New Abu Dhabi Travel Restrictions

  • by Al Khail Real Estate Broker
  • 2 years ago
  • Blog
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Abu Dhabi authorities have enforced entry rules as part of COVID-19 restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Those entering the capital had to undergo certain checks at the border. However, all entry rules have been removed as the overall COVID-19 situation in the UAE has greatly improved.

In this article, we will help you to learn all about the new Abu Dhabi travel restrictions. So continue reading to get the answers to all your questions.

Abu Dhabi entry rules and travel restrictions

The National Committee for Emergency Management in Abu Dhabi (NCEMA) decided to do away with all entry requirements for the emirate of Abu Dhabi as of February 26th, 2022.

In the past, everyone entering Abu Dhabi from inside the United Arab Emirates was required to undergo EDE scanning and a quick antigen test. Those travelers who tested positive were required to spend some time in quarantine. However, following the most recent regulations, commuters are now permitted to drive into Abu Dhabi without stopping for the earlier inspections, given that these prerequisites are no longer necessary.

After displaying a green pass that verifies their testing and vaccination status using the Al Hosn app, guests who have been vaccinated are allowed admission to events, tourist attractions, and cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi.

Besides, you can then go through the process of how registering for Abu Dhabi citizenship if you want to live in this city. However, before that, you should know Abu Dhabi’s travel restrictions.

What is the Alhosn Green Pass?

Along with the use of face masks, the Alhosn Green Pass is a traffic light app that displays the results of your most recent Covid-19 test and your immunization status. Obtaining one of these passes is almost necessary to enter public locations inside Abu Dhabi.

It may be downloaded free from the Apple Store, Google Play, Samsung’s App Gallery, and other app stores. The app has various purposes, but its primary ones include saving your vaccination data and displaying any current PCR tests that are connected to your account.

UAE citizens who have been vaccinated in the UAE should have their information loaded automatically. On the other hand, visitors who have been vaccinated outside of the UAE should follow the guidance provided below to upload their certificates into the system.

If you are a resident of the Emirates, you will need to enter your Emirates ID number into the Alhosn app. Tourists must use the UID number that is printed on their visa.

Colour coding for Abu Dhabi travel restrictions

After the update has been applied, the primary profile of your application will display a QR code along with a status that is represented by one of three colors: green, gray, or red.

The Green color in Alhosn Pass

Green indicates that you have just been subjected to a PCR test, and as such, you are allowed to go anywhere you like in Abu Dhabi, including events, stores, restaurants, and malls.

Since March 24, 2022, anybody may get the “Green Pass” on the Alhosn app regardless of their vaccination status. Previously, the Green Pass on the Alhosn app was only achievable for people who were completely vaccinated (with a third booster injection). However, the length of time that your Green Pass is valid will be determined by the level of coverage provided by your COVID vaccination.

The green status on the Alhosn app is now accessible to travelers and those who have only had a partial or no vaccination. 

The Grey color in Alhosn Pass

The color grey represents neutrality and indicates that you have not yet gotten a negative PCR test within the allotted amount of time to change green. Going out and obtaining the PCR result is all that is required for you to become green.

Suppose you are over 50, have rather serious symptoms, have a chronic ailment, or are pregnant. In that case, you will be directed to attend one of the Prime Assessment Centres for a medical checkup and advice on how to remain in isolation. Also, those who want to get a visa to travel to this city should visit medical test centers for visas in Abu Dhabi.

The Red color in Alhosn Pass

The color red indicates that you have been found to be positive for the COVID virus. You should get another test at any health center in the emirate and keep isolating yourself until the results come back.

If the test results come back positive, a professional will get in touch with you to guide you on the isolation protocols that need to be followed.

What is the validity period for the Green Pass?

People who have been fully immunized (that is, who have received both doses of the vaccine and an activator shot six months after receiving their second dose) will be eligible for Green Pass status. This status will be valid for 14 days from the date of a negative PCR test.

Because of the rising number of reported cases, officials have shortened the validity window from 30 days to only 14 days. Consider that the Alhosn app must have a record of all of your vaccinations for you to reach this rank.

Those with exemptions that are currently in effect and have been authorized by a physician will have a valid Green Pass Status for seven days after a negative PCR test.

Those who recently recovered from COVID will be issued a 30-day Green Pass 11 days following a positive test result. A negative PCR test will be necessary to get a further Green Pass window of thirty days. PCR testing is not necessary for anybody under the age of 16, including children.

Keeping green status to avoid Abu Dhabi travel restrictions

On the Al Hosn app, you can keep your green status by following these instructions:

  • In order to keep their “green” status, people who have received their full vaccinations must wait 14 days to obtain confirmation that their PCR tests came back negative.
  • People who have not received the vaccination need to do a PCR test once every 48 hours in order to keep their green status on the Al Hosn app.
  • Those who are officially exempt need to have a negative PCR test result in every week in order to keep their “green” status.
  • Children who are under the age of 12 are exempt from having to take the exam and are said to be “green.”
  • Children between the ages of 12 and 15 years old do not need to be vaccinated; nonetheless, they do need to undergo a PCR test in order to get a “green” status on the Al Hosn app.

