From today, PCR test required on arrival in Dubai for transit passengers from Pakistan

Special From today, PCR test required on arrival in Dubai for transit passengers from Pakistan
Travelers wear masks as they arrive at Dubai International Airport on January 29, 2020. (Reuters)
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Updated 27 August 2021 08:49
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From today, PCR test required on arrival in Dubai for transit passengers from Pakistan

From today, PCR test required on arrival in Dubai for transit passengers from Pakistan
  • On August 5, UAE lifted a ban on transit passenger traffic from Pakistan and other countries
  • A rapid PCR test can identify COVID-19 even before a person becomes infectious

ISLAMABAD: Passengers traveling from Pakistan and transiting through Dubai will have to take a rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test before departure from today, Friday, Emirates, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has said.
On August 5, UAE lifted a ban on transit passenger traffic from Pakistan, India, Nigeria and other countries though it still requires travelers from these countries to present negative COVID-19 tests that are not done more than four hours before their departure.
The rapid PCR test can determine a COVID-19 case even before a person becomes infectious, making it possible to isolate such individuals on time. Other types of tests detect viral proteins, revealing the coronavirus presence in a person’s respiratory system at the peak of the infection.
“Passengers arriving in Dubai from the following countries will be required to take another COVID‑19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International airport,” Emirates said in a statement on its website that listed Pakistan.
“In addition to the testing requirement for passengers traveling to or though Dubai, effective 27 August 2021, all passengers traveling to or transferring through Dubai from Pakistan are required to take a COVID‑19 Rapid PCR test at the departure airport before their scheduled flight.”
UAE nationals are exempted from the above requirements but subject to COVID‑19 PCR testing on arrival in Dubai.
Other requirements include that passengers traveling from Pakistan must carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test with a validity of 48 hours before departure from UAE-approved laboratories.
To facilitate Pakistani passengers traveling to the UAE, Pakistan this month put in place PCR rapid testing facility at all international airports in the country.