A first-timers guide to understanding the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

In this section of our travel blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about legally entering Abu Dhabi as a tourist, as well as the religion, dress code, and customs all visitors should be aware of when planning a trip there.

Tourist Visas for Abu Dhabi

To enter the UAE as a tourist, everyone except GCC nationals (passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman & Bahrain) needs a Tourist Visa.

However, for many nationalities, the tourist visa is free on arrival for either 30 or 90 days.

• We share the complete list of countries and how visa extensions work here.

If you are not from one of these countries, you can apply through your airline or a travel agent for a transit visa (free for 48 hours if arranged in advance, or 50AED for 96 hours) or, if staying longer, a 30-day or 90-day eVisa (these come in single and multiple entry).   

• For a complete guide to Abu Dhabi Tourist Visas, click here.

If you have overstayed your UAE tourist visa or wish to renew a 30-day visa, click over to this article, where we detail how to do a “visa run” from Dubai (the same rules are applicable from Abu Dhabi).

Note we are not a Tour Agency registered in the UAE. We cannot help you with this step!

Religion in Abu Dhabi

The UAE is a Muslim country with a Sunni Muslim majority of approximately 76%. The country’s laws are based on a civil law system and Sharia law, which may have some key differences from the legal systems with which tourists are familiar.

• You can learn more about “the Call to Prayer” and Islamic practices in the UAE here
• You can see a full guide to Abu Dhabi Religious and Public Holidays to be aware of here
• You can find a full tourist guide to the Holy Month of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi here

Dresscode in Abu Dhabi

In a Muslim country, there may be a stricter standard of dress expected of you than you normally experience in your home country. Whilst there is no need for non-muslim tourists to be fully covered, tourists are expected to be respectful of the culture and dress in a conservative manner in public places.

The difference between public and private places, as well as what’s considered appropriate, can be tricky in some situations, so we have a detailed guide here to help you navigate the Abu Dhabi dress code.

We specifically cover dress codes at these important venues:

• Grand Mosque Dress Code & Etiquette
• Presidential Palace Dress Code

The Do’s and Don’t Every First-Time Visitor to Abu Dhabi Should Be Aware Of

Particularly if you’ve never visited a more conservative Muslim country before, there may be a few social rules and strict laws you are unaware of that could land you in trouble with the law.

• You can read our full guide to the do’s and don’t for first-time visitors here

We also have these detailed guides that may help you understand local laws and customs to be aware of:

• Am I allowed to drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
• Is alcohol served on Etihad flights?

TAKE ME BACK TO THE ESSENTIAL PLANNING INFORMATION HOMEPAGE

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

The post Abu Dhabi Visas, Laws & Customs appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

On this page, we detail everything you need to know about tourist visas for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Note that these visa rules apply regardless of which Emirate you visit.

We have updated this page following changes to the visa system in October 2022.

We have attempted to provide clear and accurate information; however, at the time of writing, some aspects of the new Visa system are not entirely clear during this transition period. This page will be amended as soon as more official information becomes available.

Who needs to apply for a Tourist Visa?

Anyone not a GCC national or eligible for a visa on arrival (see list below) must apply for a visa in advance to visit the UAE.

You can apply either through your airline or UAE-registered tour operator for the appropriate visa.

• Visa services from Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia

A single entry transit visa for less than 48 hours is free, whilst of 4-day short-stay, visa costs 50AED.

A 30-day, single-entry visa costs in the region of 350 AED, depending on the service that you use to obtain it. Alternatively, a 60-day single-entry visa costs in the region of 650 AED. Both 30 and 60-day single-entry visit visas can be extended for a further 30 days for a fee of 960 AED.

Note that people under the age of 18 cannot apply for a tourist visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

Visa-Free Entry to the UAE

Citizens from GCC Countries do not need to apply for a visa on arrival to the UAE.

Countries eligible for Visa on Arrival

Upon landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport, simply make your way to immigration, where your visa will be issued.

These countries are currently eligible for a FREE visit visa on arrival to the UAE:

A visit visa for most of these countries lasts for 60 days and can be renewed for another 30 days twice. If you overstay a visit visa, the fine is 200 AED for the first day and 100 AED per day after that – see more below on overstays.

