Domestic Rules applicable from 19 September 2021 & International Arrivals rules updated 20 August 2021
As announced by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disaster committee, from 19 September 2021 Abu Dhabi Emirate has cancelled COVID testing requirements to enter from within the UAE.
(swipe left for English)
This will mean no more PCR or DPI tests needed between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Testing requirements have been in place since July 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the country.
Due to falling COVID case rates across the country, the internal COVID testing process which has restricted movement in to Abu Dhabi is no longer required.
Do note, however, that anyone wishing to enter a public building, park, beach or basically any communal area in Abu Dhabi will still need to show “Green Status” on Al Hosn, as explained here.
We will leave the remainder of this guide here for any future reference. We are awaiting clarity if the border checkpoints will now be completely open or even removed on all freeways into Abu Dhabi.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi border crossing rules prior to 19 September 2021
Once an incredibly simple process to cross from Dubai into neighbouring emirate Abu Dhabi, the world changed for the Emirates on 22 June 2020 when precautionary health measures saw Abu Dhabi shut off its domestic border with Dubai.
The restrictions have eased, however, a border checkpoint remains in place restricting movement into Abu Dhabi emirate.
All drivers and passengers of private vehicles over the age of 12 must present a negative COVID-19 test result in order to cross from the emirate of Dubai into the emirate of Abu Dhabi, plus undergo subsequent nasal PCR testing if they remain in Abu Dhabi.
There is no restriction on driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
The situation does change on a daily (and sometimes hourly) basis, so we recommend as well as following through our tips here you also check with the relevant Government authorities prior to travelling (detailed in the footer of this article).
Border testing travelling from Dubai into Abu Dhabi
Here’s what you need to know before crossing from Dubai into Abu Dhabi.
The difference between a PCR and a DPI Coronavirus test
There are two different types of coronavirus testing that are currently accepted for passing the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In order to cross the police checkpoint that has been set up across the highway, you will need to provide evidence (an SMS screenshot of your test result will suffice) that you are COVID-19 negative. This can be from a PCR or DPI test result.
A PCR is a Polymerase Chain Reaction test – in the UAE conducted via a nasal swab test that takes, on average 24 hours for the results to be returned, though this can vary. You should plan a PCR test at least 24 hours in advance of when you wish to cross from Dubai into Abu Dhabi.
A laser-based DPI test (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) is a pin-prick test on your finger that picks up signals of infection and allows for quicker mass-testing, the result is almost instant.
At present, you are allowed to take either of these two tests in any part of the UAE. From 19 July 2021, you have 48 hours to cross into Abu Dhabi with a negative PCR result or 24 hours from receiving a DPI result. You cannot use the DPI method on consecutive crossings.
You will need to present a photo ID – be it your Emirates ID card (EID) or a passport with your test result, with your name in Arabic or English.
Rapid testing centre at Ghantoot
So what exactly should you expect crossing Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Just over the border on the E11 Freeway that connects the two cities, you will come to the area of Ghantoot. If you are NOT already in possession of a negative test result, pull off the freeway here, it will be very clearly signposted.
There are now separate places to go for:
- Overseas visitors/returning residents with a valid PCR result who need fitting with a tracker (more on this below) and
- UAE residents looking to undertake rapid DPI test, per conditions below
NB – The Al Faya Road facility is a new drive-through testing station open 24/7, the large tent to the right is no longer offering DPI testing, it only deals with international arrivals.
Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee establishes 18 drive-through DPI testing stations on Al Faya Road before Ghantoot and approves to open new lanes at the entry points between Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to enhance the flow of entry into the emirate. pic.twitter.com/dCmyuWicch
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 26, 2020
You will need an Emirates ID card (EID) and will need to contactless pay 50 AED per person (testing only applies to those in your vehicle aged 12 and over). You no longer need to book in advance.
Because of the need for an EID as part of the testing process, instant DPI testing is NOT available to non-UAE residents. They may use a PCR result instead, but be mindful if you’ve come from overseas the result can be no more than 48 hours old.
New overseas arrivals into Abu Dhabi are also subject to strict self-quarantine measures, more below.
You should have the Al Hosn app installed on your phone. The two staff testing you (one entering your details and one actually doing the prick test) will ask you to confirm your mobile number. You will be instantly sent a result which indicators either “no swab” or “swab”.
“No swab”= keep driving, you’ve tested negative. Keep your phone handy as it’s only a few kilometres back on the E11 or E311 Highway until you hit the police checkpoint and will need to show this result.
“Swab” = If a follow-up swab is required, they will do this on the spot (a PCR test) in the testing tent.
We have heard varying stories on whether you are then allowed to cross the border and self-quarantine while you wait for the result. It appears some leniency being shown with families who live in Abu Dhabi and can prove their residency, otherwise expect to be turned back to Dubai until a PCR confirms whether you are actually positive or not – a PCR is far more accurate than a DPI test which may pick up other infections.
