The Ras Al Khaimah government will offer free Covid-19 tests to international visitors as part of efforts to boost tourism. Free screening, available until the end of the year, will be provided to those flying into and departing the emirate. Travellers will be able to undergo the free PCR nasal swab test at RAK Hospital or RAK Medical Centre in Al Hamra Mall. The move comes after authorities announced on Tuesday that UAE residents and tourists would be allowed to fly to Ras Al Khaimah, without any prior approval, from October 15. Passengers will be required to present a negative Covid-19 certificate from a swab test, taken in their home country, no more than 96 hours before they board a flight to the emirate. All passengers must also undergo a PCR test on arrival. "It is with great pleasure that we announce the complimentary test for international visitors, as this will put in place an added element of safety - both for the guests staying within our properties, as well as our hospitality providers and their staff," said Raki Phillips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. "This initiative comes at a perfect time as we move towards the cooler months of the year into the 'winter sun' season, encouraging visitors to experience all that the destination has to offer." Free Covid-19 tests were also provided to <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/ras-al-khaimah-hotel-staff-tested-for-covid-19-before-busy-eid-al-adha-weekend-1.1055784">all hospitality staff</a> as part of the emirate's tourism recovery plans and efforts to control the spread of the pandemic. Earlier this month, Etihad Airways announced that Covid-19 tests will be included in the price of tickets for UAE customers departing from Abu Dhabi, until the end of the year. The national airline will offer the (PCR) test to all passengers flying out of the UAE capital at Life Medical Diagnostic Centres around the country as part of their airfare.
