First up – it’s important to note what passport you are holding and, therefore, which visa rules apply to you.

NB If you are looking to work in the UAE and become a resident, different visa categories will apply.  A future employer may still instruct you to enter on a tourist visa, and then you will be changed to the appropriate visa category in due course.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.

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Travel during COVID-19 times is never straightforward, even within countries. With the health and safety of residents and tourists front of mind, the situation for freely moving around the 7 Emirates of the UAE remains dynamic.

Border crossing point between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

In the ever-changing post-COVID world, there have been several periods of time where a police border crossing checkpoint was placed between Dubai and Abu Dhabi emirates. Since July 2020, each Emirate has pursued a slightly different approach to reopening international borders and ongoing testing requirements to conquer the spread of COVID-19.

We’re delighted to announce that free movement is again permitted domestically in the UAE without any border checkpoint or testing requirements from 28 FEBRUARY 2022. (Swipe left for English)

Please note that whilst you can now cross the domestic border without going through a police checkpoint, there are still slightly different COVID rules in Abu Dhabi. Primarily, a “Green Alhosn” is required for entry into public buildings and spaces.

7 NOVEMBER 2022: Almost all COVID restrictions for Abu Dhabi emirate have now been abolished, including the need to wear a face mask and Green Pass on Al Hosn – read the latest update for Abu Dhabi visitors here.

This border-crossing guide was first published in July 2020 and has undergone many iterations. Whilst border crossings have long been removed, we have left this article for prosperity and reference.

Dubai to Abu Dhabi border crossing rules prior to February 2022

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 – DPI or PCR – 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 [this step now abolished].

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 [abolished]

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:

1. Overseas visitors/returning residents with a valid PCR result who need fitting with a tracker (more on this below) and
2. 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.

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 [abolished]

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 [still current – capacity limites have increased]

Abu Dhabi authorities introduced 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 to display your Green Pass.

To keep your Green Pass active, vaccinated individuals must take a PCR test every 14 days.

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.

Follow @admediaoffice for the most up to date rule announcements.

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:

Arriving in to Abu Dhabi from overseas [being updated]

Rules have changed again from 26 February 2022 including abolishing the “Green List”- the information below dates from the last major update on 15 August 2021 – we’re seeking clarity and will update this section soon

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 non-green list but 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’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 visiting Abu Dhabi as a side trip.

Most tour operators are up and running again, offering both group tours and private tours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for the day. The Dubai to Abu Dhabi bus service is partially back up and running.

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.

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.

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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.

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Please note that the UAE has announced plans to significantly overhaul its visa system. The rules in this guide still apply but do expect significant change come September 2022 to the 30 and 90 day visa system for tourists.

What is a Visa Run?

When entering Dubai as a tourist, many nationalities are entitled to a free multiple-entry visa upon arriving at the border (different to a tourist visa). It lasts for 30 days, however, there is currently a 10-day grace period – so really you can spend 40 days in the UAE without incurring an overstay fine. 

If you wish to stay in the UAE for a longer period of time and you are an eligible passport holder, you can renew your visa by exiting the country and getting a new 30-day visa on arrival issued at the border. This can be done by air or by road.

Road tripping to Oman is a popular way of getting this 30-day visa renewed and is commonly referred to as “doing a border run”.

It is perfectly legal to do and can add a great side trip to your experience of staying in Dubai, but there are a number of steps involved to make sure you are doing it properly and will maximise the benefit of your renewed visa.

When should I do a visa run from Dubai?

Although UAE visas on arrival are issued for 30 days, there is a 10-day grace period before you are fined. It is recommended you leave the country between Day 31 and Day 39.

If you leave the country at all before the 30 days expire, your visa will NOT renew at that point. This can catch a lot of visitors out who think their visa has restarted from the second entry date.

We talk more about how to avoid accidental Tourist Visa overstays here.

Have you been made redundant? Please note the grace period to exit the country or find a new job has been extended “We are relaxing the grace period one gets to leave the country after being made redundant. Instead of the previous 30 days, people will have 90 to 180 days to leave the country,”

Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, as announced 6 September 2021.

Do I need to leave the country to renew my tourist visa?

Tourists can apply for the second renewal before the expiry of the first one by paying a fee of 620AED to the Department of Naturalisation and Residency. This can only be done a maximum of two times before you would need to physically leave the country. It is more convenient but usually more costly than doing a border run.

How many visa runs can I do in Dubai?

There is no limit to the number of times you can do a border run from Dubai on this type of visa. Just make sure you are completing the steps correctly each time.

What if I don’t leave the country?

Visa overstayers who do not renew will have to pay a 200 AED fine and 100 AED for each day of their overstay, to be calculated from 10 days after the visa expiry, plus a 100AED services fee to immigration. This must be paid before they can leave the country.

You can read more on visa costs and fines here.

How to do a Visa Run to Oman

You can either arrange your own Visa Run using a hired or borrowed vehicle (though see driving tips below) or join an organised group that offers border run bus services.

Organised bus services for Dubai to Oman bus runs

If you do not want the headache of trying to take a car across the border to Oman, there are services that operate specifically for the purpose of taking tourists on border runs and will talk you through the crossing process.

Please note we are not affiliated with any of these service providers. Information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing but you will need to check with the individual providers

• Go Tours Dubai  A round trip to the border in a small van will take you approximately 5 hours. The current pricing is 150 AED for mornings, and 120 AED for afternoons. They can also arrange private cars for up to 4 passengers for 550AED. See their website for current pick up locations.
• Arabiers offer a round trip service departing Fridays at 7:00 am Marina Business Bay (and a stop at Dubai Marina Mall), and 8.30 am Saturday to Thursday. 150AED for a shared bus or 550AED for a private service.

