Rule Changes For Entry into Abu Dhabi from 19 September 2021

Great news for travellers to Abu Dhabi with several new changes announced by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee to come into effect from 19 September 2021.

Please find the latest COVID updates on this page for visitors to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

International Arrivals into Abu Dhabi no longer need an electronic wristband if they are required to self quarantine

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Who needs to self-quarantine in Abu Dhabi?

Only arrivals from countries who are NOT on the “Green List” and are NOT vaccinated with any WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine need to go in to self-quarantine.

Previously, this was monitored by way on an electronic wristband. Now this will be self-monitored, with heavy fines if you do not comply.

If you are vaccinated and arrive into Abu Dhabi from overseas, you are still required to complete follow up COVID testing but do not need to self-quarantine during this time.

• Green List arrivals who are vaccinated take a PCR test on day 6.
• Green List arrivals who are not vaccinated take a PCR test on day 6.
• Non-green list arrivals who are vaccinated take a PCR test on day 4 and day 8.
• Non-green list arrivals who are not vaccinated take a PCR test on day 9, released from self-quarantine day 10.

The day that you land is Day 1. The follow up testing is required if you stay in Abu Dhabi Emirate.

Note that since 5 September 2021, it has been a requirement to pre-register your arrival into the UAE (but not Dubai) at least 5 days before you travel on the ICA website. This is to ensure your vaccine details are correctly recorded and overseas residents can be issued a UIN – Unique Identification Number – to use the UAE Alhosn App.

If you are coming to Abu Dhabi from the UK, we have a super detailed step-by-step guide what you need to do here.

Wristbands are now only for positive COVID cases

Similarly, if you were a close contact of a positive COVID case in Abu Dhabi you were fitted with a tracker wristband. Now only those individuals who test positive and are self quarantining will need to wear the wristband.

You will still be required to self-quarantine if you are identified as a close contact and complete follow up testing after the designated number of days (depending on whether you are vaccinated).

Domestic entry to Abu Dhabi from Dubai no longer requires a COVID test

The need to show either a negative PCR result within 48 hours or a DPI result within 24 hours before crossing the border from Dubai to Abu Dhabi emirate has now been abolished from 19 September 2021.

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This means UAE resident can now freely cross the domestic border. Though do bear in mind, you will need to comply with the need to have green status on your Alhosn – explained here.

As well as being vaccinated, you must have a PCR test result, taken from within in the UAE within the last 30 days in order for your Alhosn to turn green.

If you are an international arrival into the UAE, do bear in mind the domestic rules and requirement to have your vaccine status and PCR test result showing up to date on the Alhosn App. Even if crossing the border is now easier from Dubai, this is still a requirement or you will not be allowed in anywhere in Abu Dhabi including hotels, malls, restaurants and tourist attractions.

We are excited to see the return of tourism to Abu Dhabi Emirate this winter. We ask that tourists still remain vigilant in their responsibilities including mask wearing and maintaining social distancing but it’s a pleasure to share our great city with the world once more.

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