There is a 10-day grace period (this means that you won’t be fined for overstaying your visa until Day 70). 

Note that the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone had previously been allowed to stay in the UAE for 90 days, although it is unclear whether this is still the case following the immigration reforms of October 2022.

Five-Year Multi-Visit Visa (New in 2022)

A five-year multi-visit visa is also available for the above countries, which allows the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days in a row and up to 180 days per year.

In order to apply for this type of visa, you need to prove that you have USD 4,000 in your bank account (for at least six months prior to the visa application) and purchase UAE Health Insurance.

Citizens of India

There are specific rules applicable to Indian citizens, which you can find here.

If you have any concerns, you should verify this information on the UAE Government website.

What happens if my tourist Visa has expired?

If your 60-day tourist visa to the UAE has expired, you have two options:

• Leave the country before your 10-day grace period expires (ie, by day 69)
• Apply to Immigration and pay a fee to have your visit visa extended. It is currently understood that you are able to extend your 60-day visa by 30 days twice, giving you a maximum of 120 days in the UAE (previously, you could keep renewing indefinitely by leaving the country and returning).

What is a Visa Run?

A Visa run is a common expression used for when you leave the country in order to re-enter and start a fresh visit visa immediately.

Most commonly, this is done on the UAE’s border with Oman as it is quite straightforward and inexpensive to cross by land, provided you have access to a car. We have a detailed guide on how the process works on our Dubai Travel Planner site. It is identical for Abu Dhabi, although there may be closer border crossing points to consider near Al Ain.

There is no need to do a visa run as visas can easily be renewed online, but it is still an option which helps combine costs with a trip to a neighbouring country.

Accidental overstays

It’s important to note if you leave the country during the first 60 days, your UAE Visa on Arrival will not renew upon re-entry. It’s a 60-day multi-entry Visa.  If you are travelling through Abu Dhabi, let’s say onward to Europe, then have a stopover in Abu Dhabi again, be very careful if that second stop sees you cross over from 60 days to 70 days.

Eg: You arrive in Abu Dhabi on 1 September, stay for a few days, and then fly on to Europe. You return to the UAE on 30 October.  You then spend two weeks in Abu Dhabi and fly out again on 12 November.

Even though you only stayed in the UAE for just over two weeks, your original 60-day visa was still valid on re-entry. You are considered to have overstayed your visit visa by 12 days as you did not leave the country, and it was not renewed during the 10-day grace period.

Road trip to Oman?

A good way to avoid this can be to include a trip to Oman with your Abu Dhabi trip!  Musandam is our favourite location for an overnight trip, although the closest crossing point from Abu Dhabi city is Al Ain; not only an amazing experience, but you can avoid any issues with overstaying your visa and receiving a fine by exiting the country between day 60 and day 69.

There are a few small costs involved, and depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for an e-visa in advance. Other than transportation, you have to pay an exit fee to the UAE, and a tourist Visa entry fee to Oman, currently 5OR for a 10-day visit visa. 

Re-entering the UAE, there are no charges on the Omani or UAE side, just stamping of your passports.

If you are travelling in a hire car, you will need to check that your insurance covers Oman and obtain a ’no objection certificate (NOC)’.

Head back to our Abu Dhabi Essential Planning Page

NB If you are looking to work in the UAE and become a resident, different visa categories will apply.  You may still be instructed by a future employer to enter on a tourist visa; then you will be changed across to the appropriate visa category in due course.

Disclaimer: This information is correct at the time of publication in October 2022. We cannot be held liable for any omissions. Where possible, we have quoted the relevant source where you can verify the information. We are not travel agents and cannot arrange visas for you. This is a personal blog, our website terms of use can be found here.

The post The Abu Dhabi Tourist Visa Explained – Rule Changes in 2022 appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

This guide has been superseded with with latest rules that came into effect from 26 February 2022

In an ongoing effort to control the spread of coronavirus, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has strict testing and quarantine measures in place for visitors and returning residents.

