UAE-UK travellers issued new guidelines due to New Covid strain

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The advisory noted that travellers must check specific requirements with their airline before travel.

The UK has updated its travel guidelines for passengers flying out of the UAE to England or Scotland.

According to the advisory on its official website, from 4am on January 15, those intending to travel to Scotland, and from 4am on January 18, those intending to travel to England (including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad), must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test result taken up to 72 hours before departure.

“If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival,” it said. “All other current entry requirements and restrictions continue to apply.”

Guidelines for those travelling from or through the UK into the UAE were also clarified in the advisory.

Travelling from UK to Dubai

Tourists and visitors travelling from or through the UK and arriving in Dubai after 8am on Saturday, January 16, must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test, taken no more than 96 hours before departure. They will need to present the certificate at check-in.

It further stated that Dubai residents travelling to Dubai from or through the UK still have the option to either present a negative Covid-19 PCR test on departure from the UK, which was taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure or to take a PCR test on arrival at Dubai airport.

Those tested on arrival will have to isolate pending the result of the test. Travellers may also be required to undertake a PCR test on arrival in Dubai, regardless of whether they were tested before departure.

Travelling from UK to Abu Dhabi

Meanwhile, travellers to Abu Dhabi from the UK must have carried out a Covid-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure and received a negative result. They will also be required to undertake a PCR test on arrival.

Upon entering Abu Dhabi, they are required to wear a government-provided wristband, complete a minimum 10-day period of self-isolation or quarantine and, depending on the length of their stay, have up to two further Covid-19 PCR tests on day 6 and 12 after their arrival.

The advisory noted that travellers must check specific requirements with their airline before travel.

Those who test positive for Covid-19 on arrival in the UAE will be required to quarantine for at least 10 days, even if they had a negative Covid-19 PCR test before travelling.