Emirates COVID test and other questions
Aug 15, 2020 | 8:48 am
#226
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: EK1 ML5A ;-)
Programs: EK iO
Posts: 699
I need to fly to DXB within the next week or so as relocating there from Germany. Ideally I would like to use my BA Avios points for this (plus BA cabin baggage size and weight is larger than EK or LH, very useful as have some fragiles that I want to take at this stage of the relocation).
But at the moment, it looks like I might have to have an overnight stay at an LHR hotel in order to get FRA-LHR and then LHR-DXB. This would mean leaving airside.
I would guess that the origin in this instance is LHR not FRA, and that its not enough time to get a PCR test in the origin country?
Hopefully I have explained myself better.
I think from your first response that in a situation where I could check the whole way in to DXB and stay airside during the stopover, then a PCR test from Germany would be okay?
But at the moment, it looks like I might have to have an overnight stay at an LHR hotel in order to get FRA-LHR and then LHR-DXB. This would mean leaving airside.
I would guess that the origin in this instance is LHR not FRA, and that its not enough time to get a PCR test in the origin country?
Hopefully I have explained myself better.
I think from your first response that in a situation where I could check the whole way in to DXB and stay airside during the stopover, then a PCR test from Germany would be okay?
Never had problems with my (way too heavy and bulky) carry ons on ek so if that is your biggest concern, its not a big deal. This was even when I was just blue with ek, so not a plat/io thing.
Aug 15, 2020 | 9:31 am
#227
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 27
I also checked the Dubai Airport site which also mentions requiring a test for UK and EU.
At this point, you might want to call Emirates customer service number to get a better clarification on what you need to get into the airport and on the plane back to the US. Better safe than sorry. I'd be interested in the definitive answer to this as well since I was told by someone on here I'd require a test to come back into the airport after an overnight stay.
Aug 15, 2020 | 9:36 am
#228
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: JFK/GDL
Programs: AA PLT, UA 1P
Posts: 415
Lol, this is where it gets sketchy. Based on the EK site, if flying onto Boston, you definitely need one. Flying into JFK doesnt specifically say you have to have one. We are operating under the better safe than sorry principle.
I also checked the Dubai Airport site which also mentions requiring a test for UK and EU.
At this point, you might want to call Emirates customer service number to get a better clarification on what you need to get into the airport and on the plane back to the US. Better safe than sorry. I'd be interested in the definitive answer to this as well since I was told by someone on here I'd require a test to come back into the airport after an overnight stay.
I also checked the Dubai Airport site which also mentions requiring a test for UK and EU.
At this point, you might want to call Emirates customer service number to get a better clarification on what you need to get into the airport and on the plane back to the US. Better safe than sorry. I'd be interested in the definitive answer to this as well since I was told by someone on here I'd require a test to come back into the airport after an overnight stay.
Aug 15, 2020 | 9:48 am
#229
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 27
Thanks. I think youre right that theyre distinguishing between US destinations based on their interpretation of varying state laws. I think Ill probably just turn up at DXB and if they dont let me check in, Ill book a return on BA or LH or something, which as far as I know, definitely do not require a COVID test for US citizens returning home.
The problem is if EK is going to allow you to board without one. And I'm seeing conflicting info on here, so I'll probably end up calling them again for a ruling. I guess if you are flying an airline not requiring one, you may be good to go!
Of course, check the EK site daily for changes. Iceland just issued a bunch of new requirements so all these requirements are only good until the next one comes out.
Good luck.
Aug 16, 2020 | 6:48 am
#232
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 27
Many of the resorts are coordinating efforts with the lab on Male. For example, mine has an on site doctor to take the swab, it gets run to Male, and results returned within 48 hours for you to fly out.
Aug 16, 2020 | 6:51 am
#233
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,836
It would appear that there are tasing centres in the Maldives. Don't know the detail, but this might help: https://www.who.int/southeastasia/ne...-test-covid-19
Aug 16, 2020 | 7:47 am
#234
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BGI | MIA
Programs: AA Platinum Pro | Hyatt Globalist | HH Diamond | SPG Gold
Posts: 318
Currently staying At WA Maldives. Flying Emirates in the return.
The hotel doctor takes the deep nose swab AND throat swab as mandated by the government. The test gets sent to Male for processing and you get the results within 48 hours.
We were quoted $100 USD for the actual lab processing and $200 USD for transportation to the lab. This is of course subject to the 23.2% ++ tax.
if anyone has any other questions ill
try to ask.
The hotel doctor takes the deep nose swab AND throat swab as mandated by the government. The test gets sent to Male for processing and you get the results within 48 hours.
We were quoted $100 USD for the actual lab processing and $200 USD for transportation to the lab. This is of course subject to the 23.2% ++ tax.
if anyone has any other questions ill
try to ask.
Aug 16, 2020 | 7:53 am
#235
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Kiel
Programs: Fying Blue Platinum, KrisFlyer Elite Silver, Bonvoy Gold Elite, Hilton Silver
Posts: 142
Just got an email from Emirates for my flight mid-October that on of my leg flight is changed to the next day on the same time of the original flight (+24 hours). This will mean I will have 27 hours of transit and thinking about getting a transit visa.
Did anybody managed to get that in DXB during these times or should I apply for it online/at a UAE embassy before my flights?
Did anybody managed to get that in DXB during these times or should I apply for it online/at a UAE embassy before my flights?
Aug 16, 2020 | 8:03 am
#236
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 27
Just got an email from Emirates for my flight mid-October that on of my leg flight is changed to the next day on the same time of the original flight (+24 hours). This will mean I will have 27 hours of transit and thinking about getting a transit visa.
Did anybody managed to get that in DXB during these times or should I apply for it online/at a UAE embassy before my flights?
Did anybody managed to get that in DXB during these times or should I apply for it online/at a UAE embassy before my flights?
Our covid test FROM the Maldives will still be within the 96 hour timeframes and I've gotten multiple different answers if I can go into Dubai and stay overnight on that test.
The latest was from Emirates who said the test SHOUKD still be valid and allow me back into the airport BUT it would be best to check with immigration when i get there.
I've always gotten a visa on arrival. Suggest you check both the latest Emirates rules, the Dubai airport rules and make sure your covid test will still be valid.
Aug 16, 2020 | 3:10 pm
#238
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,931
On my way back to Dubai, courtesy of a COVID test by the NHS, big thank you to all the tax payers in the UK (that includes GEB74 )
Aug 16, 2020 | 10:51 pm
#239
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, CX, AA, DL, UA, MAR, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,211
Lol. Welcome to my life. They changed ours from 8 hours to almost 24 hours layover.
Our covid test FROM the Maldives will still be within the 96 hour timeframes and I've gotten multiple different answers if I can go into Dubai and stay overnight on that test.
The latest was from Emirates who said the test SHOUKD still be valid and allow me back into the airport BUT it would be best to check with immigration when i get there.
I've always gotten a visa on arrival. Suggest you check both the latest Emirates rules, the Dubai airport rules and make sure your covid test will still be valid.
Our covid test FROM the Maldives will still be within the 96 hour timeframes and I've gotten multiple different answers if I can go into Dubai and stay overnight on that test.
The latest was from Emirates who said the test SHOUKD still be valid and allow me back into the airport BUT it would be best to check with immigration when i get there.
I've always gotten a visa on arrival. Suggest you check both the latest Emirates rules, the Dubai airport rules and make sure your covid test will still be valid.
Aug 17, 2020 | 7:14 am
#240
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 27
Lol. Thanks. I keep multiple copies of EVERYTHING, in different places. I never trust them to hand anything critical back to me.