Goa airport sets up rapid PCR facility for UAE passengers

Goa International Airport has set up a rapid PCR facility to help Goan expats travelling to UAE. The facility has been set up at the multi-level car parking (MLCP) in response to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s directive. According to the airport, the test will cost INR 4000.

The act comes as a huge relief for Goan expats travelling to the UAE. Dubai Civil Aviation Authority informed the airlines and private operators that the COVID PCR test can be taken by the travellers at the departure airport within six hours of departure. Goa Airport director Gagan Malik said, “The rapid PCR facility has started today morning at Goa International Airport in MLCP to meet the present requirements of UAE departures. This shall facilitate departure from Goa to UAE”.
The rule is applicable to passengers travelling to UAE from India and other nations, including Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda.

Meanwhile, the Goa government has extended the COVID-induced lockdown till August 30, 2021. Just a few days back, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had extended the curfew by eight days till August 23 but on Sunday, the lockdown was again extended by a week, after looking at the COVID situation in the country.
As of now, people wanting to travel to Goa will have to carry their COVID negative test report- not older than 72 hours. But those who are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering the state do not need to carry a PCR report. People coming from Kerala, RT-PCR is mandatory.