What are the Abu Dhabi travel restrictions for tourists?

Even if you have proof that you have been immunized, it is still a good idea to download the Alhosn app if you visit Abu Dhabi as a tourist.

However, as of March 17, after a change to the laws, unvaccinated people and those who do not have the Alhosn Green Pass are now permitted to enter “events, tourist attractions, and cultural places in Abu Dhabi. It is possible if they have a negative PCR test conducted within the preceding 48 hours.

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions for driving into Abu Dhabi

You will no longer be required to provide a negative PCR or an Alhosn Green Pass to enter Abu Dhabi as of Saturday, February 26, 2022. Additionally, there is no longer a necessity at borders to demonstrate that you have completed an EDE scan. But in any case, you should have an Abu Dhabi driving license. We have a guide to getting a driving license in Abu Dhabi, which can help you get your license.

Although it was covered before, obtaining a Green Pass is still necessary to attend public venues in Abu Dhabi. These include shopping centers, dining facilities, lodging establishments, fitness centers, public parks, and coastlines.

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions for flying into Abu Dhabi

Since February 26th, Abu Dhabi has no longer used the Green List system, and travelers from countries not on the Green List are no longer required to undergo quarantine if they have not been vaccinated.

Passengers traveling in Abu Dhabi from March 7 are no longer required to submit themselves to a PCR test upon arrival. It is now up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to pay the DHS40 fee. However, you can pay the money if you have a bank account. So, easily open an account in the best banks in Abu Dhabi.

Rules and travel restrictions for going on a trip to Dubai

Visitors from other countries who fly into Dubai and have had all of their vaccinations will be required to provide a COVID-19 vaccination certificate that has been authorized and includes a QR code. Travelers who have not received the vaccination will be required to provide either a negative result from a PCR test administered within the last 48 hours or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 that includes a QR code.

Norms and travel restrictions for all Dubai visitors

Beginning on February 26, 2022, travelers traveling to Dubai from any country, including those in the GCC, had to meet one of the following requirements:

  • Provide a vaccination certificate (or certificates) with a QR code verifying that the traveler has received all recommended vaccinations against any diseases for which there is no known treatment.
  • Passengers must provide a negative COVID19 PCR test certificate produced by a QR code-enabled health care practitioner within 48 hours of sample collection prior to boarding.
  • Passengers must provide official medical documentation verifying recovery from COVID19 no more than one month before the scheduled arrival date.

The COVID19 PCR test or immunization certificates in other languages are allowed if they can be authenticated at the departure point.

PCR tests have to be based on a molecular diagnostic test that is aimed at the qualitative identification of SARS-COV-2 viral RNA in nucleic acid. There will be no tolerance for quick antigen, antibody, or any other kind of rapid lateral flow testing or home test kits.

Certificates of vaccination against NHS COVID19 issued for travel from the United Kingdom to Dubai will not be recognized.

The regulations and requirements for admission to the ultimate destination will be enforced for any passenger who is just in transit.

Dubai to Abu Dhabi travel restrictions

There are no prerequisites for traveling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or any other emirate located within the United Arab Emirates.

The EDE scan and the other prerequisites for the Al Hosn green pass will no longer be necessary. However, a green pass will continue to be necessary to enter the vast majority of public locations in Abu Dhabi. This includes shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, fitness centers, public parks, and beaches.

The “on-arrival testing” regulation has also been eliminated, and Abu Dhabi has removed all nations from its “green list.” On the other hand, every traveler arriving in the UAE from a location outside the region will be required to provide a vaccination certificate and a code that has been authorized.

It has been stated that Abu Dhabi would no longer employ medical bracelets to keep track of those infected with Covid-19 and their close connections. The Green Pass and the EDE scanners will continue to be required to enter public areas in Abu Dhabi, such as restaurants and retail malls, among other types of establishments. But in case you get sick and needed to go to the hospital, you can go to the best government hospitals in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers

As a result of Dubai relaxing its Covid-19 entrance requirements, visitors who have received all of their essential vaccinations will no longer be required to submit a negative PCR test upon arrival in the country. To be considered completely immunized, you must have received two vaccine doses.

Mandatory booster shot

Users are required to take a booster dose to keep their immunization status up to date if their second dose was delivered less than six months ago. In its most recent update, Al Hosn revealed that visitors to Abu Dhabi must now get a booster vaccine even if they have already been completely vaccinated against the disease.

Residents of the UAE who have received the appropriate COVID-19 vaccines and want to keep their “green pass” status on the app must have booster injections for each kind of vaccination. Visitors from other countries traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not need to get a booster injection to enter Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions for non-vaccinated passengers

Unvaccinated travelers will be authorized to enter the country if they can provide evidence of recovery from the Covid-19 virus within the previous month or a negative PCR test result that was obtained less than 48 hours before their arrival. Passengers who are less than 12 years old do not need to pay the fee.

