Roberta Aguirre
As of February 2022, Dubai International Airport has been conducting random PCR tests on arrival passengers for certain flights at no additional cost. Passengers arriving from the UK must undergo testing on arrival at DXB International Airport, unless they were chosen at random. From August 2020, all passengers arriving in Dubai, including those connecting in Dubai, must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate, valid within 96 hours of boarding. Tourists also have the option to take a test at Dubai Airports and all UAE Airports. Results from PCR tests taken at the airport usually arrive after 12 hours but can sometimes take up to 24 hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to get tested? | All passengers arriving in Dubai from any destination, including those connecting in Dubai, must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate to be accepted on the flight. |
| When to get tested | Within 96 hours of embarking on their trip. |
| Where to get tested | Testing is available at Dubai Airport. |
| Cost | Free of cost at the airport. |
| Test type | PCR test. |
| Test results | Results usually come after 12 hours but sometimes it might take 24 hours. |
| Quarantine requirements | Positive cases will be required to self-quarantine for 10 days from the first day the PCR test is taken. |
| Other requirements | All passengers must fill out a health declaration form before departure and sign a costs declaration. They must also download the COVID-19 DXB app. |
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What You'll Learn
Testing requirements for Dubai arrivals
As of January 2023, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) has eased Covid-19 protocols, scrapping the PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated arrivals into Dubai. However, it is always good to check for the latest updates on the Emirates Covid hub as testing requirements may change.
Previously, from 1 August 2020, all passengers arriving in Dubai from any destination, including those connecting in Dubai, had to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate within 96 hours of boarding to be accepted on the flight. This rule applied to all passengers, except for first-degree relatives of UAE nationals travelling on the same flight, domestic workers travelling with a UAE national sponsor, and children below 12 years old.
Upon arrival in Dubai, passengers had to provide a QR code linked to their negative Covid-19 PCR test report during check-in and to representatives of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The QR code was mandatory for travellers arriving from specific countries.
Additionally, travellers from certain countries, including India, Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, were required to take a second test upon arrival and isolate until they received their results. It is recommended that travellers carry a printed copy of their negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate as proof of a negative test result.
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Testing requirements for Dubai residents
As of July 2020, UAE residence visa holders could apply through the ICA website, while Dubai residence visa holders could apply through the GDRFA Dubai website to enter the emirate through Dubai International Airports. Once they received approval, they could purchase airline tickets from Emirates airline, flydubai, or any other airline operating at Dubai Airports.
Dubai residents must take two COVID-19 PCR tests: one before departure, with a validity of 96 hours from the date of the test, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai, which will be free of charge. Transiting passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test, as well as any requirements for their final destination. Other test certificates, including antibody tests and home testing kits, are not accepted in Dubai. If you are taking a test before you depart, you must bring an official, printed certificate in English or Arabic to check-in – SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.
Passengers transiting through Dubai are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test unless it is mandated by their country of origin or final destination. If you take a test at the airport, you must remain in your hotel until you receive the test result. If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the guidelines of the Dubai Health Authority. Passengers must also download the COVID19 – DXB Smart App.
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Testing centres at Dubai Airport
As of November 2021, Dubai Airport required all passengers to get tested within 96 hours of embarking on their trip. Testing was also required for those arriving in Dubai from any destination, including those in transit. However, as of January 2023, COVID-19 testing on arrival at the airport is no longer required, although it is still available for those who wish to get tested.
It is important to note that COVID-19 requirements can change with little notice, so it is recommended to check for updates before travelling.
While there is no specific mention of testing centres within Dubai Airport, there are various testing facilities in Dubai, including DPI laser test centres, drive-through centres, medical clinics, and private and public hospitals. Thermal scanners are also used at the airport to test travellers for symptoms.
If you are staying in a hotel, you may be able to arrange a test on-site. Additionally, some sources suggest checking with your airline for approved suppliers and agreed rates.
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Test results and waiting times
As of 1 August 2020, all passengers arriving in Dubai from any destination, including those connecting in Dubai, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate to be accepted on the flight. This test must be taken within 96 hours of boarding.
Citizens and residents of Dubai must undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Dubai airports. Tourists have the option to show their PCR test results (valid for 96 hours) upon arrival or take a test at Dubai airports and all UAE airports. Results from PCR tests taken at Dubai Airport usually come out after 12 hours but can sometimes take up to 24 hours.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you must disclose them by filling in the form provided by the airlines before travelling. You must also ensure that you have international health insurance coverage before travelling. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be required to self-quarantine and bear the costs of treatment and isolation.
It is important to note that the above information may change over time. It is recommended to check with the airline and relevant government websites for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
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Quarantine requirements for positive cases
Dubai Airport requires all passengers to get tested within 96 hours of embarking on their trip. This includes passengers connecting in Dubai, who must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate to be accepted on the flight. The test result validity period is 72 hours for passengers arriving in Dubai. Passengers arriving from countries in the GCC must produce a negative PCR test certificate.
If you test positive, you must isolate and follow the DHA guidelines. Those who do not require a second test do not need to quarantine. Everyone needs to download the COVID-19 DXB Smart App.
In Abu Dhabi, tourists are tested on arrival and must stay in their hotel rooms until they receive their results. Travellers from green destinations do not need to isolate once they receive a negative test result. Travellers from other countries need to self-isolate for 10 days. The green list is updated at least every two weeks.
In Scotland, all international travellers arriving from Dubai, except for a few exemptions, must complete a passenger locator form and provide evidence of doing so on arrival. This is due to the increased number of travellers testing positive on return from Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all passengers arriving in Dubai from any destination, including those just connecting in Dubai, must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate to be accepted on the flight.
Yes, Dubai International Airport conducts random PCR tests on arrival passengers for certain flights at no additional cost.
Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 at Dubai Airport are required to isolate for 10 days from the first day the PCR test is taken. You must also download the COVID-19 DXB app or risk paying a fine.
To take a COVID-19 test at Dubai Airport, you must bring your Emirates booking and passport to the test lab. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from testing if they are travelling with their parents who have tested negative.
