Dhaka: Passengers from Bangladesh, India, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and some other countries must undergo mandatory testing at Dubai International Airport upon arrival, said the country’s Media Office.

Moreover, these passengers must also have a mandatory ICA and GDRFA approval pre-arrival.

This does not apply to passengers who have other visas, such as newly issued residence or employment visas, short stay or long stay visas, holders of ten-year UAE Golden visa, Investor or Partner visa, visit visa or visa on arrival.

Passengers arriving from the countries above must present a negative Covid‑19 PCR test certificate with a QR code for a test conducted within 48 hours.

Prior to departure from an approved health facility, validity should be calculated from the time the sample was collected.

Passengers must also present a Covid‑19 Rapid PCR test report with a QR code for a test conducted at the departure airport within six hours of departure.

Those who tested positive must quarantine for ten days from the time of the first PCT test. If the Covid-19 PCR test result is negative passengers no longer need to remain in self-isolation.

The move comes as part of Dubai’s efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19. Hence, Dubai International Airport will also carry out random PCR tests on passengers arriving on some flights.

According to reports, Dubai Media Office claimed the additional testing is being carried out on passengers arriving on flights not on screening lists.

“PCR tests are mandatory for the flights mentioned on Emirates website,” said Dubai Media in a statement. “However, as part of the extra precautionary measures, Dubai Airport may conduct random tests upon arrival for certain flights,” the statement added.

Dubai has also issued fresh restrictions on travellers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

Passengers travelling to Dubai who has been in or transited through these countries in the past 14 days are not permitted to enter the Emirate.