GDRFA, ICA approvals; Covid PCR test validity; your guide to travelling to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah

GDRFA, ICA approvals; Covid PCR test validity; your guide to travelling to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah

Residents can travel to Dubai without a GDRFA or ICA approval, except when travelling from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Sudan

Published: Wed 12 Jan 2022, 12:01 PM Last updated: Thu 13 Jan 2022, 7:29 AM

The highly infectious Omicron variant of Covid-19 has resulted in tighter safety protocols and some border closures around the world.

The UAE, too, has tightened rules, with the country placing a ban on Emiratis from travelling unless they are fully vaccinated.

Here is your guide to travel to the UAE based on information collated from official sources as on January 12, 2022.

(Information sourced from Etihad Airways website)

Registering via ICA Smart Travel Service

Unless you are an Emirati, UAE residents need to register via the ICA Smart Travel Service before flying.

If fully vaccinated in the UAE:

Register any time before you fly.

You do not need to upload your vaccine certificate.

If fully vaccinated outside the UAE:

Register five days before your flight.

When you’ve registered, you’ll receive a QR code by email.

If you have not been vaccinated:

Register any time before you fly.

When you’ve registered, you’ll receive a QR code by email.

Covid testing: Travellers must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test result before every Etihad Airways flight. If Abu Dhabi is your final destination,