Got that itch to travel and not sure where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here we’ve rounded up some of the countries you can travel to from Abu Dhabi without having to quarantine on either end.
Some feature on the latest Abu Dhabi green list (click here) while others have formed a safe travel corridor with the UAE.
While this list should give you some serious #travelinspo, the situation is changing rapidly, so we would recommend double checking before booking anything.
As always, we’ll be keeping you up to date on all the latest restrictions, and the green list, in our travel section.
Austria
A country of culture, rolling hills and postcard-perfect vistas, the European country of Austria rolls many types of vacation into one – and it’s now welcoming vaccinated visitors without any quarantine protocols.
And because it’s also on Abu Dhabi’s green list, there is no need to quarantine on arrival back in the capital either.
Passengers will need to present a certificate of vaccination, certificate of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival.
Only certificates and test results issued in English or German by a medical professional or public authority will be accepted.
Six vaccines are being accepted by the Austrian authorities, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm and Sinovac.
For the latest requirements from the Austrian government, click here.
Bahrain
With flights from the UAE taking just an hour, Bahrain is a perfect destination for a short break from Abu Dhabi. And since mid-May, vaccinated travellers from Abu Dhabi have been able to travel to Bahrain without having to quarantine on either end of their journey.
The UAE and Bahrain established a safe travel corridor at the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr, meaning citizens and residents from either country can avoid quarantine on arrival by presenting proof they have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine through either the Al Hosn or BeAware Bahrain apps. Entry into Bahrain is currently restricted to Bahraini citizens and residents, GCC citizens, and those who can get a visa on arrival. You can find a list of eligible countries for visas on arrival by clicking here.
Strict COVID-19 measures are in place in Bahrain at the moment, but these are expected to be lifted on Friday July 2. You can head to our sister site timeoutbahrain.com for the latest updates.
You can find details about the travel corridor between Greece and the UAE on the Emirates News Agency website here.
Greece
There are so many gorgeous islands in Greece that you could come back year after year and still never get tired of visiting. And if you’re looking to add another island to your “been there, done that” list, you’re in luck, as Greece is open to travel from Abu Dhabi without quarantine – if you’ve been vaccinated.
Another country with a safe travel corridor, fully vaccinated travellers have been able to enter either country without having to quarantine since May 18. All you need to do is show proof you have had both of your COVID-19 jabs with a certificate or application, and you’re free to explore as you please.
You can find details about the travel corridor between Greece and the UAE on the Emirates News Agency website here.
Germany
Craving bratwurst? Germany is opening its doors to global travellers from Friday June 25, and it’s on Abu Dhabi’s green list.
All visitors to the popular European country will be required to register at einreiseanmeldung.de prior to flying, and will need to upload proof of their vaccination status in digital or paper form. Certificates proving inoculation against the virus will also need to be printed off and kept with passengers at all times.
Vaccines approved by German officials include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and a period of at least 14 days must have elapsed since receiving the final dose before touching down on German soil.
Those travelling from countries with variant concerns are unable to transit through Germany to other European countries.
Travellers must check with the individual German federal state they plan to visit as all have different rules to follow prior to arrival. For more details, click here.
Iceland
Fancy escaping the summer heat? Iceland might just be the place for you, then, as average temperatures peak at just 14C in July. Aside from the pleasant temperatures, you’ll also be able to explore the Blue Lagoon and see the northern lights – it’s a real bucket list destination for Abu Dhabi residents. The best part? Iceland has been open to vaccinated tourists since April, and it’s on the capital’s green list – meaning you won’t need to quarantine when you fly back.
Fully vaccinated travellers from Abu Dhabi, or those who have recovered from COVID-19, will be able to visit Iceland without providing a negative test before flying, or needing to quarantine. The Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Sinopharm vaccines are all accepted, and those who have previously been infected must provide a positive PCR test that is from more than 14 days ago, or a presence of antibodies test (that fulfills certain requirements, which you can find here).
You will, however, be expected to take a coronavirus test on arrival, and self-isolate at your hotel until the results come in, which should take around five to six hours. Before travelling from Abu Dhabi, you will also need to pre-register on covid.is/english.
You can find the full entry procedure details for tourists travelling from Abu Dhabi to Iceland on the Directorate of Health website here.
Italy
Two of the greatest foods in the world originated from Italy, and while there are some excellent pasta and pizza places right here in Abu Dhabi, none quite match up to the real thing. Which is why we’re so excited about the introduction of COVID-19 tested flights from the UAE to Rome, Milan and Venice, and the addition of Italy to Abu Dhabi’s green list.