NB there are several border crossings into Abu Dhabi from Dubai by road. The only border where a DPI testing tent can be found is just off the E11 on Al-Faya Road.
The E11 Highway from Dubai to Abu Dhabi has now been widened at the border checkpoint with many more lanes to speed up the border crossing process; it includes automatic number plate reading.
To add one more layer of complication, if someone is borrowing your vehicle (even if it’s your spouse who ordinarily drives the vehicle), be warned the police system may assume it is you, the owner that has crossed the border. You may receive the day 4/8 warning by text or a flat out fine for not re-testing even if you yourself never crossed the border!
Testing in advance of border crossing into Abu Dhabi
If you are unable to get a rapid DPI testing appointment at the border, or you’d rather not chance being turned away if it’s busy, you should get your PCR or DPI test performed in advance, in any emirate.
The SEHA App will give users access to booking a PCR or DPI at any of the designated Government testing centres around the UAE. These may also book up well in advance of weekends and public holidays so you should plan your trip carefully.
Results from private testing labs at hospitals and clinics in the UAE can also be accepted. These may cost more than using the SEHA service (though in our experience, many of the private labs are now cheaper – eg 85 AED). Emirates shares this list of approved testing centres in Dubai.
What happens next – subsequent testing in Abu Dhabi
The rules on subsequent testing, once you are in Abu Dhabi Emirate, have changed numerous times and depend on your vaccination status.
If you are unvaccinated or do not have your vaccination status on the Alhosn App:
Entering Abu Dhabi on a PCR test? You will need to be re-tested by PCR if you stay in Abu Dhabi for 4 consecutive days, and again on day 8 if you stay 8 consecutive days.
Enter Abu Dhabi on a DPI test? You will need to be re-tested by PCR if you stay in Abu Dhabi for 3 consecutive days, and again on day 7 if you stay 7 consecutive days. You cannot use a DPI on consecutive border crossings. If you fail to do so, you will be fined.
Subsequent testing in Abu Dhabi – exemptions
The exemption for subsequent testing for vaccinated individuals was reintroduced (It was briefly abolished from 15 July to 20 August 2021).
If an “E” or Gold Star appear in your Al Hosn App, you only need one PCR test to cross the border and do not need to follow up with the Day 4/8 (PCR) or Day 3/7 tests (DPI). (Swipe left for English)
Abu Dhabi COVID-19 Rules
Abu Dhabi authorities re-introduced the concept of the “Green Pass” on 20 August 2021.
Essentially, the Green Pass is electronic evidence of your vaccine and PCR status, required to enter most public places. You will require the Al Hosn App on a smartphone.
Pop over to this detailed guide on our Abu Dhabi Travel Planner site to find out more and how you go about getting the Green Pass if you’re visiting from outside the UAE.
Note that there are still much stricter COVID rules in Abu Dhabi than in Dubai and the rest of the Emirates, such as:
- Face masks must be worn everywhere in public, indoors and outdoors (strenuous exercise and swimming excluded) and social distancing must be maintained.
- Public transport is operating at 75 per cent capacity.
- Shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, museums, entertainment centers are operating at 80% capacity.
- Health clubs, sports and spas are operating at 50 per cent capacity.
- A maximum of three passengers are permitted in a 5-person taxi and four passengers in a 7-person taxi.
- Dining at cafes and restaurants is restricted to tables of ten.
- Home gatherings are only permitted for immediate family members, maximum of 10 people.
- The nightly sterlisation prgram has completed so no need for permits if heading out after midnight from 19 August 2021.
- All subject to current governmental advisories which are known to change on a frequent basis.
How to register your overseas vaccine in the Al Hosn App
These are the instructions as detailed by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Committee:
NB – as at the time of writing overseas guests have still been reporting issues getting their overseas vaccination status recognised in the Al Hosn App.
Arriving in to Abu Dhabi from overseas
Update from 24 December 2020, amended from 3 May 2021 & 15 August 2021
If you are a new arrival into Abu Dhabi from overseas (whether a Resident visa holder or a tourist) these rules apply, regardless of which airport you land in.
- Passengers must present a negative COVID test result (valid within 72 hours) before boarding a flight (Under 12’s and those with disabilities are exempt).
- On arriving in Abu Dhabi, at either AUH airport or the International Arrivals tent at the border if flying in to DXB, you will be given a further PCR test. (Expect this process to take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending how busy they are).
- Quarantine requirements will depend on the country of origin. A tiered system has been introduced:
- Visitors from “Green List” countries will be exempt from quarantine, once they get a negative COVID test result on arrival, this may take 24 hours. PCR Testing is required again on Day 6 (and again on Day 9 if unvaccinated).
