Clear U.S. immigration
in Abu Dhabi

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Zayed International Airport lets you clear U.S. immigration and customs inspections before boarding. With all the checks out of the way before you take-off, you can simply pick up your bags and go when you land in the U.S.

The only CBP facility in the Middle East, it’s the fastest and simplest way to travel to the U.S.

Touchless travel to and from the U.S.

We’ve introduced biometric facial scanners at our boarding gates for a seamless, quicker boarding experience when you fly between Abu Dhabi and the U.S.

A completely touchless experience, you won’t need to present your passport or boarding pass – when you see the green light, you’re good to head on to the plane.

Available at boarding gates in Abu Dhabi and New York.

mpc app

Use the MPC app in Abu Dhabi to save time in the U.S.

Use the free CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app before you fly from Abu Dhabi and breeze through customs.

Save the time and hassle of paper forms and submit all required documents and information in minutes from your phone.

Check if you're eligible

Global Entry: Speed up your entry into the U.S.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection programme that speeds up entry into the U.S. for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. 

When you’ve been approved to use the programme, head to the the Global Entry lanes at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Your photo will be taken, then simply follow the on-screen instructions and proceed to a U.S. Customs officer. 

Find out more

Global Entry

How to clear U.S. immigration

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility is currently only available for flights EY003 to New York, EY005 to Washington and EY009 to Chicago. All other flights to the U.S. will clear customs in the United States.

If you have access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, check in at Terminal A at least four hours before your flight. 

Make your way to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility two hours before your flight, or 90 minutes if you’re travelling in Business, First or The Residence. 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility closes an hour before your flight.

For flights with clearance in the U.S., check in as usual and enjoy the facilities in Zayed International Airport.

If anything changes and your flight becomes eligible to use the preclearance facility, this will be reflected in Manage my booking. We'll also let you know by email at least 24 hours before you fly.

If you complete the pre-clearance process before your flight, the date shown on your passport for entry into the U.S. will be the date you depart from Abu Dhabi.

CBP

Complete a CBP Customs Declaration Form

If you’re travelling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), apply for travel authorisation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at least 72 hours before you travel. You’ll also need to add Advance Passenger Information (API) to your booking at least one hour before your flight.

You must have a machine-readable passport and hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave the U.S. within 90 days.

visa-waiver

Travelling under the Visa Waiver Program

Regardless of your visa type, you must complete a CBP Customs Declaration Form at the airport on the day of departure. One completed declaration form per family must be handed to the U.S. airport customs official.

Forms are available at check-in, on board or in the Immigration Hall at Zayed International Airport.

Questions?

us-lounge

The U.S. Preclearance Lounge

The exclusive Etihad U.S. Preclearance Lounge is currently closed for refurbishment. If you’re travelling in Business, First or The Residence, or you’re eligible to use the lounge with your Etihad Guest membership, you’re invited to use our state-of-the-art First or Business lounge instead. 

Unwind in the lounge up to 90 minutes before your flight, then head over to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. It’s about a 15-minute walk away. Just let us know if you need assistance.