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions for recent recoveries of COVID-19

As a result of the fact that many recovered COVID-19 patients continue to test positive for a while, the Al Hosn app gives users two alternatives to choose from to change their status from red to green and be allowed to enter public places:

After a positive test for COVID-19, you will be required to remain in quarantine for ten days, after which your status will automatically become green on day 11. Following this, you will continue to have “green status” for the next 30 days. But, beyond this point, you will be required to submit to a PCR test once every 14 days in order to keep your “green status” on Al Hosn.

If you have fully recovered within ten days, you can perform two negative PCR tests, which will result in a “green status” on the app for thirty days. This status will remain active until the end of the period. After that, to keep the green code, you will be required to submit a PCR test once every two weeks for the next 60 days.

Abu Dhabi travel restrictions for public areas and facilities

As of the 17th of March, visitors to various events and public areas are required to adhere to the safety precautions already in place. Visitors who haven’t downloaded the Al Hosn app may still enter restricted areas by displaying a complete vaccination certificate or evidence of full vaccination status on their own country’s mobile app. Another acceptable outcome is a negative PCR test result obtained within the last 14 days.

By the new regulations issued by the government of Abu Dhabi, the use of face masks in outdoor public areas is no longer mandatory. On the other hand, using face masks is obligatory inside such venues. Children less than two years old and those with severe impairments or respiratory issues are excluded from the need to wear a mask.

The capacity of Abu Dhabi’s Venues

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced that restrictions will no longer be placed on movie theaters, shopping malls, and other entertainment destinations. This will allow venues in the Abu Dhabi to resume operating at their full capacity beginning on February 15, 2022.

According to the National Center for Emergency Management and Analysis (NCEMA), the Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Committees in each emirate are the ones who will be responsible for deciding on how much preparedness each emirate has. They are also responsible for deciding whether or not to loosen or tighten the procedures and how much capacity should be adjusted based on the indicators.

Previously, the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee had published a circular that specified guidelines about the permitted capacity of events and venues with a capacity of 90%.

FAQ about New Abu Dhabi Travel Restrictions

Now that you know everything about the new Abu Dhabi travel restrictions let’s answer some of the questions that might be yours too. Before answering the question, it is best to see the top travel agencies in Abu Dhabi. These agencies will help you to have a good journey to this city.

What are the requirements for foreign visitors to Abu Dhabi?

The entry requirements for visitors from other countries have been loosened up, and the Abu Dhabi Green List has been completely eliminated. A PCR test is unnecessary for those who have received a vaccination or recovered from COVID-19 during the last 30 days. Travelers who are not vaccinated still need to present proof of a negative PCR test conducted within the previous 48 hours.

Can we visit public places in Abu Dhabi?

Even today, a green status on the Al Hosn App is required to enter most public areas. To maintain your green status, you are required to have all of your vaccinations up to date.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disaster Committee have just modified the laws prohibiting unvaccinated people from attending tourist sites and public spaces. They need to provide a negative result from a PCR test conducted within the previous 48 hours to get access to the different venues in the capital city.

Do I need a test to travel with Etihad?

This response is conditional upon the destination you are traveling to and your current immunization status.

Is ICA permission still required?

To access public spaces in Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve been completely vaccinated and have a negative PCR test result given within the last 14 days. You can do this by providing either the Al Hosn app or the health app from the nation in which you now live.

Before you travel to Abu Dhabi, you must register with the ICA to use the Al Hosn app. Registration may be done online. In all other cases, registration is not obligatory.

Do I have to take a test when I get off the plane in Abu Dhabi?

At the airport in Abu Dhabi, they provide optional testing that you may choose to pay for when you arrive. This is done for your peace of mind.

If you have not been tested within the last 14 days, we strongly advise that you submit yourself to a PCR screening as soon as you arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

I haven’t had my vaccinations yet. Can I go to Abu Dhabi?

Regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated, you will not be required to undergo a quarantine if you come to Abu Dhabi.

If you are not vaccinated, you must do a PCR test 48 hours before your travel to Abu Dhabi. Taking a PCR test when you arrive at the airport is optional. If you are not vaccinated, you are required to take the test.

I was born and raised in the UAE. Can I travel if I am unvaccinated?

Following the most recent advice provided by the government, UAE citizens will only be permitted to leave the UAE if they have gotten a booster injection against COVID-19 and have been completely vaccinated against COVID.

Conclusion on the new Abu Dhabi travel restrictions

The government routinely adjusts regulations to guarantee the safety of all inhabitants. If you read this blog, you will learn all about new Abu Dhabi travel restrictions. Before you go to this city, ensure that you are familiar with all of its regulations and policies.

In addition, if you are considering moving to this city and making it your permanent residence, we recommend you look into the many properties for sale in Abu Dhabi. There is a wide selection of homes available, depending on the price that you can afford. Additionally, the Al Khail company will assist in locating the ideal home available for purchase in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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