Coronavirus: Sharjah reduces PCR test result validity to 72 hours for all passengers

Travellers were previously required to present a PCR test result valid for 96 hours

New guidelines have been issued for passengers travelling to Sharjah Airport. Courtesy: Sharjah Airport Authority    

Passengers travelling to or from Sharjah International Airport must present a negative PCR test result valid for 72 hours.

Before this update, tourists and residents had to present negative results valid for 96 hours.

Sharjah Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Committee, which announced the update on Tuesday, said other safety regulations were unchanged, including a mandatory second PCR test for all passengers arriving in the emirate.

The new ruling will come into force from Sunday.

"The updated procedures reflect the emirate's keenness to preserve the safety of community members in accordance with health procedures and requirements that ensure curbing the spread of the virus," the authority said on Wam.

The committee said all passengers travelling to Sharjah need to download the UAE Ministry of Health’s Al Hosn mobile app and self-isolate until they receive a test result.

Those who test positive will have to self-quarantine for 14 days and pay for all medical expenses.

Tourists will also have to fill out a health disclosure form at the airport and detail any medical symptoms and underlying conditions they may have.

The committee recommended that tourists and residents travelling abroad get adequate health insurance to cover all costs of testing, treatment and isolation.

Covid-19 safety measures in place at Sharjah International Airport – in pictures