Latest updates on entry into Abu Dhabi
Disclaimer: The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disaster committee has relaxed the Abu Dhabi entry rules for vaccinated as well as unvaccinated residents and tourists effective from 26th February 2022.
Abu Dhabi has lifted the intercity travel ban implemented on June 2, 2020, one of the measures taken to tackle the spread of the COVID-19. Residents are now allowed to enter Abu Dhabi as long as they prove that they are free from COVID-19. Read on to find out more about the changes in Abu Dhabi entry rules and what it means to the residents living in Dubai and other parts of the UAE.
ABU DHABI EASES TRAVEL BAN RESTRICTIONS
The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Committee announced on June 29, 2020, that entry into the capital city is permitted for anyone with a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 48 hours. Previously residents in the UAE who needed to enter Abu Dhabi required a permit to travel to the emirate, but this new ease in Abu Dhabi travel ban makes it clear that this is no longer needed.
The announcement was made at a time when businesses are gradually opening up under strict Abu Dhabi DED guidelines to ensure workplace and employee safety.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO ENTER ABU DHABI?
All entry points to the emirate are monitored by the Abu Dhabi police. With the new announcement of Abu Dhabi travel ban ease, UAE residents can travel to the capital after:
- Presenting a negative coronavirus test results to the police at the check post.
- The test result can be acquired using the AlHosn app or by a text message from a recognised hospital or a COVID-19 screening centre affiliated to the UAE’s National Screening Program.
GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW UNDER THE ABU DHABI TRAVEL BAN EASE
Despite the ease in Abu Dhabi intercity movement ban, residents with travel plans to Abu Dhabi must adhere to the safety measures and guidelines defined by the National Screening Programme. These safety measures include:
- Wearing masks and limiting the number of passengers within vehicles
- Blue-collar workers who do not work in Abu Dhabi are still restricted from entering
- Travelling within Abu Dhabi is permitted if all the safety precautions are in place
- Domestic staff employed with Abu Dhabi residents are allowed to enter the emirate after a negative coronavirus test within the last 48 hours
- People leaving Abu Dhabi on a weekend will be required to take a coronavirus test at SEHA Screening Centres to ensure they are allowed re-entry to Abu Dhabi.
- Movements of goods between Abu Dhabi and Dubai are exempted from the Abu Dhabi travel ban.
- As frontline workers are regularly tested for COVID-19, they too are exempt from the Abu Dhabi movement ban.
FAQs
DO I NEED A WRITTEN PERMIT TO TRAVEL TO ABU DHABI?
In light of the new Abu Dhabi travel ban ease, a written permit to travel to the emirate is no longer required.
IS COVID-19 TEST REQUIRED TO ENTER ABU DHABI?
Yes, if you plan to travel to Abu Dhabi, a negative coronavirus test is mandatory under the new guidelines announced after easing movement ban in Abu Dhabi.
WHO IS EXEMPTED FROM THE MOVEMENT BAN?
There are certain groups exempt from the movement restrictions in Abu Dhabi including:
- Children under 12 years old
- Residents with medical appointments in Abu Dhabi hospitals for cancer or renal treatment
- Representatives from different ministries, diplomatic entities, companies, offices of their Highnesses and those on special missions are required to apply for a one-day Mission Permit that’s valid for 14 hours from 06:00 am to 08:00 pm.
WHAT ABOUT DAILY INTER-CITY COMMUTERS?
Daily commuters between Abu Dhabi and other cities are advised to manage their time in a way that allows them to be tested within the 48 hours window. As the Abu Dhabi travel ban eases, daily commuters are also advised to limit their movement to avoid frequent testing.
HOW TO BEAR THE COST OF BEING TESTED EVERY 48 HOURS?
As the cost of the test is AED 370 per test, it’s not feasible for everyone to get tested every 48 hours if they wish to travel to Abu Dhabi from another emirate. It is essential to limit your travel to the minimum.
However, if travelling is mandatory, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has directed to conduct free tests for the following groups, including:
- Pregnant women
- UAE nationals and domestic staff at home
- Any resident above 50 years old
- People of determination
- COVID-19 symptomatic travellers or those who have been in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus.
As the Abu Dhabi travel ban ease is announced, citizens can travel to the city after meeting the necessary requirements. After months of quarantine and strict travel restrictions, life in the UAE is gradually progressing towards more normalcy. In the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, businesses are reopening after following stringent DED reopening guidelines for businesses in Dubai.
The capital of the UAE is ready to welcome visitors and residents for some of the most amazing Abu Dhabi staycation deals in 2020 at the best hotels in the city. While enjoying a relaxing staycation in luxurious hotels in the emirate, you can also explore the popular attractions which have re-opened in Abu Dhabi after months of lockdown to flatten the curve.
Did you visit Abu Dhabi after the travel ban? Tell us about your experience in the comments section. For similar updates stay tuned to MyBayut.
