PCR test for travel to Dubai

[champagnemum1]

Hi we are going to Dubai for October half term and whilst we no longer need a PCR test to return to the uk we still need a negative test to enter Dubai. Does anyone know whether the authorities expect the test to be done by a medical professional at a test centre or can we order tests and take the sample at home and send off to a laboratory?

Thanks

I'd like to know this too. We go to Dubai with Emirates for half term. I was under the impression a home test was ok but having re-read the Emirates website it seems that it will have to be an in person PCR test. I might try and speak to our travel agent tomorrow and if I get a verdict I'll report back here.

The Dubai tripadvisor forum is pretty good on this topic. Some people have reported travelling to Dubai without issue using the tests at home (eg randox) but there is an slight underlying nervousness about it when people are giving advice. I’ve opted to do a clinic based test myself for his reason. I also feel personally it’s a bit more reliable in terms of getting results back in the window rather than relying on the post, but maybe that’s just me!

Have been to Dubai previously with a PCR test , it actually states that no other tests are acceptable .

it will need to be taken by a professional person in a clinic type setting. This PCR test must also be done within 72 hours of departure to Dubai .

On the Foreign office travel website for Dubai there are also two paper forms that need to be completed for each passenger.

@AttilaTheMeerkat

Have been to Dubai previously with a PCR test , it actually states that no other tests are acceptable .

it will need to be taken by a professional person in a clinic type setting. This PCR test must also be done within 72 hours of departure to Dubai .

On the Foreign office travel website for Dubai there are also two paper forms that need to be completed for each passenger.

Which forms? I am in the UAE now (flew into Dubai on Sat) and we didn't have to fill in any paper forms.

We were asked for proof of vaccination at check in tho, which surprised me as it's not mentioned on the FCDO site as a requirement.

There are two forms required - quarantine (in case) and health declaration I think, apparently they are never asked for but links are on the FCDO page for UAE.

@abricotine

There are two forms required - quarantine (in case) and health declaration I think, apparently they are never asked for but links are on the FCDO page for UAE.

They aren't on the FCO page now (unless I am being a complete doofus and just can't see them!)

Those are the forms I was referring to.

"Further information about what visitors need to do before they travel and what will happen on arrival in Dubai is available on the Government of Dubai website including information about testing before departure, on arrival and quarantine. Further information for visitors to Dubai is available on the Emirates Airline website.

Visitors to Dubai will also have to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB App.

Before visitors fly to Dubai, they will also be required to complete a Health Declaration Form and a Quarantine Form. Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival. Visitors to Dubai will also have to register their details on the COVID-19 DXB App".

The above is still there and is in the "Entry Requirements section" of the FCO travel advisory to the United Arab Emirates. No-one collected these forms on my previous visit.

The proof of vaccination info is on the Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing on Arrival section of this particular page as detailed here:-
"Residents, tourists and visitors travelling from or through the UK and arriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test before departure and present the certificate at check in".

Here's the current entry requirements section for the UAE, as per the FCDO website.

It did previously refer to the app you mention, but I haven't downloaded the app and it's not been a problem. I don't find the UAE's own coronavirus website particularly user friendly, but there's also nothing about the app or forms on the Emirates website either.

In terms of the test requirements OP, I'd play it safe and go for an in-person test. As someone mentioned upthread, you need to take the test no more than 72 hours before departure from the U.K. and so I wouldn't want to rely on the postal services with such a short time frame!

The proof of vaccination info is on the Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing on Arrival section of this particular page as detailed here:-
"Residents, tourists and visitors travelling from or through the UK and arriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test before departure and present the certificate at check in".

The part you have quoted doesn't mention proof of vaccination.

Oh! I've just seen it further down the page! You are right, apologies! Weirdly it's not mentioned on the Emirates site tho, and also we didn't bother with the app or any forms and were fine.

So I guess the moral of the story here is read the entire FCO page, not just the bit about testing 🙈I normally pride myself on reading stuff properly and attention to detail too....

That's quite alright:).

Its hard to keep up with the seemingly constant rule changes (sometimes the rules have changed hourly!!) particularly with regards to visiting Abu Dhabi from Dubai for the day.

If anyone does go into Abu Dhabi from Dubai to go see Ferrari World could you let me know how that all went. TIA

@AttilaTheMeerkat

That's quite alright:).

Its hard to keep up with the seemingly constant rule changes (sometimes the rules have changed hourly!!) particularly with regards to visiting Abu Dhabi from Dubai for the day.

If anyone does go into Abu Dhabi from Dubai to go see Ferrari World could you let me know how that all went. TIA

Yeah the rule changes are impossible to keep up with! I can't believe I made such a silly error - even worse, I actually read the requirements re:app etc some weeks ago, then when I was double checking before we left I couldn't see them and assumed they weren't needed anymore 🙈 thank goodness we didn't actually need them!

We actually are planning to do a day trip to Abu Dhabi, including Ferrariworld, in the coming days. I'll report back!

Thanks everyone! Is the only difference to the at home sample and in centre test the timing of the results?? My husband did a randox day 2 test recently (home sample) and his results state the test was a RT-PCR which is what is need for entry to Dubai.

Generally in clinic test they will conduct the test for you which I think is the point from the Dubai authorities’ point of view. But often the certificate will not stipulate, which is why people do get away with doing their own.
I booked ( recommended by Emirates) as I didn’t want to take any risk on this point.

I booked expresstest that should say

I've booked express test for our trip to dubai. All the different pages have different info, but one clearly states home tests are not allowed and I'm not being turned away!
Fingers crossed we pass the pcr test now!

I was going to chance it and get a Randox PCR test at home kit but have decided against it. I've booked a clinic appointment with Randox instead. Its bad enough having to find out so close to the flight whether we can actually go on holiday. I'd like the relief factor (hopefully!) once the results come back, not another worry about whether we will make it through check in.

Hi, we are also going but via Bahrain - waiting one hour for a connecting flight. Can someone clarify if the COVID rules of Bahrain apply or I need to look only at DUBAI? Thanks

@amarante

Hi, we are also going but via Bahrain - waiting one hour for a connecting flight. Can someone clarify if the COVID rules of Bahrain apply or I need to look only at DUBAI? Thanks

We are doing the same journey in half term.. according to Gulf Air you test as per the requirements of your final destination, so PCR 72 hours before. If you were leaving Bahrain airport you would need a PCR 72 hours before as well but you would have to quarantine too.

Does anyone know where’s best to check please if everyone landing in Dubai needs a negative PCR or is it just those over a certain age? 10 of us of various ages are hoping to all go out there for half term, one of whom (aged 12) has just tested positive and is isolating.
Urgh, can’t not go for another October half term…..

You can check FCDO or I have been reading details for tourists from U.K. on Emirates website. 12 and older need a test.

Thanks @abricotine - I’ve just spent my breakfast reading the Emirates website! So everyone over 12 will need a PCR, just not sure what to do test wise with the 12 year old who’s currently positive….. 🤪

My son had covid a few weeks ago and we did another (paid for) pcr test last week. All clear (also proved his covid type cold was not covid). Just have to hope my 12 year old doesn't get it in the next week.
Do the test and fingers crossed. Seems to be no wiggle room for those who have just had it.
Do you have insurance. Ours covers us if we get covid before we go. However you probably won't get covered if you have covid now??

And if you are flying with emirates they have they own insurance that may cover you?
Won't know if we are good to go on holiday until the night before we leave and pcr results are back. Want to get exited but can't quite yet.