Travelling in these strange times can be confusing…

Note this article was updated on Dec 22, 2020 with new information related to inbound quarantine restrictions.

With so many rules around international and domestic travel in the pandemic era, being prepared is more important than ever.

What follows isn’t an exhaustive guide – you should always check specific entry requirements with the embassy of the country you’re travelling to, and with your airline, to ensure regulations haven’t changed.

But, in our opinion, it’s a pretty good place to start.

Flying out of Abu Dhabi

  • Whether you’re travelling in to or out of Abu Dhabi, holding a negative PCR test certificate is mandatory before every flight.
  • It is essential that you check the entry rules of the country you’re flying to. There may be certain certificates or forms that you are required to fill in prior to departure. It’s also important to check the accepted time frame between receiving results and your departure.
  • Most flights leaving Abu Dhabi have a maximum 96-hour window between receiving results and flight departure. You can check specific destination requirements on the etihad.com/destinationguide  webpage.
  • Residents should also fill in the form on the uaeentry.ica.gov.ae website, to check their entry status for the return flight.
  • If you’re flying with Etihad Airways before March 31, 2021, your outbound PCR testing is included with your ticket (with the exception of those flying to China, who are required to test at an approved SEHA clinic).
  • For details on how to book your test, check out our handy guide.
  • There is also special pandemic cover for Etihad customers – the global wellness insurance is included in the cost of every Etihad Airways ticket all the way up to March 31, 2021.

Rules for residents flying into Abu Dhabi

  • A PCR test on arrival is essential for everyone.
  • Residents should fill in the form on the uaeentry.ica.gov.ae website, to check their entry status for the return flight.
  • After landing in Abu Dhabi airport you’ll need to head to the Health Check Desk. From here you’ll be directed through thermal screening and undergo PCR testing.
  • All inbound passengers are strongly advised to have downloaded the Al Hosn app, available on Apple and Google Play stores.
  • Those travelling into Abu Dhabi from ‘Green List’ countries are only required to quarantine until they received the negative result from their arrival test.
  • The Green List will be accessible at visitabudhabi.ae
  • Those travelling into Abu Dhabi from countries not on the Green List will have to quarantine period of 10 days and wear a medically approved wristband for the duration.
  • PCR tests will still have to be taken by all international travellers on arrival, on day six and day 12 for everyone staying these durations.
  • The wristband is equipped with tracking technology, and those found flouting the rules will be in for stiff penalties.
  • If you are arriving from a country deemed high-risk by the UAE authorities you may be subject to quarantine at a government facility
  • Electronic band will be removed on the 10th day if the result of the second PCR test is negative.

Special rules for tourists

  • Abu Dhabi is now processing ‘on arrival’ visas for all eligible nationalities including Australia, USA, UK, Japan, much of Europe and South America, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia and Canada. Citizens from these and certain other countries can enter the UAE on either a 90-day or 30-day visa-on-arrival.
  • You can find a full list of qualifying countries on the Etihad website.
  • As with residents, tourists travelling into Abu Dhabi from ‘Green List’ countries are only required to quarantine until they received the negative result from their arrival test.
  • Those travelling into Abu Dhabi from countries not on the Green List will have to quarantine period of 10 days and wear a medically approved wristband for the duration.
  • PCR tests will still have to be taken by all international travellers on arrival, on day six and day 12 for everyone staying these durations.
  • Those quarantining in hotels are not permitted to leave their rooms.
  • Hotels have been instructed to collect signed copies of a Health Declaration form from international travellers upon check-in. The declaration includes information on self-quarantine protocols.

Exemptions for vaccinated individuals

Important: As of January 18, 2021 these rules have now changed. Vaccinated residents returning from non-Green List countries will have to quarantine for 10 days, with a PCR required on arrival and on day eight. For more info see our guide to the rules, exemptions and entitlements for individuals that have been vaccinated.

Recently we reported on the news that residents and UAE nationals flying into Abu Dhabi from overseas will no longer have to wear wristbands or quarantine for 10 days, if they have been given a jab as part of the phase III trials or have received jabs via the National Vaccination Programme.

They will still have to take PCR tests on arrival. And those immunized as part of the National Vaccination Programme (as opposed to those vaccinated as part of the phase three trials) will need to take further tests on the fourth and eighth day after arrival.

Entering Abu Dhabi from another emirate after travelling from overseas

If you are arriving in Abu Dhabi after spending fewer than 14 days in another emirate:

  • get a PCR test done at Abu Dhabi’s entry point
  • register in the quarantine system and receive an electronic band
  • self-quarantine for the remaining period of 10 days, after deducting the days you spent in the other emirate
  • get a second PCR done test on the 12th day of arrival.

UAE residents returning from international travel, that have spent more than 14 days in another emirate before entering Abu Dhabi, just need to follow the standard “entry by road’ rules.

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Entering Abu Dhabi by road

UAE residents looking to enter Abu Dhabi by road to catch a flight, enjoy a staycation, see friends or for pretty much any other reason, will need to adhere to the following entry requirements.

With the exception of those vaccinated individuals specified above, anybody entering Abu Dhabi needs to be able to show either a valid negative PCR or DPI test certificate obtained within 72 hours of intended entry.

Those staying longer than four days will need to take a further PCR (only) test on the fourth day. Those staying longer than eight days will need to take another test on the eighth day.

There are no check points for exiting Abu Dhabi by road.

Travelling into Dubai?

Check out our comprehensive guide to flights in or out of Dubai.

Images: Getty