The United Arab Emirates government has eased its Covid travel protocol for inbound and transit passengers from countries – including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka – by abolishing the requirement of pre-departure rapid antigen tests (RAT) at airports.

In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority said that the protocol, which became effective from today (February 22), was effective for passengers travelling to Dubai and Sharjah.

However, passengers travelling exclusively to Dubai are still required to submit a valid rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificate with a QR Code conducted at an approved facility within 48 hours of departure. “Validity must be calculated from the time the sample was collected,” it read.

“[Passengers] must also undergo a Covid PCR test on arrival in Dubai and must remain in self-quarantine until they receive the test result,” it added. However, the statement did not mention scrapping of the RAT.

According to the travel update, all transiting passengers were not required to present a PCR test certificate unless it is required by their final destination.

Moreover, UAE nationals are exempt from taking the PCR test before departing for Dubai. “They must be tested on arrival in Dubai, irrespective if they are holding a valid negative Covid-19 RT-PCR certificate from the point of origin.”

Besides, children under the age of 12 and passengers who have a moderate or severe disability are also exempt from taking an RT-PCR test.