How to clear US immigration at Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Clearing immigration is a daunting experience for most travellers. Especially after a long-haul flight, you would love to make a rapid exit and get to your destination instead of standing in a long queue. Well, the good news for those travelling to the U.S. from Abu Dhabi is that you can clear US immigration at Zayed International Airport and be treated as a domestic traveller upon arrival.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ABU DHABI US IMMIGRATION
US immigration service at Zayed International Airport is available for passengers travelling to New York, Chicago and Washington via Etihad Airways. The UAE is one of the six countries offering the U.S. immigration clearance service. Others include Ireland, Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada and Bermuda. Passengers can clear customs, security and immigration before flying to the USA.
Here’s what you need to know about the U.S. pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi.
PAPERWORK
Depending on your nationality, the reason for travel and length of stay, you would need different paperwork to board a flight to the U.S. For instance, you could travel via the visa waiver Esta programme or after getting a U.S. visa. Whatever the case, ensure all paperwork is in order when you get to the immigration desk.
PRE-FLIGHT DOCUMENTS FOR ABU DHABI US IMMIGRATION
You must fill in certain documents for U.S. pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi. As per CDC rules, you must fill out Etihad’s combined disclosure and attestation form. Filling out the contact tracing form is also mandatory for all visitors. You need a booking reference number and a valid U.S. address, which could be a hotel or an Airbnb.
You can fill out this form no more than 72 hours before travelling. The documents are available on Etihad’s website, and families travelling together must submit only one form.
Fill out the form with clarity and accuracy to avoid problems at the U.S. pre-clearance facility. It is essential to clear US immigration at Zayed International Airport.
PACKING RULES
As per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines, all liquids being carried must be less than 100ml in size and fit into one zipped plastic bag. This includes items bought at the duty-free shop.
Another step you can take to clear U.S. immigration at Abu Dhabi International Airport is to follow the guidelines for packaging food. Visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website to find the list of prohibited items.
REACH THE AIRPORT EARLY
There are two security checks at the airport. Plus, U.S. immigration at Zayed International Airport (AUH) takes some time. So, for US preclearance in Abu Dhabi, check in for the flight at Terminal A at least four hours before your flight time. Those travelling via economy class have to get to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility two hours before their flight. Business, First or The Residence travellers can reach 90-minutes before the flight.
IMMIGRATION PROCESS
The U.S. border patrol officers will ask you various questions about your trip at the immigration desk. This can include your trip duration, the destination in the U.S. and the reasons for travel. They may also ask follow-up questions related to your trip or the documents submitted in Abu Dhabi immigration for USA.
Furthermore, those carrying more than $10k have to declare it. You must sign a confirmation stating you are not carrying prohibited items like meat or seeds. Last, the immigration officer will take a picture and ask you to identify your checked-in luggage on a monitor. This is the last step for U.S. pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi.
ETIHAD’S US LOUNGE
Premium travellers can access Etihad’s U.S. Lounge with comfy sofas, bathrooms, drinks, snacks and Wi-Fi. Economy passengers can either go to the departure gates directly or buy the eight-hour lounge pass, which costs AED 185 for adults and AED 90 for children.
Please note that the pass is subject to availability.
PROCEDURE FOR THE US, CANADIAN NATIONALS AND VISA WAIVER PROGRAM TRAVELLERS
US and Canadian nationals and those travelling on the Visa Waiver Programme can use the Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks. This is an automated process through CBP’s Primary Inspection area.
Etihad Airways passengers can use the service to submit their biometric information and Customer declaration. You don’t need preregistration or membership to use APC.
Visa Waiver Programme holders would need to follow these steps.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ESTA website to apply for authorisation to travel under the VWP. This has to be done within 72 hours of your flight.
- Add Advance Passenger Information (API) an hour before your first flight.
- Be aware of the prohibited and restricted items you can’t bring to the country.
- Have a machine-readable passport and a confirmed returned ticket for departure within 90 days.
- Fill out the CBP Customs Declaration form at the airport on the day of departure.
US IMMIGRATION IN ABU DHABI WITH MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL (MBC)
The process for US immigration in Abu Dhabi can be completed via the MPC mobile app. The eligibility list includes:
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. lawful permanent residents
- Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors
- Returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form.
Travellers can submit their passport and travel information in advance at designated locations with their mobile. To complete the process of immigration at Abu Dhabi for US, this app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Abu Dhabi Airport US immigration process via the MBC entails the following process:
- To ensure a smooth US preclearance in Abu Dhabi, download the app and create a profile with your passport information prior to arriving in a CBP facility. A maximum of 12 profiles can be created for a single household.
- When you arrive at participating U.S. or Preclearance locations, each applicant has to take a selfie for every member of the travelling group in order to submit their information to CBP through the MPC app.
- At the CBP clearance area, you can join the designated MPC queue, and present passports or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident cards.
FAQS ABOUT HOW TO CLEAR US IMMIGRATION AT ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND MORE
WHERE IS THE FACILITY TO COMPLETE THE ABU DHABI US IMMIGRATION PROCESS LOCATED?
You can head to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility is located in Zayed International Airport – Terminal A (end of Pier C) to complete the Abu Dhabi US immigration process.
If your documentation is complete, your Abu Dhabi US immigration experience is likely to be smooth.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A US VISA FROM DUBAI?
Want to visit the USA? Here’s our guide on how to apply for a U.S. visa from Dubai.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR MOVING FROM THE US TO DUBAI?
Are you all set to make the big move? Read our comprehensive guide on moving from the U.S. to Dubai. for a smooth experience.
WHICH ARE THE TOP IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS IN ABU DHABI?
Want to explore your permanent immigration options? You can contact any of these immigration consultants in Abu Dhabi for guidance.
This concludes the overview of the process to clear U.S. immigration at Zayed International Airport (AUH). You can save a lot of time and energy by following the steps mentioned above. When you reach the U.S., there is no need to go through security clearances or additional checks. Collect your baggage or continue the journey with a connecting flight.
The UAE government has also introduced different measures to assist those travelling to and from the country. For instance, the Smart Travel System in Abu Dhabi is one of the initiatives that has had a significant impact.
