for authorisation with the ICP or GDRFA while traveling from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka, according to revisions issued on the websites of Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Air India.
“All UAE residents can now fly to Dubai without GDRFA or ICP approval,” according to the Emirates Airlines website.
For fully vaccinated travelers, PCR testing are not required
A negative PCR test result is no longer required if you are fully vaccinated and coming to the UAE.
Unvaccinated passengers, on the other hand, must show a negative PCR test result within 48 hours of their flight’s departure time. The NCEMA made the announcement on February 25.
Some countries’ vaccinated travelers are no longer subjected to quick PCR testing in the UAE
Passengers from the following countries are no longer required to take a rapid PCR test at the airport six hours before departure, according to Dubai and Sharjah airports, which previously announced that, in addition to eliminating the need for ICP and GDRFA approval as well as 48-hour PCR test requirements, passengers from the following countries are no longer required to take a rapid PCR test at the airport six hours before departure:
- India
- Pakistan
- Kenya
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Uganda
Source: Khaleej Times
