Dubai: Validity of RT-PCR tests reduced to 72 hours

Mangaluru: As per a new protocol UAE authorities have reduced the time frame of validity of Covid-19 negative RT-PCR test cerificate from the previous 96 hours to 72 hours now.

Travelers with work permit and tourists except UAE nationals have to present a valid negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate on arrival.

The 72-hour time frame starts from the time the swab is collected.

Due to technical issues, the flights from Mangaluru, from January 31 to February 2 will land in Sharjah instead of Dubai.

The authorities cautioned the travelers to adhere to the 72-hour window as there is no information about the validity of test from Sharjah authorities.

The latest protocols state that the passengers arriving in Dubai will have to take an RT-PCR test on arrival, no matter which country they are coming from.

According to reports, arrivals from certain countries may require to undergo additional tests as per the Covid situation there.

The passengers need to present original test reports from a government approved lab and are required to download the COVID-19 Dubai smart app and generate a QR code on their devices.