Abu Dhabi eases Covid-19 travel restrictions

The green list system has been removed for all travellers flying into Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has eased its Covid-19 travel restrictions following “positive indicators that signal the emirate has entered the recovery phase of the pandemic”.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said the green list system has been removed for all travellers flying into the UAE capital.

Fully vaccinated inbound travellers no longer need to take a PCR test before boarding their flight but they are still required to show an official Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a readable QR code upon arrival.

Unvaccinated inbound travellers still need to present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of their scheduled departure, or a Covid-19 recovery certificate dated within 30 days of departure, complete with a readable QR code.

Travellers under 12 years old are exempt.

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The on-arrival PCR test at Abu Dhabi airport is no longer mandatory for travellers but the testing facility remains for those who wish to take a test, which costs AED40 per swab.

The tourist board said: “Though not mandatory to enter Abu Dhabi, travellers are encouraged to take the PCR test at the airport in order to activate their Green Pass on the Al Hosn app, which is still required to gain access to many of Abu Dhabi’s indoor tourist attractions such as malls, hotels, theme parks, and restaurants.

“The Green Pass on the Al Hosn app is enabled for those who are fully vaccinated and have a 14-day valid negative PCR test result, or are officially exempt from vaccination and have a seven-day valid negative PCR test result, or are under 16 years of age.

“The PCR test must have been performed in the UAE. Tourists are considered fully vaccinated even if they have not had a booster shot.”

Vaccinated tourists can alternatively gain entry to public places by presenting their Covid-19 vaccination certificate, or by showing full vaccination status on their home country’s mobile app, as well as a negative PCR test result obtained within the last 14 days. The PCR test must have been taken in the UAE.

The use of face masks is now optional in outdoor spaces, although face masks are still required when indoors. Social distancing is no longer required.