Travelling to UAE? PCR testing, mask wearing; latest Covid rules for flights explained

Travelling to UAE? PCR testing, mask wearing; latest Covid rules for flights explained

Travelling to and from the UAE is now almost back to pre-pandemic normal, with authorities further easing Covid safety rules. With daily caseloads hovering around the 300-mark and virtually zero deaths and minimal hospitalisation rates, several precautionary measures — including those around mask wearing — have been relaxed in the UAE.

Here are the latest Covid safety rules to travel to the UAE, including PCR testing requirements for some passengers:

Three UAE-based airlines - Emirates, Etihad and flydubai - have confirmed that masks are not mandatory for passengers onboard. A Dubai Airports spokesperson said that mask wearing is optional for passengers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).

However, based on rules applicable at intermediate or final destinations, airlines may request passengers to wear the face covering onboard.

Etihad Airways said masks will only be required for passengers flying to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, Seychelles or Canada.

- Abu Dhabi

According to information available on the Etihad Airways website, passengers fully vaccinated against Covid-19 do not need to take a PCR test before flying. It is also not required for those holding a Covid-19 recovery certificate issued within 30 days.

Unvaccinated passengers need to take a PCR test 48 hours before