Passengers on these flights will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test, or a rapid antigen test, with results dated no more than 48 hours before departure. On arrival, anyone over the age of two will need to take another rapid antigen test before they can head off and explore the sights.
You can find full details about travel between Abu Dhabi and Italy on the Ministry of Health website here.
Malta
While Malta might be one of the smallest countries in the world, this archipelago is filled with history, having been inhabited since around 5900 BCE. There are not one, not two, but three UNESCO world heritage sites for you to explore. Basically, culture vultures need to hop on a plane here immediately.
Thankfully, Malta is welcoming back visitors – both vaccinated and unvaccinated – and it’s on the Abu Dhabi green list. The country is operating on a traffic light system, with the UAE on the amber list. This means that you must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before arrival. Stepping off the plane and straight into a historical site? Sounds good to us.
You can find more information on the entry requirements by heading to visitmalta.com.
Morocco
Whether you want to explore the bustling Marrakech Medina or go on a camel ride in the Sahara Desert, Morocco is an absolutely spectacular place to visit. And luckily for us, Morocco is on the current green list.
Since September last year, the north African country has been open to tourism – but only from foreign nationals who are not subject to visa requirements. This includes the UK, the USA and the UAE, and you can find a full list here. Citizens from the countries on the list will need to have a confirmed hotel reservation, and will need to complete a passenger health form online at onda.ma/form.php. You will also need to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test from less than 72 hours before arrival, and only children under the age of 11 are exempt.
You can find the full entry details for travel from Abu Dhabi to Morocco on the Visit Morocco website here.
Serbia
With attractions ranging from canyons and gorges to monasteries and churches, there’s plenty to see in Serbia. And, as of May 15, vaccinated travellers from Abu Dhabi can visit Serbia without having to quarantine.
The UAE and Serbia established a safe travel corridor last month, and to benefit from it you will need to show evidence you have received both of your COVID-19 jabs via the Al Hosn app, or with a certificate.
You can find details about the travel corridor between Serbia and the UAE on the Emirates News Agency website here.
Seychelles
This archipelago off the coast of east Africa is another ultra-popular destination from the UAE, and thankfully, you can now visit Seychelles from Abu Dhabi without needing to quarantine.
The UAE and Seychelles established a quarantine-free travel corridor on May 13, and to take advantage of it you will need to provide proof you have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine via the Al Hosn app, or with a certificate. Seychelles also requires all travellers to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for entry.
You can find details about the travel corridor between Seychelles and the UAE on the Emirates News Agency website here.
Spain
Practising your flamenco moves in the kitchen. Scratching up on your Spanish lingo. Tasting tapas in your sleep.
Well you don’t have to dream anymore because tourists can now enter Spain provided they have been fully vaccinated 14 days before travel or can provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken 48 hours prior to their arrival in Spain. Children over the age of six must also present a negative Covid-19 test result.
Travellers need to show a physical vaccination certificate on arrival in Spain and must have received a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency or one that is on the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing including the Pfizer BioNTech, Sinopharm and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines.
International passengers must also complete the Health Control Form online before they land. As Spain is on the Abu Dhabi green list, you won’t need to quarantine on your return.
For full information on entry requirements to Spain visit spth.gob.es.
Switzerland
Swiss watch, Swiss chocolate, Swiss mountains – sounds like luxury, no? If you’re looking for a great holiday destination to beat the heat this summer, it doesn’t get better than Switzerland. Travellers from the UAE, including those who haven’t yet been vaccinated, can enter Switzerland without undergoing any quarantine restrictions. You will just need to present a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours as well as fill out a form for incoming travellers.
Schengen Visas are expected to be available again soon through the VFS outlets for those who need it to enter the Schengen area of Europe. Emiratis do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
You won’t need to quarantine upon your return to Abu Dhabi as Switzerland is on the green list. Bring on the luxury goods, fresh mountain air, and gorgeous views.
For up-to-date information about travelling to Switzerland click here.
USA
From New York and Washington to San Francisco and LA, there’s more things to see and do in the US than you could attempt in a lifetime. But residents from Abu Dhabi can make a start on it now, as the USA is on the capital’s green list.
To enter the USA, you will need a negative COVID-19 test dated no more than three days before departure. You will also need to fill out an attestation form, which can be found here, before departure.
You can find out more information on the entry requirements by clicking here.
