DUBAI: Beginning Sunday, vaccinated travelers arriving into Abu Dhabi from green list destinations will have to take a PCR test on arrival and another on day 6 without the need for quarantine.
Updated travel procedures released by Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said that travelers from other destinations need to take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test on day 6.
The protocol applies to fully vaccinated UAE citizens and residents as well as visitors as documented on Alhosn app, according to local media reports.
Unvaccinated citizens, residents and visitors arriving into Abu Dhabi from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and take a PCR test on days 6 and 9.
When arriving from other destinations, they must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day 9.
Also, effective from Aug. 20, vaccinated citizens, residents and tourists with green status on Alhosn app, which appears after a negative PCR test result and stays green for 30 days, would be allowed to enter public places.
Entry is also allowed for those exempted from vaccination with green status on Alhosn app, which appears after a negative PCR test result and remains for seven days. Children under 16 years, whose status will appear as green on Alhosn app without the requirement of a test, will also be allowed entry, reports said
Unvaccinated individuals and those with grey status on Alhosn app, which reflects an expired PCR test, are prohibited from entering these public places.
The committee also announced those with a new residency permit have a grace period of 60 days to be vaccinated.
The process to enter public places also applies to visitors and tourists, who should also adhere to the international travel protocol.
The committee explained that to maintain the vaccinated status on Alhosn app, a booster dose must be taken six months after receiving the second dose per the medical protocol for each vaccine. A grace period of 30 days is given to all those who have taken their second dose more than six months ago, before their status will turn grey on 20 September. Participants in vaccine trials are exempt from needing a booster dose.
This follows the committee’s announcement last month that listed the public places limited to those vaccinated. These are shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping center, as well as gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centers and theme parks. The list also includes universities, institutes, public and private schools and children’s nurseries in the emirate.
The committee emphasized that the decision is part of the emirate’s proactive measures to contain the spread of the virus and its mutated strains. The committee stressed the importance of committing to precautionary measures as well as choosing to vaccinate, with vaccination the most effective method for sustainable recovery.