- Arrivals from all other countries into Abu Dhabi Emirate must self-quarantine for 10 days, either in a private home, hotel or accommodation provided by the authorities. Testing is required again on Day 9, you will get a tracker watch fitted until your final PCR result.
- If you are vaccinated, this self-quarantine period is reduced to 7 days with a follow-up PCR test on Day 6.
If you first arrived in Dubai or any other airport in the UAE and do not immediately cross the land border you will still need to complete the balance of your time in self-quarantine, per Government guidance below (Swipe left for English):
Frequently asked questions on Dubai to Abu Dhabi Border Crossing
It is really variable on the time of day and how busy they are. The average time seems to be about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
We’ve heard hugely varying reports but generally speaking, it seems the average time is 30 minutes to 1 hour, but do be prepared it could take several hours; Since 24 December they have widened the road checkpoint with more lanes and on average drivers are reporting less than a 10-minute wait.
Latest Government information as of 22 December 2020 indicates that those who’ve participated in the National Vaccination Programme (who’ve completed their 2 jabs + 28 days) and volunteers in Phase III clinical trials who have an identification mark of the letter E or ‘Gold Star’ on the Al Hosn app are exempt from the border crossing regulations.
You can only get the E or Gold Star by having a PCR test (so NOT entirely exempt from doing anything!). Your status remains valid for 7 days after receiving your negative result.
Rule changes from 19 July 2021 appear to have abolished testing exemptions if you’re vaccinated.
Children aged 12 and over (their ID will be checked) will need to present a negative COVID test result to cross the border into Abu Dhabi.
No, there is no border control point at all crossing from Abu Dhabi emirate back into Dubai. As long as you’re not an international arrival with a tracking wristband, you are free to cross from Abu Dhabi back into Dubai at any time.
Al Ain city sits within Abu Dhabi Emirate, so the border crossing rules also apply to visiting Al Ain. There is no rapid testing centre on the E66 freeway to Al Ain, so you must have a PCR test result in advance to show at the border crossing point, or cross from the E11/Ghantoot testing centre then take a longer route to Al Ain.
The exact same rules apply to arrivals from Sharjah Airport or any UAE port. Once you’ve completed 10 days in the country AND have a valid PCR or DPI test result you can cross into Abu Dhabi emirate without needing a tracker. If you cross before day 7/10, you will be fitted with a tracker and instructed when to take your follow up PCR test.
Regardless of how long you wish to stay in Abu Dhabi, you still need a valid negative test result. If you are only staying one day, no subsequent tests are needed.
If you stay in Abu Dhabi for 3/4 consecutive days (depending on DPI or PCR test result used to enter) you will need to test again, and a further test will be needed on day 7 or 8.
Dubai or Northern Emirates residents can cross the border into Abu Dhabi and stay for less than 3/4 days as long as they then return back over the border to Dubai.
Take note that if you’ve used the Alhosn app to cross the border it will already be valid to use as a “Green Pass” in Abu Dhabi for a day trip.
It’s very important as we said at the outset to note things are changing CONSTANTLY!
As quick as the border was shut, they may decide to reopen it or change the testing validity of rules. The best channels to follow for further information include:
- wam.com/ae – Emirates News Agency
- Abu Dhabi Media Office Twitter & Instagram Accounts in Arabic & English @admediaoffice
- Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre @adphc_ae
UAE Authorities (though note, social media accounts are often more up to date than the information contained on these websites):
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Health Authority
- National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
Further reading for tourists on dealing with the Dubai to Abu Dhabi issue and visiting the UAE during Coronavirus times
Prior to the border closure, Abu Dhabi was an easy day trip from Dubai. If you meet all of the testing requirements, there is still no problem to visit Abu Dhabi, however, day trips for leisure are pretty much out of the question at present.
Most tour operators are not running and the Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus service is currently not operating (September update– the 101 bus from Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Central Station in Al Wadha has now resumed! Passengers must show Green Al Hosn before boarding and a negative PCR test result will be required for inspection at the border).
Taxies can take passengers across the border with the right documentation, with a maximum of 3 or 4 passengers, depending on the vehicle type.
- Learn more about the Dubai Assured Stamp – How do you know if an establishment has implemented all the necessary public health protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19?
- Learn more about current entry requirements for tourists to Dubai and the UAE updated rules from 1 August 2020.
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 strongly recommend you check all information provided here against current government guidelines.
Dubai Travel Planner
We have removed commenting on this post as we are getting too many personal requests or frustration that the steps were followed, but border police still turned them away. We cannot advise on individual cases or your visa status. If the steps above are unclear or you have specific concerns, you need to contact Government authorities who will be better positioned to advise on the exact day-to-day situation.
18 comments
i just now arrive at dubai airport and i m going to al ain because im residence in al ain , what is the requirements in dubai al ain border?
thank you
Sorry we didn’t see your message sooner. I hope you were OK crossing the Al Ain border, I assume you found a facility there where a tracker was fitted via the E66 or did they make you come via the E11 centre?
