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Original poster

PCR test for a 7 year old going to Dubai?

26 replies

NorthSouth25 · 25/01/2022 15:22

Hello!
I'm going to Dubai in Feb with my partner and our 7 year old daughter. The advice is quite conflicting on the BA / FCO / UAE govt websites. We are both triple jabbed but our daughter has had no vaccinations. We have to take a PCR 48 hrs before we leave, but does anyone know if she needs to take a PCR too?

Thanks so much in advance!

OP posts:
MooseBeTimeForSnow · 25/01/2022 15:31

“Passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must have a negative COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure”

fleur27 · 25/01/2022 15:37

No. Under 12s are exempt irrespective of vaccination status for Dubai. Abu Dhabi may be stricter.

fleur27 · 25/01/2022 15:38

And always go with the uae gov website. At times the fco advice has not been quick to update. Airlines too.

Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 25/01/2022 15:42

Thanks so much - @fleur27 - have you been recently? I'm so worried about not getting her a PCR but then being refused entry when we get there as she doesn't have one.. thanks!

OP posts:
fleur27 · 25/01/2022 15:48

Used to. Lots of friends who still do and travelled back after Xmas in UK with kids. Just make sure to keep checking the uae gov page for any changes but I don't see them bringing it in for that age. They might however test adults again on arrival at DXB, but if they do it's v efficient and you usually get the result within hours then free to roam.

Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 25/01/2022 15:49

@fleur27

Used to. Lots of friends who still do and travelled back after Xmas in UK with kids. Just make sure to keep checking the uae gov page for any changes but I don't see them bringing it in for that age. They might however test adults again on arrival at DXB, but if they do it's v efficient and you usually get the result within hours then free to roam.
Amazing thank you so much! This is super useful. We arrive around midnight so I'm hoping we don't need to do a PCR on arrival too - fingers crossed!
OP posts:
bluesugar · 25/01/2022 15:52

Look on the Emirates website even if you're not flying with them. (Personally I would) All up to date info is there.

It's 48 hours before departure now...not 72 as previously.
They also test on arrival now (as before) at Dubai airport, as well as your PCR in your home country. It's free of charge and compulsory. Very quick and efficient.

Enjoy, the weather is currently beautiful.

TheCanyon · 25/01/2022 15:54

Currently sitting beside my sil who lives in Dubai. Under 12s are exempt

Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 25/01/2022 15:59

Amazing thanks @bluesugar and @TheCanyon this is very reassuring! So I'm presuming the under 12s don't get a test on arrival at DXB, just the adults?

OP posts:
MissFritton65 · 26/01/2022 12:27

@NorthSouth25 I'm currently in Dubai and they tested all adults on our Emirates flight yesterday at the airport when we arrived. A few people tried to refuse as they had (and every one else) a PCR in the UK with 48hrs to be able to board the flight but they were told it was compulsory. It was very quick, and we had our results by text in about r hours.

Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 01/02/2022 11:59

[quote MissFritton65]@NorthSouth25 I'm currently in Dubai and they tested all adults on our Emirates flight yesterday at the airport when we arrived. A few people tried to refuse as they had (and every one else) a PCR in the UK with 48hrs to be able to board the flight but they were told it was compulsory. It was very quick, and we had our results by text in about r hours.[/quote]
Ooh hello - sorry I've just seen this! Thanks so much! Thats good to know.. did you have to wait at the airport whilst you waited for the results? (we are landing at almost midnight so hoping we don't need to hang around too long!)

OP posts:
MissFritton65 · 01/02/2022 13:44

@NorthSouth25 no they take your mobile number and you get a text a few hours later.

Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 01/02/2022 13:47

@MissFritton65 thank you - this is super useful! Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 07/02/2022 10:40

@MissFritton65 hello again! Sorry to be a pain - can you remember if your PCR test from the UK had a QR code on the certificate? It looks like your need one but it's hard to find a London one (with good reviews) who can guarantee same day Confused

OP posts:
RG2468 · 07/02/2022 10:45

Hi Sorry hijacking this thread is everyone also tested on arrival in Dubai?

MissFritton65 · 07/02/2022 11:45

@NorthSouth25 yes we had to have a QR code. We had our tests done by Collinson at Manchester Airport.

MissFritton65 · 07/02/2022 11:48

@RG2468 yes it does appear that all arrivals on flights from the UK are.

Original poster
NorthSouth25 · 07/02/2022 11:50

@MissFritton65 thanks so much! After a lot of ringing around I have made an appt now. - thanks for your help :)

OP posts:
RG2468 · 07/02/2022 12:14

So do you go to your hotel and wait for the result? Do they send you back or do you quarantine there?

yellowgecko · 07/02/2022 12:19

It took around 2 hours at the airport to get tested, go through passport control, and get a taxi to airport. Landed 11.30pm

There is a 'family' line for those with young children / pushchairs so you might get through a little quicker.

MissFritton65 · 07/02/2022 13:00

@RG2468 they take your mobile number and text you the results. You are to await in your hotel until you get a negative result.

ohmypicklepie · 07/02/2022 18:48

So sorry to jump on this - I can't seem to find a definite answer on this.... do you have to be fully vaccinated to travel to Dubai? I've been told you don't have to be but can't find anywhere that confirms or denies this. (For the record, I'm fully jabbed but a member of the party we would be travelling with isn't) We're looking at going in mid March.

MissFritton65 · 07/02/2022 19:38

@ohmypicklepie no UAE don't worry as currently you just need a negative PCR test 48 hours within you travel. However the travel advice changes frequently so check before you travel in March.

RG2468 · 08/02/2022 08:33

Thanks my Aunty has just travelled to Dubai arrived this morning - I wanted to let her know as she’s not a seasoned traveller. However they’ve not tested any of her flight and she said they didn’t even look at her PCR test result! It was Emirates. Bizarre!

AttilaTheMeerkat · 08/02/2022 08:49

The only person at Dubai airport who looked at our PCR results was the lady standing by the transit train.