While Abu Dhabi reopened its borders to tourists back at the end of September, a strict 14-day quarantine has been in place for all visitors, residents and citizens alike.
However, the rules for entering the UAE capital have now been eased, alongside COVID-19 testing requirements being updated.
International tourists entering Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergencies and Disasters Committee announced that given the success of the precautionary measures taken the emirate has been “maintaining a low rate of confirmed cases [and thus] Abu Dhabi will welcome back international tourists from 24 December 2020”.
As part of the new guidelines, it’s been confirmed by the committee that all travellers must receive a COVID-19 PCR test negative result within 96 hours of their scheduled departure. After touching down in Abu Dhabi, a second PCR test is required upon entering the emirate.
Following the successes achieved by implementing the precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 and maintaining a low rate of confirmed cases, Abu Dhabi will welcome back international tourists from 24 December 2020. pic.twitter.com/Oq7X9qH8BF
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 22, 2020
The committee has also identified some “green” countries, whereby visitors from those countries will be allowed into Abu Dhabi when they receive a negative result. However, for those not on the green list, a period of self-isolation for 10 days is currently in place.
Furthermore, it’s been outlined that all tourists and travellers are required to take a PCR test “on day six of entry into Abu Dhabi for those staying for six consecutive days or more, and on day 12 for those staying for 12 consecutive days or more”.
The countries on the “green” list – which will be updated every 14 days – can be found here.
Entering Abu Dhabi by road
Similarly, there have also been changes for entering Abu Dhabi via the road border.
As of tomorrow, December 24, those who are entering Abu Dhabi are permitted to enter with having a valid negative COVID-19 PCR or DPI test within 72 hours. The rules previously stated that it needed to be within 48 hours.
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved procedures for all UAE citizens and residents entering the emirate, including returning residents, from 24 December 2020. pic.twitter.com/9vyu22446S
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 22, 2020
It should be noted the 10-day quarantine time still applies if you’re crossing the road border and have just arrived from a country, not on the green list.
Meanwhile, as has been the case since vaccine trials began in the UAE, those who took part in phase III are exempt from being tested.
