Coronavirus: Dubai updates entry rules for passengers from India, South Africa and Nigeria

The new rules will be in effect from June 23

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Related: Emirates to resume India flights from June 23

Dubai has updated its rules for inbound airline passengers from India, South Africa and Nigeria.

The rules from the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai will take effect from June 23, Dubai Media Office reported on Saturday.

They are intended to protect passengers and ease procedures while following coronavirus regulations.

The UAE in April suspended flights from India as it battled a Covid-19 surge.  UAE citizens, diplomatic missions between the two countries, official delegations, business planes and golden residency holders were excluded from the suspension.

Emirates on Saturday said it would restart flights from that date subject to the new rules.

Travellers from South Africa

The new protocols allow travellers from South Africa, who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, to enter Dubai.

Passengers must present a negative PCR result taken within 48 hours before departure to Dubai. UAE nationals are exempted from this requirement.

Passengers must also undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers should comply with entry rules of their final destinations.

Travellers from Nigeria

Passengers must present a negative PCR test result taken 48 hours prior to departure. UAE citizens are exempted from this requirement.

The negative PCR test certificate should carry a QR code and the test must have been conducted by labs approved by the Nigerian government.

Passengers must also undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

Travellers from India 

Can I fly from India to Dubai and what are the travel requirements?

Can I fly from India to Dubai and what are the travel requirements?

Only passengers with a valid residence visa who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine are allowed to travel to Dubai.

They should also present a negative test certificate from a PCR test taken 48 hours before departure. UAE nationals are exempted from this requirement.

Only QR-coded negative PCR test certificates are accepted. Passengers from India are required to take a rapid PCR test four hours before departure for Dubai.

They must also take another PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

In addition, following arrival, passengers from India should undergo "institutional quarantine" until they receive their PCR test result, which is expected within 24 hours.

UAE citizens and diplomats are exempted from institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, Dubai said the updated travel protocols are part of a regular process of revising precautionary measures based on the latest developments. They are also aimed at enabling the city to continue serving as a global commercial hub

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