Hi
Am from abudhabi, I have Dubai resident visa but am working in abudhabi past 6 years.
Now I plan to bring my wife and my son (2years) by 90 days visiting visa.
My question is
1. Once my wife arrive Dubai airport can I travel directly in gantoot border.
2. I have Dubai Visa, any issue to bring my family to inside abudhabi. because one of my colleagues told me only abudhabi visa holder to bring.
In case I’m submitting my abudhabi driving license, my company abudhabi branch working proof or anything to cross the border
Thank you
Hi thanks for the question – you should verify from a Government source but I will do my best to help.
Visit visas have been allowed into AD since September. At the Ghantoot border, new arrivals into the UAE will be fitted with a tracker watch for their self-quarantine period in AD. Their last negative covid test result must be within 72 hours, if it is over, they will need a new PCR or DPI in Dubai before getting the tracker fitted at the border. If you are crossing the border to collect them, you will also need a PCR/DPI to get back into AD. They only ask to see your EID with your test result, I’m not aware of them (as at January) stopping anyone based on Dubai or AD residency ~ Keri
Hi I am from Al Ain , my mother in law is coming to Dubai on 3months tourist visa I want to pick her from Dubai airport & bring her to Al Ain , kindly can I know what is the procedure to bring her to Al Ain
You will need to confirm this with the appropriate authorities at your time of travel. Our understanding is you will both need a valid PCR test for when you cross from Dubai back into AD, not more than 72 hours from last result. We’ve not yet been able to confirm if the AD tracking watch can be fitted on the E66, I believe you still need to cross back into AD for the tracker to be fitted at Ghantoot on the E11, then your mother will need to self-quarantine for the specified number of days left and follow up tests are required by AD authorities. Day 1 is the day she lands in Dubai, then most arrivals need a follow-up test on day 6 and Day 12 ~ Keri
Hi my partner is resident in Abu Dhabi and we have both flown in to Dubai from the uk a week ago, he’s 62
1. Will he be fitted with a tracker if he crosses the border on his own to get a few things whilst I stay in Dubai and he comes back the same day
2. If I go across the border from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in a weeks time for 6 days to return to Dubai for my flight back to the Uk will I get my tracker removed?
You will need to clarify this with the Government authorities (see latest from Abu Dhabi here https://visitabudhabi.cn/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel), the initial advice in September suggested over 60’s were exempt but latest updates we received in December refer to “all passengers” expect under 12’s and disabled. (See more here too https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/handling-the-covid-19-outbreak/travelling-amid-covid-19/quarantine-guidelines-for-travellers-to-the-uae). 2. If you go in a weeks time, once you have completed your 10 days, you can stay in Abu Dhabi for 5 days, on day 6 you’d need another PCR OR leave the Emirate.
Hi there, I’m traveling into Abu Dhabi but I’m a Dubai resident, I will be going from the airport straight to Dubai. Do you have any idea on the protocol? Will I have to quarantine in Dubai and will I even be allowed to go from Abu Dhabi to Dubai with the tracking system provided?
Thanks much appreciated.
Please check this with the airline but I understand those landing in AUH and transiting straight to Dubai Emirate are not required to be fitted with a tracker, but I am not sure what evidence you need for this.
Hi
I am on sharja visit visa and currently in Dubai , can I travel to Abu Dhabi
As long as you have been in the country for more than 10 days and have a negative PCR test not more than 48 hours ago then you can cross into AD on any UAE visit visa. If you stay more than 4 das in AD you will need another PCR. If you’ve not yet done 10 days in the UAE you’ll be fitted with a tracker and need to self quarantine and follow the advised follo-up testing dates so best to do after day 10.
Hello, I am planning to ravel from Dubai to Aby Dhabi by car on Saturday.
Should i have PCR test with me or I can pass PCR test on the boarder?
You can have a PCR result on your phone (take the test at least 24 hours before to be sure), or you can come off the freeway at Ghantoot to have a DPI test on the spot, though weekends queues can be long.
Hello, I arrived in Dubai airport with Dubai visiting visa 11 days ago and also quarantined for 10 days with a negative PCR test on the 10th day. Can I cross the Abu dhabi border even though I have Dubai visiting visa?
Yes after 10 days and a further negative PCR you should have no AD quarantine under the present rules. But do check with AD Government that you don’t need a day 12 PCR test. Even if you landed into Dubai your UAE visitor visa allows you freely into AD once quarantine & testing requirements are met.
i plan to go abu dhabi from dubai in a day only for visiting for shaikh zayed mosque the same day i return to dubai any procedure for crossing border kindly reply
The procedure is exactly as outlined above, you will only need the one valid negative result and no follow-up tests if you are returning the same day.
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