The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have updated travel protocols for UAE residents seeking to travel to nations on travel curbs list. The new protocols will come into effect from October 27.

The travel measures have been updated with the aim of promoting the UAE's strategy to ensure gradual recovery of all key sectors and smooth return to normalcy in the country.

As per the updated protocols, citizens vaccinated with approved COVID-19 vaccines are allowed to travel to countries across the world. However, the protocols prohibit unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated citizens from travelling abroad. Meanwhile, UAE diplomatic missions, patients, humanitarian cases, students studying abroad on scholarships are exempted from the new protocol provided that they present a prior approval received from the official authorities.

In addition, citizens returning from countries in the travel curbs list are required to submit a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result containing a QR code. The test must be conducted within 48 hours from the time of departure. At the same time, they will have to present Rapid PCR test result conducted no more than 6 hours before the departure time at the airport of the destination.

The protocols also call on vaccinated travellers to undergo PCR test upon arrival and two more on days four and eight of their stay in the country. On the other hand, unvaccinated travellers are required to take the PCR test upon arrival and undergo quarantine for 10 days. They will be required to take another PCR test on day nine of their quarantine.

The new measures also include various departure requirements such as registering in the 'Tawajudi' service and uploading a negative PCR test result conducted within 48 hours along with the itinerary. It is important for travellers to comply with the safety procedure of the destination country.

In conclusion, the two entities have urged passengers to visit health centres if they experience any symptoms or infection with the virus. They must also notify the UAE's embassy in the destination country. Furthermore, people above the age of 70 are advised against travelling to foreign destination to maintain their health and safety.

WAM