Wondering where you need an Al Hosn green pass in Abu Dhabi?
The United Arab Emirates recently announced wide-ranging changes to COVID-19 protocols with the easing of many restrictions across the UAE. There have been updates to the use of the Al Hosn green pass, face masks, close contact cases, restaurant and event capacities, travel and more.
The status of your Al Hosn app depends on your vaccination record and PCR test results. Green status is required in Abu Dhabi to enter many places across the city.
In order to maintain green status on the Al Hosn app you must be fully vaccinated (two COVID-19 vaccination doses and a booster shot for those who qualify) and a negative PCR test from the last 14 days.
The cost of PCR tests in Abu Dhabi has lowered following the recent changes.
Here’s Time Out’s guide of the Al Hosn green pass:
Do I need an Al Hosn green pass to enter Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
No. There are no longer border requirements for those entering Abu Dhabi from Dubai or any of the other emirates. You will no longer need to show an Al Hosn green pass to enter Abu Dhabi and EDE scanners will no longer be used. The change came into effect on Monday February 28.
Do I need an Al Hosn green pass to enter public places such as malls, restaurants, hotels, museums and bars?
Yes. You will need a green pass to visit most public places in Abu Dhabi, including malls, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, cafés, medical clinics and more. You need to be fully vaccinated and obtain a negative PCR test every 14 days to maintain green status.
If you do not get a PCR test within 14 days, your green pass will turn grey. Restaurant capacity has returned to pre-COVID conditions allowing for 100 percent capacity and eased social distancing requirements.
Do I need an Al Hosn green pass to attend public and sporting events?
Yes. Green passes and EDE scanners will be used at public events. Additionally, a PCR test that is less than 96 hours will still be required at “events, exhibitions, activities and cultural events”. Event capacity has increased to 90 percent following the recent changes.
For sporting events, attendees must show a green pass on the Al Hosn app or show a 96-hour PCR test. Masks must be worn indoors and in open areas considering the large crowds.
Do I need an Al Hosn green pass to enter Expo 2020 Dubai?
No. Entry requirements for Expo 2020 Dubai have not changed. Vaccinated visitors aged 18 and above must present proof of at least one dose of any approved vaccine. If you are unvaccinated, you need a negative 72-hour PCR test to enter Expo. However, Expo is no longer requiring visitors to wear masks while outdoors.
Expo attendees can use the Al Hosn pass to show their vaccination status at entry by adding the “Expo 2020 Dubai Pass” to the app.
Do I need an Al Hosn green pass (or a negative PCR test) to enter Abu Dhabi from abroad?
For vaccinated travellers coming to the United Arab Emirates from flights or land ports, PCR tests are no longer required (but still available). You will need to show an approved COVID-19 vaccination certificate that contains a QR code.
Furthermore, all entry procedures for the UAE will apply to land ports from Thursday March 3 according to the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA). The authority advises “those coming through land ports to undergo a PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in the country, specifically those who plan to stay in the country for over 72 hours”.
The Abu Dhabi green list was also recently scrapped, meaning nobody will be required to quarantine when flying into the capital. Travel is easier than it has been since the beginning of 2020, with loads of easy places to travel to.
But, if you’re travelling to Abu Dhabi, you will need to have green status to enter public places. Green pass validity is currently 14 days, so anyone staying over two weeks would need to take another PCR test so keep green status.
