Important:Update on Emirates’ flights to UK
There may be specific departure requirements in your country before you leave. Check the information on our Travel Requirements page.
Requirement for all passengers arriving in Dubai
All passengers arriving into Dubai from any point of origin (GCC countries included) must hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Passengers transiting through Dubai from all other countries do not need a COVID-19 PCR test unless required by their final destination.
Rules for travel from South Africa and Nigeria
You will not be able to enter Dubai if you have been in or transited through South Africa or Nigeria in the last 14 days before travelling to Dubai. This is not applicable for UAE nationals who are returning to the UAE and members of diplomatic missions. Members of diplomatic missions travelling from Nigeria must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate from one of the authorised laboratories in Nigeria.
Test exemptions:
COVID-19 testing laboratories:
Passengers will need to do PCR tests only if it is mandated by the country they are travelling to.
Rapid COVID-19 testing at Dubai International airport for flights to Amsterdam and Copenhagen
All passengers travelling to Amsterdam and Copenhagen must have a negative rapid COVID-19 test certificate before travel. You can take this test at Dubai International airport at the following locations:
From 14 February 2021, the rapid COVID-19 test conducted at Dubai Airport facilities will cost AED 150 plus taxes.
If you are starting your journey in Dubai we recommend you arrive at the airport 4 hours before departure and go straight to the testing facility.
More special COVID-19 PCR test rates for Emirates passengers
Emirates has expanded its medical partnerships to offer all passengers exclusive home or office COVID-19 PCR testing rates at the following centres:
Al Tadawi Medical Centre
Prime Medical Centres
Locations in Dubai:
The test costs AED 150 per person. Home or office testing within Dubai for a minimum of two passengers is also available at AED 240 per person. Test results will be available within 24 hours.
Travel from Dubai to China
There are strict rules for travelling into Abu Dhabi by road. Those intending to enter Abu Dhabi must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours or a negative DPI test result within 24 hours. The day of arrival into Abu Dhabi is counted as day 1.
Arriving passengers
If you have just arrived in Dubai and travel straight to Abu Dhabi, you must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours and take a COVID-19 PCR test at the border. Travellers from green countries must take another COVID-19 PCR test on day 6, without the need to quarantine. A COVID-19 PCR test is required on arrival and on day 8 for passengers arriving from other countries, as well as a 10 day quarantine period. Your quarantine may be at home, in a hotel, or in accommodation provided by the health authorities.
If you have been in other Emirates and then travelling to Abu Dhabi
You must present at the Abu Dhabi border your negative COVID-19 PCR test results issued within 48 hours or negative laser DPI blood test results issued within 24 hours before entry. DPI tests cannot be used to enter Abu Dhabi consecutive times. Residents and visitors will need to undergo additional tests in AUH based on their period of stay and type of test conducted. For those entering with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, they must take another COVID-19 PCR test on the day 4 and additionally on day 8, if staying for 8 days or more. If entry was with a negative DPI test result, a COVID-19 PCR test must be conducted on day 3 of entry and on day 7 if the stay is for 7 days or more.
Exemption
Volunteers of the COVID-19 vaccine trials and those taking the vaccine under the national vaccination programmes with active icons (Letter E or Gold Star) on the Alhosn app are exempted from these measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey. All are required to adhere to their respective protocols.
These tests are a legal requirement. Find out where to get tested in Dubai before you enter Abu Dhabi.
COVID-19 flight and travel restrictions remain in place across many countries around the world. We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, and we hope to resume services as soon as conditions allow. This includes receiving government approvals, the easing of travel restrictions, and commercial demand. We will announce any service resumption when we can. Find out which destinations we’re flying to and from.