Abu Dhabi rules of entry for international travellers
Good news incoming! The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has scrapped the Green List for Abu Dhabi travellers. Also, as of 26th February 2022, vaccinated visitors are no longer required to take a mandatory PCR test on arrival, regardless of where they are flying in from. In this article, we detail the latest entry rules and regulations for international travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi.
SCRAPPING THE ABU DHABI GREEN LIST
The Abu Dhabi Green List was compiled using the latest COVID-19 data from around the world. In essence, travellers from Green List countries faced fewer restrictions as they were considered low risk. Whereas travellers from countries not included on the Abu Dhabi Green List were subject to heightened quarantine restrictions and travel requirements.
However, that has now become a thing of the past as the government has scrapped the Abu Dhabi Green List completely and its related restrictions. Earlier, travellers had to manually check the countries in the Green List but that is no longer necessary.
ABU DHABI RULES OF ENTRY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
Here are the latest requirements based on vaccination status.
RULES FOR VACCINATED VISITORS
- A vaccine certificate with a readable QR code (Children below 16 are exempted)
- No quarantine
RULES FOR UNVACCINATED VISITORS
- A PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure to Abu Dhabi or a recovery certificate with a QR code confirming that the person has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 30 days.
- No quarantine
*Visitors can take an optional PCR test on arrival in Abu Dhabi by paying AED 40.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GREEN LIST ABU DHABI
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRANSIT TRAVELLERS IN ABU DHABI?
If you have a transit in Abu Dhabi, an RT-PCR Test is required only if mandated by your final destination. If you are travelling to a country where a COVID-19 test is not required on arrival, you will not need one for transit.
CAN TOURISTS VISIT PUBLIC PLACES IN ABU DHABI?
Access to some public spaces in Abu Dhabi is limited to vaccinated individuals. Tourists can either register themselves on the Al Hosn App or use their home country’s apps to visit these places.
WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRAVELLING FROM OTHER EMIRATES TO ABU DHABI?
Effective 26th February 2022, travellers entering Abu Dhabi from other emirates will no longer need to show the Green Pass on Al Hosn App. The EDE facial scanners to detect positive cases rapidly will not be employed either.
WHAT ARE THE MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS IN ABU DHABI?
Abu Dhabi is home to multiple tourist attractions. History and art enthusiasts can head to Louvre Abu Dhabi to see the truly beautiful artefacts. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mesmerising place of worship that both Muslims and non-muslims can visit. Other attractions include Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, the Mangrove National Park, the Abu Dhabi desert and the new Jebel Hafit Desert Park.
These are certainly positive developments and signs that things are progressing in the right direction. All decisions, including the scrapping of the Green List, have been taken after due consideration. Remember that if the situation changes, the rules might be changed.
Bookmark this page as we will continue to update the rules for entry in Abu Dhabi as and when announced.
