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All residents and tourists travelling to the UAE now require a COVID-19 test before departure

New rules affect all visitors  and returning residents to the UAE

by Time Out staff

New regulations have been announced for travel to the UAE from overseas.

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced that all residents and touristrs travelling to the UAE now require a negative COVID-19 test before departure.

Previously, with some destinations, a COVID-19 tests could be carried out at airports in the UAE.

Now, before boarding an aircraft to travel to the UAE a negative result is required or passengers will not be permitted to travel to the country.

ICA approval is still required for residents returning to the UAE, that has to be applied for within 21 days of returning to the country.

All visitors, including residents and tourists, must have a test carried out at an accredited laboratory within 72 hours of departure.

The full list of approved and accredited laboratories carrying out COVID-19 test can be found by visiting screening.purehealth.ae.

Those wishing to visit the UAE from countries that do not have accredited laboratories are advised to contact the airline directly to make arrangements.

For more news on travel in the UAE, stay tuned to Time Out Abu Dhabi and Time Out Dubai.