NB Yes, Oman has opened it’s borders again end of August 2021. Visa Run companies are still not operating though due to the complexities involved. You can cross into Oman, but you must be vaccinated with a PCR test result, with a minimum overnight stay and PCR test results to return to the UAE. Watch this space for when organised tour services will be able to return.

In the meantime, if you can comply with the COVID entry rules on both the Oman & UAE side, read on!

Taking private cars over the border to Oman 

To cross the border to Oman in a car, you need;

• The vehicle’s original registration document, and
• Evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle, or have written permission from the owner of the vehicle to cross the border.

In addition, your vehicle must have third party insurance for the Sultanate of Oman. If it is not, short-term insurance policies can be purchased at most border crossing points (approximately 100AED for one week). Immigration will always request these documents as part of the crossing process so be prepared.

If you are unable to get the appropriate permissions or original documents for your vehicle (eg you are using a hire car and they will not permit border crossing), you should choose a border crossing point where it is possible to walk between the UAE and Oman offices – we detail which ones to try below – NB we believe walking is no longer an option.

You can learn more about driving a vehicle in Dubai and how to rent a car here.

Visa Run Dubai to Oman: How does it actually work?

Regardless of whether you are in an organised group or going it alone, a border run entails four steps;

• Receiving an exit stamp to leave the UAE after paying your departure tax
• Getting an entry stamp into the Sultanate of Oman after paying for a Tourist Visa or showing evidence you’ve purchased an eVisa in advance
• Getting an exit stamp at the Omani border post to show you’ve left the country again and your single-entry Omani Tourist Visa is cancelled
• Re-entering the UAE with a new 30-day Visa on Arrival.    

The process will differ slightly at each crossing – and possibly even differ between border runs depending who is on duty!  

The current fees are:

• Exit visa from UAE 35 AED ($9.50 USD)
• Entry Visa to Oman 5 OMR (approx. 50 AED/ $13USD) 
• No Omani exit fee is needed
• No re-entry fee to the UAE

It is best to apply for your Omani eVisa in advance.

The best route to take for a Dubai to Oman border run

There’s no one ‘best way’ – it will depend on your time limitations, ability and willingness to take your car over the border and where in the UAE you are setting out from.  These are the most popular routes from Dubai: 

Wadi Hatta – Al Wajajah Border

The closest and most popular crossing point coming from Dubai or Sharjah.  Since the E44 Hatta crossing was closed to non-GCC nationals, this alternative route is the next closest. 

To get to this Hatta border crossing from Dubai:

• Take the E44 south from Dubai
• Take exit 24 for E611 towards Al Sharjah/Al Dhaid.
• Take exit for E102/Sharjah – Kalba Road (signposted “Shawka”).
• Turn left at the roundabout back on the E44 Hatta Road
• The UAE Hatta border crossing is a further 14kms 
• The Omani border post “Al Wajajah” is about 3kms further 

Make it an overnight trip:  Stay at JA Hatta Fort Hotel, UAE

Kalba – Katmat Milahah Border  

The northernmost border crossing into mainland Oman is on the E99, from the Emirate of Sharjah (the part on the east coast, not the Sharjah that faces the Gulf!) Unless you had any particular reason for being in this northern corner of Oman it’s not a preferred crossing for border runs from Dubai.

Once there it is a super easy process; border guards are extremely friendly. The whole process takes about less than 20 minutes. Also, it’s important to note rental cars are NOT permitted to drive through this crossing unless you have police permission.

Make it an overnight trip: Kalba Kingfisher Lodge

Mezyad – Hafeet Border Al Ain  

This is the prefered border crossing near Al Ain for those coming from Abu Dhabi, it is a slightly longer drive if you are coming from Dubai. The border crossing posts here, however, are only 1.3kms apart which some prefer for a quick transit.  It is also a preferred spot if you are looking to travel further into Oman and down to Jebel Shams or Nizwa. 

Make it an overnight trip: Raddison Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain

Al Dhara – Bukha (Musandam)  

A slightly longer but pleasant drive from Dubai, take the E311 connecting to the E11 and drive along the Ras Al Khaimah coast until you hit the border, about two hours from downtown Dubai. You get your exit stamp in the UAE, drive forward for your Oman entry stamp and Visa. It’s a simple U-turn over the border back to the Oman exit and re-entry point. At this border point hugging the Gulf waters, everything is very close together.

Make it an overnight trip: Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa

NB – previously walking across the border on foot was permitted at this crossing point but we understand as of April 2022 this was no longer possible.

Alternative Border Crossing Points in Oman

There are other border crossings to Oman you may hear mentioned including:

• Al Madheef – Buraimi
• Hili – Al Ain
• Hatta E44

We have not recommended these routes as they are only for use by GCC Nationals.    

Can I do a border run to somewhere other than Oman?

Absolutely. The only reason there is a preference for Oman is that it can easily be done by road.  You can leave from any UAE airport after day 30 but before day 40 and still return to the UAE and get a new tourist visa issued if you are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival.

Please check your eligibility before travelling on the government.ae website

Top tips for making a successful Oman border run

• Mid-week will always be quieter and easier than weekends when there will be a lot more GCC traffic.
• Avoid public holiday weekends! There tends to be far more tourist traffic and borders become very busy.
• Ensure everyone in your travelling party has a minimum of six months left on their passport and space for visa stamps.
• If you are travelling with children, but without both parents present it is wise to have a permission letter from the other parent or guardian.

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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.

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