AR
UR
Countries across the world are easing COVID-19 restrictions on international travel with the aim of facilitating the recovery of key sectors. In line with this development, vaccinated UAE residents can fly to more than half a dozen countries without the need for presenting a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
A number of Gulf and European countries have withdrawn the PCR test requirement for travellers from the UAE prior to their flight departure.
This development has come after the UAE became the world's most vaccinated nation with 96 percent of the eligible population fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. In November 2021, the UAE reached a landmark with 100 percent of its eligible population receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. The UAE implemented a robust vaccination campaign over the past year to enhance the protection of people against the virus.
Furthermore, UAE airlines have also listed travel guidelines of every country in detail in terms of COVID-19 certificates and vaccinations for residents and foreign travellers.
While a majority of the UAE airlines follow the guidelines issued by relevant authorities in those countries, Etihad Airways has mandated all travellers to carry a negative COVID-19 PCR certificate irrespective of the protocols of their destination countries.
“You must take a PCR test to travel with Etihad Airways even if the country you are travelling to does not require one,” the Abu Dhabi-based UAE national carrier said in a statement on its website.
According to a flydubai’s spokesperson, the airline is following the guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.
“We encourage our passengers to keep up to date with the latest regulations on the Travel Centre so that they are prepared and ready to travel for their whole journey,” the spokesperson said.
On its website, Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates has also stated that UAE’s vaccinated residents and citizens can travel to eight countries without the need for a negative COVID-19 test. These countries include Bahrain, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Lebanon, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.
Here are the travel guidelines of each country for UAE residents, citizens and other passengers as detailed by Emirates airline website:
Bahrain
All passengers, regardless of their vaccination status are not required to present a negative PCR test certificate before departure of their flight. However, they must take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in the country and pay BHD 12 testing fee. Recovered passengers are also exempted from the pre-departure COVID-19 RT PCR test. They would be required to take a PCR test upon arrival in Bahrain. They can also present their COVID-19 recovery certificate issued by a competent health authority in case of recovery within 8 months before their date of arrival in Bahrain. People who recovered and travelling after 14 days and 30 days from the date of infection can present a positive COVID-19 PCR certificate (with a QR code and date of infection).
Denmark
All passengers who are not vaccinated or who have not previously contracted COVID-19 are required to present a negative PCR test certificate (taken within 72 hours) prior to boarding the aircraft to Denmark.
They can also take a quick antigen test no more than 48 hours before arrival. Passengers arriving in Denmark without a valid negative COVID-19 test may be fined up to 3,500 DKK.
Vaccinated passengers, children aged 15 years or younger and aircrew members are exempted from pre-departure COVID-19 test.
Switzerland:
Fully-vaccinated passengers from the UAE or those who have recovered from COVID-19 are not required to present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test certificate before entering Switzerland.
However, non-vaccinated and non-recovered passengers must present a negative PCR test result taken not more than 72 hours before departure or a rapid antigen test conducted not more than 24 hours before departure.
Children below the age of 16 are exempted from PCR test and vaccination requirements.
Turkey
All UAE citizens and residents are required to present a vaccination certificate. It is important for passengers to complete their vaccination at least 14 days before arrival. Vaccinated passengers are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.
On the other hand, non-vaccinated passengers are needed to submit a negative PCR test result taken not more than 72 hours before arrival in Turkey. They can also present a negative Rapid Antigen test result taken within the last 48 hours before arriving in Turkey or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months.
Children below the age of 12 are exempted from the COVID-19 PCR test or vaccination certificate requirements.
Germany
All UAE residents and citizens aged 12 years and above are required to present a vaccine certification as proof of full vaccination. The last dose of vaccine must be taken at least 14 days before travel. Unvaccinated children below 12 years are allowed to travel in the company of at least one fully vaccinated parent.
Unvaccinated passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Greece
Authorities have allowed fully-vaccinated passengers to travel to the country without a negative COVID-19 test certificate. The vaccination certificate is valid up to nine months from the last dose of a completed vaccination programme. This protocol will not apply to travellers with a completed booster dose.
Norway
The country does not mandate a pre-departure negative COVID-19 PCR test for fully vaccinated passengers from the UAE.
However, unvaccinated people must present a valid negative test result (either PCR or antigenic) taken within 24 hours of departure. They are also required to self-quarantine for 72 hours until a negative test is generated for the test conducted on arrival.
No testing and self-quarantine requirements for passengers below 18.
Lebanon
Fully vaccinated passengers may be exempted from presenting negative PCR test result before departure. They are required to upload their vaccination certificates and other official documents on MOPH PASS. However, passengers will be asked to take a PCR test on arrival in Lebanon.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times