Negative PCR test needed for UAE-bound Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos flying to the United Arab Emirates must present a certificate showing they have been tested negative of COVID-19 before they are allowed to take their flight, airport authorities said in an advisory released on Tuesday night.

“The government of the UAE is requiring all passengers coming from the Philippines to have a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction test) certificate before they are allowed to board flights to the emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” the advisory said, adding that without the required certification, even passengers with confirmed bookings won’t be allowed to check in.

The negative PCR certificate must be issued by an approved laboratory in the country of origin. For the Philippines, all 85 private and public COVID-19 testing laboratories licensed by the Department of Health’s Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau may issue the negative PCR certificates to UAE-bound travelers.

Certificates must be issued no more than 96 hours, or four days before departure.

The new regulation covers all those going to the United Arab Emirates and those taking connecting flights there.

According to media reports from the United Arab Emirates citing Emirati health and aviation agencies, the negative PCR certificate is required for travelers coming from “high risk” countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sudan, Tanzania, and certain airports and states in the United States.

Philippine Airlines has been mounting one flight to Dubai once a week since July 1. ‍

On Tuesday, more than 100 UAE-bound overseas Filipino workers were unable to take their flight to Dubai because they lacked the negative PCR certificate. They claimed not knowing about the new requirement.