I do not hold an EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate. Therefore, when I flew into Portugal late last month, I was required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point; or a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken at most 24 hours before departure.
I was only transiting through Dubai. But I opted to do the 90-minute turnaround PCR test at Sydney International Airport for convenience and peace of mind. Better to be overcautious and fully armed than face potential problems in Dubai.Just note that when taking an airport test, you cannot pass through immigration control until you have the negative result via SMS or email. In other words, don’t think you’ll sit in an airport lounge with a coffee or something stronger awaiting your test result.
Portugal requires all travellers to complete a Passenger Locator Form . Emirates check-in staff helped those who hadn’t completed it to do it on the spot on their phones, but it’s obviously less hassle if you fill it out online before arriving at the airport.My flights to Singapore and Fiji were less than half full. But the Emirates A380 to Lisbon via Dubai was at full capacity. People are diligent with their masks, but otherwise it’s business as usual in the air.
In Greece, I’m also regularly asked to show my ICVC along with identification for entry to restaurants, shops and the like.