You Will Need a PCR Test Before Entering Abu Dhabi From August 27

Those travelling into Abu Dhabi will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test before entering

Posted on

25 August 2020

| Last updated on 26 August 2020

You Will Need a PCR Test Before Entering Abu Dhabi From August 27

Visiting Abu Dhabi by simply taking a DPI rapid laser test will no longer be accepted

In response to an increase of Covid-19 cases in the UAE, Abu Dhabi authorities have reimposed restrictions and tightened entry into the capital.

If you intend to travel into Abu Dhabi, a rapid DPI laser test alone will no longer be valid starting Thursday, August 27. Instead, people are required to present a negative nasal swab test to enter, provided that the test results were received within 48 hours.

However, you can still use a negative DPI laser test result to be granted access into the emirate. This is only valid if the test result was given within 48 hours and you also have a negative PCR test result that was received within the last six days.

Thus, residents can choose between one of two options to enter Abu Dhabi:

1. A negative PCR nasal swab test done beforehand, and received within 48 hours
2. A negative DPI laser test received within 48 hours, plus a negative PCR nasal swab test that was received within 6 days

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in cooperation with @DoHSocial, approves two tests to enter the emirate effective 27 August 2020, enhancing precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/TclavviPUi

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 25, 2020

Based on this new safety measure, motorists who plan to enter Abu Dhabi can take a nasal swab test at the beginning of the week, and then resume its validity within six days at the DPI laser screening centre in Ghantoot.

In the official tweet, the committee said the same type of test cannot be taken twice in a row within six days.

Anyone who violates these procedures will be issued with penalties and fines as outlined by the Attorney General.

Who is exempt from presenting a negative Covid-19 test?

Only one category of people are not required to take and show a negative Covid-19 test result at the Abu Dhabi border: Volunteers in the COVID-19 vaccine trials.

The vaccine volunteers are also authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth entry into the capital.