Schwann

Ah yes, just seen the rapid test available at Collinson on Bath Road.

Wozza2404

There's a drive through Express Test at LHR (near Pod Parking) that does results by next day 10pm. It's £59.

If you don't have a car then there's a walk in one at T5 arrivals. Same price.

dadio77

Just to let everyone know, BA have released loads of availability to DXB as expected - now to get my head around the PCR tests!!

firstlight

o and o is not cheap at any point. We managed to get o & o Residence and Spa locked in for about 600 a night half board fully refundable with business class flights and companion voucher both ways - but that was a few months ago!

Neilgcal

So with the Dubai service restarting today, any word on whether the BA lounge is reopening in DXB T1?

ratechaser

Already booked for later this month! Been able to UUA one leg so far for 4 of us, at a value of over 2.3p/Avio after fees. The DXB route is a real sweet spot for maximising redemption value...

(Now if anyone knows a good source to book Atlantis cheaper than official rates, please let me know! )

MANCHESTER

It’s never cheap but it’s not normally £2000 per entry level room per night ! When you need 2 rooms it’s gets silly …. I’ve stayed there lots of times and it’s not worth that ! FS will be just fine ! We have F flights so will be a nice trip

dadio77

yep, had a hotel booking made months ago at a great rate (Dar Al Masyaf direct on HB for £1800 7 nts) so really wanted new flights to match as originals were cancelled by BA and I moved to Feb. Booked my wife and daughter on the two available reward flights last week and waited nervously until today to snag the third (avoided the temptation to make a cash booking at £1700 as plenty of miles to get rid of nowadays!). Bit risky, but it's worked out - I'm now 2hrs in to trying to understand what I need to do with the various tests, apps and forms... 🤪

Wozza2404

If you know someone who's a UAE resident who can fit in your room then get them to book it and check in with you. Resident rates are the lowest they tend to offer.

ratechaser

Hmm, may have to ask one of my team out there for a favour!

I sort the holiday, Mrs RC sorts the tests and forms. Fair division of labour in my book

I was also looking at the Anantara, which appeared to be very good value, but given this is the only holiday we've had this year, I will probably just stick to what I know with Atlantis. I just hope that the waterpark isn't too much of a building site right now, as the website suggests some of the older parts are still closed...

General question - how fussy are they about mask wearing when you're in the resorts?

dadio77

Hi All, I have posted this in the Cornavirus thread, so happy to delete, but I thought there may be others doing a very similar trip imminently who ma be able to help!

I've taken advice from this forum and the BA and gov websites, I think I have right in my head what I need for my trip to Dubai next week, but would appreciate any advice if something doesn't look right!

LHR-DXB Fri 20th Aug, back 28th Aug
2 adults 1 child (7yo)

For entry to Dubai:
PCR test 72hrs before departure for 2 adults only (so after next Tuesday 17th)
Download DXB Smart

For entry to the UK:
Test (doesn't need to be PCR but not NHS?) 72 hrs before leaving for all 3 of us (so after Weds 25th)
Passenger Locator form
PCR Test within 2 days of arrival (so by Monday 30th)

Does this look right? I have seen a package on the Randox website for:

FULLY VACCINATED AMBER TRAVEL PACK
1 x pre-departure PCR (from UK)
1 x day 2 PCR

Which I think is suitable for me and the wife, and my daughter just needs the 1 x day 2 PCR, though I read somewhere that home testing may not be accepted in Dubai?

I would also need the proof of negative test for returning to the UK, but they don't seem to be available from the same website - do these need to be purchased from elsewhere?

Apologies for so many questions, but I am slightly concerned that delivery is 4-6 days so really need to get on this! I live in the Midlands so can travel to centres if that is a better option, but doing it all through the post seemed easier!

Thanks in advance for your help.

ermis177

If I am not mistaken you can travel with rapid test to the UK instead of PCR.

Schwann

You can get rapid tests at Dubai Airport T3 for 150AED I believe.. those would be suitable for return to UK tests.

Wozza2404

Dubai specifically states home tests are not suitable. That's not to say it wouldn't be accepted, but I wouldn't chance it.

I've entered Dubai a few times during Covid and I've always used Express Test drive through tests. They're currently £59 per person at LHR and BHX (and probably other airports but those are the ones I've used). Results by 10pm the next day.

You don't need a PCR to return to the UK, a rapid test is OK. That being said, it's cheap in DXB at 150dhs in clinic or around 200dhs for the doc to come to your hotel and do it for you.

The Day2 test in the UK is what you all need (including the 7yo) provided the two adults have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or US.

kosy91

Im travelling to Dubai (most likely) on 21st Aug.

given that Dubai says no to home testing kits, I’m not taking chances and have booked Collinson PCR at o2 arena on Thursday. Plus I dont want to stress about with delivery and royal mail issues.

for the return to UK I’ll go with the very cheapest test available.