Travel to the UAE is extremely popular for international tourists and for residents taking trips overseas.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the situation is fluid and travel rules and regulations can change frequently.
In Abu Dhabi, travel is permitted in and out of the emirate but there are strict guidelines, rules and procedures that need to be followed.
Planning on visiting Abu Dhabi or heading overseas to travel?
Here’s what you need to know.
Departing Abu Dhabi
A negative PCR test is required for passengers boarding a flight at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Depending on your final destination, a negative test result may be valid with 48, 72 or 96 hours ahead of departure time.
When booking a ticket to fly, passengers are required to check the entry rules for the country of destination and complete any relevant forms or procedures required for arrival – SkyScanner has recently added a travel guidelines service for customers when purchasing tickets.
Guidelines for specific destinations flying from Abu Dhabi can be found on the Etihad website by visiting www.etihad.com/destinationguide.
UAE residents should complete the ICA form by visiting uaeentry.ica.gov.ae to keep updated about the entry status of their flight to the UAE.
All passengers flying with Etihad before April 1, 2021 can have their outbound PCR test costs covered by the airline. Arrangements will be made ahead of departure.
For all passengers departing Abu Dhabi on other airlines, the individual traveller will be required to get their own PCR test ahead of departure.
PCR tests are available at all SEHA clinics and cost Dhs85, with test results delivered by text and on the Al Hosn app within 48 hours.
Residents arriving in Abu Dhabi
All UAE residents arriving in Abu Dhabi are required to have a negative PCR test result within 96 hours of arrival time with a test carried out at a government accredited medical centre.
Residents are also required to verify their entry status by visiting www.uaeentry.ica.gov.ae before booking travel.
Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi are required to provide a photocopy of their passport and UAE residency visa (if applicable).
All passengers must visit the Health Check Desk at Abu Dhabi International Airport where thermal screening and a PCR test will be carried out.
All passengers are requested to download and activate the Al Hosn mobile app to receive test results and assist the UAE’s track and trace programme. The application is available on Apple and Android devices.
Upon leaving Abu Dhabi International Airport, most passengers arriving in the city are required to self-isolate for 10 days.
Passengers arriving from countries on Abu Dhabi’s ‘green list’ are exempt from quarantine.
The green list, which is updated fortnightly, can be found here.
Those arriving in Abu Dhabi from a ‘high risk’ country may be required to self-isolate in a government facility. High risk countries can be found here.
For those in quarantine, a second PCR test will be required on the ninth day in Abu Dhabi. If negative, individuals may end their quarantine on the tenth day.
Ensuring that quarantine guidelines are followed, all inbound passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi will be fitted with an electronic wristband that will be removed once quarantine is complete and a negative PCR test result can be shown.
Fines for breaching quarantine guidelines are outlined here.
Tourists arriving in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi reopened to international tourism in December 2020.
A green list has been published and is updated bi-weekly, outlining the countries passengers can arrive from that do not need to quarantine on arrival.
Abu Dhabi is also processing visas on arrival for tourists travelling to the emirate from a number of countries.
Eligible countries are outlined here.
Tourists, like residents, must follow the quarantine guidelines as outlined above, including self-isolation for 10 days, wearing an electronic bracelet and getting a second PCR test on the ninth day in the emirate.
For tourists quarantining in hotels, the hotel is required to collect a signed copy of a Health Declaration form at check-in.
Tourists arriving from countries on the ‘green list’ do not have to quarantine when arriving in Abu Dhabi.
The green list can be seen here.
Exemptions
Individuals participating in phase three of the clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine, or in the National Vaccination Programme, are not required to quarantine in Abu Dhabi when travelling back from overseas.
PCR tests are required, however, when arriving in the UAE.
Entering Abu Dhabi from other emirates
Tourists and residents arriving in other emirates from overseas can spend the 10-day quarantine period in other emirates (following respective emirate’s protocols) before entering Abu Dhabi.
If you have arrived from overseas and have spent 10 days in the country before entering Abu Dhabi, you can enter Abu Dhabi with a negative COVID-19 test result from the past 48 hours at the border.
If you have been in the country for less than 10 days, once arriving in Abu Dhabi, residents and tourists travelling from overseas will be required to quarantine and wear an electronic bracelet until reaching day 10.
A PCR test is required on the ninth day to ensure the removal of the electronic bracelet after 10 days.
For the latest guidelines on crossing the border from elsewhere in the UAE, including follow-up testing, click here.
Love sport?
There are huge sporting events coming to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and some of them are open to spectators.
Read more here.
Up for exploring?
There’s loads of amazing attractions to see in Abu Dhabi from historic experiences to immersive cultural landmarks.
Read more here.
Want to be wowed?
Qasr Al Watan is back open to the public and it’s just as stunning as ever with loads of picturesque places to capture amazing images.
Read more here.
