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Passengers from 8 countries are no longer required to conduct a Rapid PCR test at the departure airport 6 hours prior to their flight to Sharjah. Further, Air Arabia has also confirmed that children under the age of 16 bound for Sharjah will no longer need to take the rapid test.

Travellers from India, Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Egypt and Uganda coming to Sharjah are among the few nations that are now exempt from rapid testing before arrival at Sharjah. All passengers travelling by Air Arabia will only need to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the flight arrival time and then undergo a re-test upon arrival.

As per the revised guidelines published on the airline’s website, UAE nationals and children under 16 years are exempt from the test. Residence visa holders from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh must ensure that they have a valid ICA/GDRFA approval before their departure to the UAE.

UAE Arrival Registration: Rules and Procedures for Travel to the UAE

The following is a complete list of the categories of passengers who are permitted to travel to the UAE from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh:

  • fully vaccinated visitors (14 days after taking the second dose of any WHO-approved vaccine) and hold a valid vaccination certificate
  • fully vaccinated residents (14 days after taking the second dose of any WHO-approved vaccine) who have their vaccination certificates along with the certificate on the Al Hosn App. Minors below 16 years are exempt from vaccination
  • fully vaccinated passengers with e-visas arriving in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah
  • vaccinated and unvaccinated medical professionals and staf working in the UAE (including doctors, nurses and technicians)
  • vaccinated and unvaccinated education sector staff (including teachers at universities, colleges, schools and institutes)
  • vaccinated and unvaccinated students currently studying in UAE
  • humanitarian cases who have valid visas
  • vaccinated and unvaccinated staff from federal governments and local entities
  • vaccinated and unvaccinated golden visa holders
  • vaccinated and unvaccinated diplomats