As the world continues to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, travel restrictions have gone up significantly as a way to shorten the chain of transmission. Some countries are more protective than others, and France is taking a hardline approach in this matter. Emirates airlines, which operates services to the European country, set up some new travel requirements for incoming passengers. To understand both the positive and negative implications of these requirements, it is important to take a look at what they involve.
Entry requirements to France from Emirates Airlines
On the 15th of October , 2020, Emirates Airlines set up certain prerequisites for flying to France from the U.A.E. These requirements were made mandatory and most importantly, the incoming passengers to France must present a negative test result before boarding the plane. This coronavirus test must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to the flight. However, travelers are exempt from this rule if they traveled to France in the past 14 days or less from a list of ‘low risk countries’. The airline also requires that all passengers show their valid entry permit to France, only then will they be allowed to get on the plane.
Benefits of Emirates travel requirements for France passengers
The travel prerequisites by Emirates Airlines prove to be beneficial in terms of health and safety. To begin with, the negative Covid-19 test may reduce the risk of international transmission and will provide more security for health systems in both the U.A.E and France. Moreover, the list of low-risk countries that are exempt from the test requirement allows passengers to travel with lesser restrictions as France is taking a cautious approach to the health situation in other countries. On top of that, it creates a hassle free experience on board the plane since those who provide proof of testing will be able to get on the plane without any delays. It also helps to speed up the process of the flight since documents can be checked beforehand to save time at the check-in desk.
Shortcomings of Emirates travel requirements for France passengers
However, some concerns are present regarding Emirates’ travel requirements for France. The most prominent one relates to the cost of the Covid-19 test required for all passengers entering the country. Indeed, the cost of PCR tests is rather expensive, such that some people can not afford to have them done which becomes an obstacle for their travel plans. Besides, it is still uncertain how effective these tests are at detecting the virus accurately which remains a major concern. Similarly, the list of low-risk countries which are exempt from the Covid-19 pre-test is also unclear which creates a gray area for some travelers. Finally, the extra documentation provides a burden for travelers since they must stay organised and plan accordingly.
Conclusion: Recommendations and further discussion
All in all, Emirates’ travel requirements for France come with both definite advantages and shortcomings. It should be noted, however, that the requirements may be adjusted in the future to accommodate travelers from certain countries or to add or reduce the cost of testing. In the meantime, travelers should be aware of the current regulations to make sure their travel plans go as smoothly as possible.
Furthermore, it is important to discuss the issue from a socio-economic point of view. In this regard, authorities should consider subsidizing the Covid-19 tests for those passengers who are economically challenged. Not only this, but the cost of testing should be addressed on an international scale such that those who wish to travel could actually take the necessary precautions to keep the pandemic in check.
With all in mind, Emirate’s travel requirements for France are justified and safe. However, authorities should listen to travelers and provide them suitable options to travel without facing financial burden.
