Travelling to Abu Dhabi: All your questions answered
How often do you need to do a PCR test once you are in Abu Dhabi? Find out
Dubai: Whether you are travelling from within the UAE to Abu Dhabi, or arriving in the emirate through an international flight, it is important to keep in mind the latest testing, quarantine and re-test requirements.
If you are still confused about the travel procedures and entry guidelines, here is all you need to know.
Travelling within the UAE
If you are visiting Abu Dhabi by road from within the UAE, it is important to note that the emirate has certain requirements that need to be fulfilled.
Can I take a PCR test to enter Abu Dhabi?
The procedures continue to allow entry into the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result.
Those remaining in the emirate for four days or more, must take a PCR test on day four of entry, and to take another PCR test on day eight of entry for those staying for eight days or more.
If you would like to get a PCR test, you can check out our guide on the costs and options for getting a PCR test in the UAE here.
Can I take a DPI test to enter Abu Dhabi?
The updated procedures allow entry into the emirate with a negative Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test result but within 24 hours of the test being taken. As the result of the DPI test is almost immediate, you can plan to take the test right before you visit Abu Dhabi.
Also, it is important to note that if you have taken a DPI test once, the next time you plan to visit Abu Dhabi, you will have to take a PCR test only. This is because the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee had announced that DPI tests cannot be used to enter Abu Dhabi two consecutive times.
Those entering Abu Dhabi using a DPI test and staying in the emirate for more than 48 hours, must take a PCR test on day three of entry, and take another PCR test on day seven of entry for those staying for seven days or more.
What if I am vaccinated?
If you have been vaccinated, you would still need to take a PCR test once, for the ‘E’ status to be activated. Once you have the ‘E’ status on the Alhosn app, you can enter the emirate without the need for any additional testing. The status stays active for seven days.
International travellers to the UAE
The quarantine requirements can vary depending on whether you are a tourist or UAE national or resident, as well as your vaccination status.
Below is the full list of 'green' countries, regions and territories that you can travel from without the need for quarantine in Abu Dhabi:
• Australia
• Azerbaijan
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• China
• Cuba
• Germany
• Greenland
• Hong Kong (SAR)
• Iceland
• Israel
• Japan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Mauritius
• Moldova
• Morocco
• New Zealand
• Portugal
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Taiwan, Province of China
• Tajikistan
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Uzbekistan
*This list is effective from May 23, 2021. The list is regularly updated and can be found here: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel/permitted-countries
Travelling from countries outside the 'green' list
Travellers from outside the 'green' list can still travel into Abu Dhabi but following the latest protocols and guidelines.
Ahead of departure
Travellers to Abu Dhabi will be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test received within 72 hours prior to their scheduled departure.
Guidelines for UAE nationals and residents
If you are vaccinated
• If you are coming from green countries, you do not need to quarantine yourself. However, you will need to do a PCR test on arrival and on day 6 from the date of arrival.
• If you are coming from other countries, you must quarantine yourself for 5 days. Additionally, you will need to do a PCR test on arrival and on day 4 from arrival.
The above rules apply to those who received their second dose of the vaccine at least 28 days prior to the day of travel. Information about the vaccine must be documented on the Al Hosn app.
If you are not vaccinated
• If you are coming from green countries, you do not need to quarantine yourself. However, you will need to do a PCR test on arrival and on days 6 and 12 from arrival.
• If you are coming from other countries, you must quarantine yourself for 10 days. Additionally, you will need to do a PCR test on arrival and on day 8 from arrival.
These are the quarantine guidelines for tourists arriving in Abu Dhabi
Tourists from green countries
Tourists on a direct flight from green countries do not need to quarantine themselves.
However, they must:
• Do an RT-PCR test on arrival and isolate themselves until they receive negative result.
• Do another RT-PCR test on days 6 and 12 from arrival.
Tourists from other countries
Tourists coming from other countries must:
• Quarantine themselves for 10 days
• Do an RT-PCR test on arrival and on days 6 and 12 from arrival.
Tourists will be provided with a medically-approved wristband for the duration of their quarantine, after clearing immigration.