Emirates, Dubai Health Authority implement digital verification of Covid-19 records for UAE-based travellers

Dubai-based carrier Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have begun to implement full digital verification of Covid-19 medical records pertinent to testing and vaccination for travellers based in the UAE.

Emirates customers who have undertaken a PCR test in Dubai can choose to check-in without presenting their physical Covid-19 PCR test report. Additionally, those who have received their Covid-19 vaccination at a DHA health centre in Dubai can, with their PCR test results, have their documents synchronised during flight check-in. The information will then be matched with the entry requirements of the destination country.

The procedures aims to enable faster processing times for customers departing from Dubai International Airport, a statement said.

Emirates and @DHA_Dubai have begun implementing full digital verification of COVID-19 medical records connected to testing and vaccination, enabling faster processing with no physical paper checking required. https://t.co/BD32qX4EVn #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter pic.twitter.com/fPOMSvAtJM

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) April 26, 2021

Emirates will only process relevant information specifically related to the Covid-19 entry requirements of the customer’s destination. Once check-in formalities are completed, information pertinent to Covid-19 medical records will be immediately expunged from the carrier’s systems.

The next phase of digital verification, in the coming months, will witness integration of health records within the IATA Travel Pass, to also help facilitate travel for passengers.

Customers who have done PCR testing or vaccinations outside of Dubai will be required to physically provide their travel documents at check-in. Meanwhile, some destination countries require travellers to carry physical documents when travelling.

The integration comes less than two months after the signing of the MoU between Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority.

Read: Dubai Health Authority to share Covid-19 medical records with Emirates

Adel Al Redha, chief operating officer for Emirates Airline, said: “We are delighted to take this step within the aviation sector to cooperate with DHA in linking our systems together to enhance the customer experience by processing the relevant documents in a more efficient, secure and effective manner. ”

“This partnership will directly help streamline and make travel easy and convenient as well as ensure validation of all necessary Covid-19 medical records,” noted Ahmed Al Nuaimi, CEO of joint corporate support services at the DHA.

“This partnership reinforces that technology has the potential to securely, conveniently and effectively assist airlines to receive the verified Covid-19 test results and vaccination records,” added Kleitham Ali Al Shamsi, director of IT at the DHA.