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Pakistan revises Covid-19 PCR test rules for passengers from UAE, other countries

All inbound passengers will have to carry Covid-19 PCR test with a validity of less than 48 hours

Published: Tue 7 Dec 2021, 6:48 PM

Updated: Wed 8 Dec 2021, 7:48 PM

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AFP file photo

AFP file photo

Pakistan on Tuesday revised rules for passengers travelling from the UAE and other countries from Wednesday, December 8.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) of Pakistan has announced that all inbound passengers will have to carry Covid-19 PCR test with a validity of less than 48 hours. Earlier, international travellers were asked to carry PCR tests with a maximum validity of 72 hours.

The decision comes following the outbreak of the new variant of the coronavirus Omicron in more than 30 countries.

Importantly, Pakistan has announced travel ban from 16 countries following the outbreak of Omicron. Pakistan banned unvaccinated air travellers, too, from entering the country from October 1, 2021. However, the country exempted its citizens from submitting PCR tests provided they substantiate with a reason for the exemption.

Asad Umar, Pakistan's minister for planning, development and special initiatives, last week announced that the government has decided to re-intensify the vaccination campaign across the country by utilising extra resources due to the impending threat of Omicron.

What is the latest:

  • Only vaccinated passengers can travel
  • Passengers aged 6 years and above must carry a negative PCR test report with a validity of 48 hours maximum
  • A rapid antigen test (RAT) on arrival at the airport for all in-bound passengers travelling from banned countries
  • Passengers going from banned countries will have to undergo a three-day quarantine period followed by a PCR test on the third day
  • Passengers tested positive will be quarantined for 10 days followed by a PCR test on eighth day of quarantine.

Following unvaccinated Pakistanis get exemption from PCR tests:

  • Expired visa / Emirates ID or illegally immigrants/deportees
  • Court cases
  • Medical condition/issues
  • Pregnant women
  • Partially vaccinated from Pakistan

What are the documents required prior to departure:

  • Covid-19 PCR test with a validity of 48 hours
  • Download Pass Track app
  • Update details of PCR test, passport copy, travel details

International travel is banned from following countries:

  • Croatia
  • Hungary
  • Netherlands
  • Ukraine
  • Ireland
  • Slovenia
  • Vietnam
  • Poland
  • Zimbabwe
  • South Africa
  • Lesotho
  • Eswatini
  • Mozambique
  • Botswana
  • Namibia
  • Hong Kong

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