*Last updated on: 25 May 2021

Covid-19 Safety Measures at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Wherever you travel in the world today, you'll encounter safety measures to handle the Covid crisis. But these measures differ between countries and even cities, and knowing what is involved can make arrival and departure much easier. That's why we've come up with a handy primer regarding the latest Covid-19 Safety Measurements at Abu Dhabi International Airport, helping travellers to arrive in the UAE with minimal hassle.

What airport measures are currently in place for travellers?

Abu Dhabi International Airport has been overhauled to make the environment safer for passengers and staff, while seeking to minimize disruption to international travel. Every stage of the journey has been changed, from extra space between cars in parking lots to mandatory social distancing, "self-sanitising" on elevators, and expected arrival time when arriving at the airport for the departure flight. Screenings and PCR test requirements have also been instituted, adding up to a comprehensive suite of measures.

Do immigration or security checkpoints have any new procedures?

Yes, they do. Before passengers touch down at Abu Dhabi International, UAE residents must enter their information via uaeentry.ica.gov.ae and all passengers are required to present a negative PCR test result, from a test taken within the past 72 hours (Airlines PCR requirements may also apply). Upon arrival, medical authorities at Abu Dhabi International Airport will provide a free PCR test and will be asked to fill in a Quarantine Undertaking form before they can proceed to baggage reclaim and enter the arrivals terminal of the facility. However, visa and customs procedures operate as normal, so travellers will still need to apply for the relevant documentation and take care to meet baggage requirements. Travellers will receive an electric wristband to wear during their quarantine of 10 days at their home or in a hotel (if the traveller is arriving from a high-risk country then the traveler will be quarantined in a designated government facility. During the 8th day of quarantine, another PCR test will be conducted. If the second test is negative, the traveler would return the wristband and will be cleared from quarantine upon completion of the 10th day. Quarantine in Abu Dhabi will be exempted for travellers who will be arriving at Abu Dhabi, but will immediately depart for Dubai or Northern Emirates destinations. Travelers who will only transit through Abu Dhabi Airport will be not subjected to quarantine or to self-isolate Abu Dhabi, provided that they have a negative PCR test result, taken within the past 96 hours, upon arrival. Travellers are required to undergo health screening to ascertain whether they are running an elevated temperature. All supporting documents, including any test results, must be provided in English or Arabic.

Are there any screening and social distancing policies in place?

Yes. As noted above, arrivals will need to be checked for elevated temperatures and undergo a PCR test. This is in addition to a new requirement that all people arriving in the United Arab Emirates must arrange a PCR test no more than 96 hours before flying. Test results must be negative and travellers will need to take documents confirming their result with them when they fly. The airport has mandated a 2 meters rule for social distancing throughout the facility. Staff employ an AI-assisted video system to monitor crowds and disperse those not meeting social distancing requirements.

What is the policy on mask wearing?

Mask wearing is required everywhere at Abu Dhabi International Airport and there are no exceptions as this is also the case in public spaces. Unlike some other airports, passengers must also wear disposable gloves on site.

Does the airport have a clinic?

Yes, it does. Travellers will find a clinic in Terminal 1 near the Immigration Arrivals Hall. Those located elsewhere on site can request medical assistance by calling +971 (0)2 5053 661. Each terminal also includes a pharmacy where basic medications and medical kit can be purchased.

What cleaning measures are in place?

Abu Dhabi International Airport focuses on personal sterilization and enhanced environmental cleaning. Facilities are cleaned regularly. Passengers can use booths to obtain medical-grade sanitiser, while hand sanitisers are available at dispensers across the airport site.

Are the restaurants and stores at Abu Dhabi International open as usual?

Dining and cafe facilities are reopened as per the guidelines set forth by the UAE government, which includes:

• 30% capacity and all payments must be done electronically
• masks and gloves are required for both the staffs and customers
• anyone above the age of 60 and younger than 12 years old are not allowed
• only two people are allowed at each table (distanced at 2.5 metre apart)
• outlets only serve food and drink using disposable cutlery and hand sanitiser dispensers must be put up

The usual range of duty free stores are all open for business.

Are there any special guidelines or other information that travellers should be aware of?

Travellers should be aware that the arrivals and departure terminals are now open only to those who are travelling. Admittance to the UAE may also be denied if travellers fail to adhere to the airport's Covid guidelines or are unable to supply proof of a negative PCR test. That's why it's vital to be aware of the requirements before you fly.

How to find official information about Abu Dhabi International airport's Covid measures

Abu Dhabi Airport has a travel updates site which is worth consulting before you fly, as Covid safety measures can change rapidly as the situation develops. Many travellers will also fly with Etihad, which uses Abu Dhabi as its global hub. The airline provides plenty of information about what to expect at the airport (and while in transit) so it's a good resource to bookmark before flying to the UAE. Try not to stress about arriving in the UAE. Just be prepared, get familiar with the current travel requirements, and get to know the main Covid-19 safety measurements at Abu Dhabi International Airport prior to arrival/departure.