Dubai updates protocols for flights from India, other countries

Dubai has updated its travel protocols for inbound passengers from India, South Africa and Nigeria.

The changes will come into effect on Wednesday, June 23.

Travel from India:

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 PCR test result taken 48 hours before departure; UAE nationals are exempted from this requirement. Only QR-coded test certificates are accepted.

Passengers are also required to undergo a rapid PCR test four hours prior to departure to Dubai as well as another PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

All travellers arriving from India should undergo institutional quarantine until they receive their PCR test result. UAE citizens and diplomats are exempted from institutional quarantine.

Travel 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 test result taken within 48 hours before departure to Dubai; UAE nationals are exempted from this PCR test requirement.

Passengers must also undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai, while transit passengers should comply with entry protocols of final destinations. 

Travel from Nigeria:

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

The negative 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, while transit passengers should comply with entry protocols of final destinations.

Headed by @sheikhmansoor, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in #Dubai announces updates to Dubai’s travel protocols for inbound passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India, effective from Wednesday 23 June 2021.https://t.co/Zfma4YWugQ pic.twitter.com/NkhIzaQwzI

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 19, 2021

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said the updated travel protocols are part of a regular process of revising and optimising precautionary measures based on the latest local, regional and international developments.

They are also aimed at enabling the city to continue serving as a global commercial hub and a bridge for travel and trade between the east and west.

In a statement to ARN News, Emirates said it welcomes the latest announcement.

It said the carrier will resume carrying passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India in accordance with these protocols from June 23.

"We thank the Supreme Committee for their continuous efforts in monitoring the development of the situation and announcing the appropriate guidelines and protocols to protect the community and safeguard travel sector,” it said. 

ARN News has also reached out to flydubai to find out when it will resume operations.