If you’re travelling to certain countries there maybe a requirment from the destinations government or the airline for you to have a swab test to check for a current COVID-19 infection, before flying into the country. The Pre-Flight COVID-19 Testing Service provides a COVID-19 nose and throat swab test for anyone over five years old.
How it works
Step 1
Registering on the Pure Health portal and pay for the service in full;
https://purehealth.ae/international-preflight-covid-19-passenger-screening/
Step 2
Book an appointment at a local Boots Pharmacy store for a time that suits you. Please ensure your swab appointment is 4 days before your flight.
https://www.boots.com/health-pharmacy-advice/pre-flight-covid-19-testing-service
Step 3
Attend appointment at Boots Store and receive result via email upto 48hrs after your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
In partnership with the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC), Pure Health, the largest laboratory operator in the GCC and key partner of the UAE authorities in the nationwide fight against COVID-19 pandemic has launched an online system where passengers traveling to the UAE can register to get tested for COVID-19 in their home countries through an approved network of facilities.
If you are travelling to the UAE from the UK you will need to book to a swab appointment at a Boots store 4 days before your flight. To book your test visit: https://screening.purehealth.ae.
If you have any problems with your booking you can contact Pure Health’s customer support at: customer.service@purehealth.ae
When you attend your swab appointment at your selected Boots store a swab is used to collect a sample from the throat and mouth. The swab is then sent to Viapath and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease. Viapath is a fully accredited pathology laboratory wholly owned by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King’s college hospital NHS King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
You can visit Viapath’s website here: http://www.viapath.co.uk
The RNA PCR test used detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative virus of Covid-19 disease.
The test used is fully accredited and supported by Public health England.
At the bottom of your email confirming the appointment at the Boots store is a link to cancel or amend your appointment. Please follow the link and select a new time that is suits you.
From the point a swab is taken there will be 24-48hrs before you receive your result on the Pure Health website. It is important to know that in a small number of cases the test needs to be repeated. In that situation you will be contacted within 24-48hrs of your first swab being taken to book another swab appointment. Please do check your phone messages and texts.
As there is a small probability you will need a second swab it is important you do not book a swab appointment less than 4 days before your flight.
To book your test visit: https://screening.purehealth.ae. The Boots stores available for you to get swabbed at will be shown on the website.
It is important that the date you are swabbed is 4 days before you fly. Please refer to ‘how long does it take to get my result?’.
To book your test visit: https://screening.purehealth.ae. Once you have selected your Boots store and confirmed your order with Pure Health you will receive contact details to make your booking with Boots directly. Here you will be given time options for a swab appointment on the date you choose.
It is important that the date you are swabbed is 4 days before you fly. Please refer to ‘how long does it take to get my result?’.
Viapath is contracted by Purehealth to provide a Covid-19 (SARS COV-2) RNA analysis service. Payment of the service is completed during the application on the Purehealth website;
https://purehealth.ae/international-preflight-covid-19-passenger-screening/
If you have any questions regarding fee's please contact the Purehealth customer service team directly on;
Pure Health will provide you with a time stamped PDF report with your result. If you have any problems or questions related to this please contact customer.service@purehealth.ae
Yes Viapath is
CQC registered
UKAS accredited
Departments of Medical Microbiology and Virology: UKAS accredited medical laboratory no. 9863
If this FAQ hasn’t answered your question please email with ‘NEW FAQ’ in the subject line and address the email to cv19support@viapath.org.
Our support team will be screening for emails with NEW FAQ in the subject line and respond to any questions within 3 working hours. Working hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Last updated: 28/10/2020