Take note that entry rules differ in Abu Dhabi from the rest of the United Arab Emirates.

Since 27 August 2021, all residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi regardless of what sort of visa they are travelling on will need pre-approval from ICA (Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship).

From 19 September 2021, the need to wear a tracker watch while self-quarantining has been abolished. All other information below relates to the latest Abu Dhabi entry rules from 5 September 2021.

International Arrivals into Abu Dhabi

For citizens, resident visa holders and tourists to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has re-opened its borders for international tourism and will now be issuing visas on arrival and e-Visas to citizens of all countries if visiting criteria are met. However, strict testing and self-quarantine measures must still be followed.

The rules are frequently changing, with the latest update taking effect from 5 September 2021 as follows:

• All arrivals into Abu Dhabi must now apply for ICA approval before they fly – this is largely to determine your international movements prior to arriving and vaccine status. Non-residents will be issued with a UIN.
• Download the Alhosn App before you fly – this will record your vaccine information and any PCR tests performed within the UAE.
• Arriving into Abu Dhabi by air requires a negative PCR test from no more than 48 hours before boarding your flight.
• If you are arriving from a “Green List” country there is no self-quarantine on arrival.
  • If you are vaccinated you will be given a PCR test on arrival and again on Day 6 if you stay in the Emirate.
  • If you are not vaccinated, then take a test on arrival, Day 6 and Day 9.
• Arrivals from all other countries not on the green list:
  • If you are fully vaccinated, you will be tested on arrival, the need to self-quarantine has been abolished for those 16+ with a WHO approved vaccine but you must take further PCR tests on Day 4 an Day 8.
  • Unvaccinated you must self-quarantine for 10 days with a PCR test taken on arrival. Take a further PCR test on Day 9, if this is negative you are released from self-quarantine on Day 10.
• Children under 12 years of age or with severe disabilities are exempt from PCR testing
• Note an unvaccinated minor from a non-green list country is still subject to 10 days of quarantine, even if the vaccinated parents do not need to quarantine.

(Scroll left to view in English)

Further information can be found on the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre website.

From 27 August 2021: All incoming tourists must now register on the ICA website AT LEAST 5 DAYS BEFORE TRAVELLING so that their vaccine information can be uploaded onto the UAE “Alhosn” App. They will be issued with a QR Code and UIN – Unified Identification Number – in lieu of an Emirates ID number.

This pre-registration is not required for transit guests to AUH.

You can learn more about current entry requirements into Abu Dhabi on the Visit Abu Dhabi website.

Travelling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or the Northern Emirates?

It is possible to arrive in Dubai or any other port in the UAE first, then transfer to Abu Dhabi but the same self-quarantine rules must be followed if you’re not vaccinated and from a non-green list country.

PLEASE NOTE DOMESTIC CHANGES FROM 19 SEPTEMBER 2021

The need to have a negative COVID test result to cross domestically between Dubai and Abu Dhabi has been abolished – learn more about the most recent rule change here.

We are seeking clarity if you are required to stop at the International Arrivals tent in Ghantoot still before crossing the Abu Dhabi border. However, the border crossing is now unmanned so it would appear you are free to come in but then responsible for self-enforcing your home quarantine on your arrival into Abu Dhabi emirate.

The fines are large if you do not comply with this self-quarantine.

*Important Update at 20 August 2021: Once you are in Abu Dhabi, it has become mandatory to present a “Green Pass” or “Green Status” on the Al Hosn App in order to enter public buildings and hospitality establishments. You can learn all about the Green Pass rules for Abu Dhabi here.

Without a PCR test result and “green status” on your Alhosn App you would not be able to enter an Abu Dhabi hotel. So if you are still in the compulsory self-quarantine period you’d need a private residence to stay in to complete the self-quarantine.

It is recommended if you are non-green list arrival into Dubai first and you are unvaccinated to not cross into Abu Dhabi emirate until you have completed a Day 9 test and have a negative result on Day 10. Your PCR result remains valid on the Alhosn App for 3 days if you are unvaccinated.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

The post Quarantine & Entry Requirements into Abu Dhabi appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.