The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it would ease some of its COVID-19 precautionary measures. And first and foremost is the plan to scrap the need for a pre-flight PCR test for vaccinated passengers arriving in Dubai or any other Emirate.
The announcement on NCEMA’s Twitter is another significant step in the full return of tourism in the UAE to pre-Corona days.
Up until now, all passengers arriving in Dubai had to present a PCR test, without exception, but as of yesterday, February 26, vaccinated passengers arriving in the UAE will only have to present an approved vaccination certificate containing a QR code.
Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to present a PCR test performed up to 48 hours before their flight or a digital recovery certificate obtained within one month before their date of travel.
NCEMA has further announced that wearing masks will continue to be mandatory in all indoor public spaces in Dubai, while it will become optional in outdoor areas.
As mentioned above, the new measures came into effect yesterday, February 26. The Emirates website has already been updated with the new regulations, while FlyDubai representative in Israel confirmed the publication to Passport News.
According to Maman Aviation, the Israeli representative of Etihad Airways, operating direct flights from Israel to Abu Dhabi, the new regulations will apply starting March 1. However, Etihad’s website is already updated, nullifying the need for a PCR test (for vaccinated travelers) effective immediately.