PCR Test Requirement for Fully Vaccinated Traveller from Thailand to UK with Etihad

[karlf35]

Hi. I'm a UK national, planning to travel to the UK from Thailand for a month break at the end of April and hoped someone could confirm the PCR test requirement for travel with Etihad please? Etihad are saying that I need a PCR test within 48 hours of my departure date, and this needs to be uploaded with my other travel documents prior to departure (passenger locator form, vaccination certificate etc.), however on the gov.uk website, it states that fully vaccinated travellers do not need a PCR test for travel to England. Which is correct, and is the fact that the travel involves a 2 hours transit stop in Abu Dhabi to change planes the issue why a negative PCR test may be required.

 

Any clarification would be appreciated please?

 

Thanks,

 

Karl.

[sqwakvfr]

This could be because the UAE might have a PCR test requirement just to transit?  Singapore also a PCR test requirement for transit passengers as well. 

[sandyf]

You are right, but the new rule only came into effect yesterday that there is no longer the test requirement.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-new-travel-rules-take-flight?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=7b6999a0-eee4-4bf7-ab78-ffb7f09c6eab&utm_content=daily

 

You do need however to check  on the transit requirements for Abu Dhabi but I doubt very much if a test is required for short term transit.

[Whale]

You must take a PCR test to travel with Etihad Airways even if the country you are travelling to does not require one. 

 

Thats on the first page of their website

[blackcab]

1 hour ago, karlf35 said:

Which is correct...

 

Both are correct. You do not need a PCR test to enter the UK, but Ethihad still require a PCR test for you to get on their plane.

 

It's a similar situation in the UK. The government do not require you to wear a mask, but some individual shops still ask those entering the shop to wear a mask.

[geisha]

If you haven’t booked, don’t yet, keep your options open.

[cardinalblue]

Qatar is following the usa entry requirements and all it states is a negative test (antigen or PCR) on the previous day…they are accepting that for the transit stop in Doha…

 

yet in reverse to thailand must be a PCR test within 72 hours; therefore, letting the arriving country dictate what type of test for air travel

[worrab]

Emirates with whom I have booked for end of June to go to UK for a month, do not require a test UK bound. But I will require one, unless Thailand changes its rules, haha, to return to Thailand.   

[clivebaxter]

2 hours ago, cardinalblue said:

Qatar is following the usa entry requirements and all it states is a negative test (antigen or PCR) on the previous day…they are accepting that for the transit stop in Doha…

 

yet in reverse to thailand must be a PCR test within 72 hours; therefore, letting the arriving country dictate what type of test for air travel

Where did you see that? they told me now no PCR or any test from BKK to UK via Doha. The office in Exchange tower is closed, they told me this on the phone and by a twitter message.

 

Hello, xxxx. Kindly note that Qatar Airways as an airline does not require a Covid-19 PCR test for boarding on our flights unless this is a requirement imposed by the country of your arrival or/and departure. This is why we kindly advise our customers to check the updated travel requirements on the websites with the link provided below. Please take note that due to the rapid changes in regulation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, changes can occur with very short notice.
We also encourage all our customers to check with the relevant authorities or embassy in their country of departure and/or arrival.
https://qatarairways.com/en-qa/travel-alerts/requirements.html…
Thank you and have a great day.

Edited February 12, 2022 by clivebaxter

[jimn]

Just to be 100% clear. Qatar and Emirates follow end country requirements to board their flights.

Etihad and Singapore require a PCR test within 48 hours of departure to board their flights no matter where you are flying.