Fly to and from
Abu Dhabi
and Dubai
Abu Dhabi is open for quarantine-free travel when you fly from select destinations. You can fly to Abu Dhabi if you are a UAE national or resident, or if you are eligible for a visa on arrival. We’ve also made it even easier to travel to Dubai when you fly to Abu Dhabi, with flexible fares, complimentary transfer services and COVID-19 PCR testing included. We can’t wait to welcome you back!
If you are a tourist, your visa must be issued in Abu Dhabi. Check the latest travel regulations before you fly for more information.
Transiting in Abu Dhabi? Read more about the facilities and services available.
Updated 22 February 2021, if you’re travelling on a direct flight from any of the countries or regions listed below, you’ll be exempt from quarantine requirements when you arrive:
You must take a COVD-19 PCR test on day 6 and day 12 of your arrival into Abu Dhabi. If you’re part of the National Vaccination Programme you’ll only need to take a COVID-19 PCR test on day 6. Read more.
Unless you are exempt, you will be required to self-isolate at home or your hotel for 10 days and wear a medically approved wristband when you arrive in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling from a country deemed high-risk by the UAE authorities, you may be subject to quarantine in a government facility.
You are exempt from having to wear the wristband if you:
You are required to repeat a COVID-19 PCR test on day 8 of quarantine. Subject to a negative test result, your wristband will then be removed on day 10. Children under 12 are exempt from testing unless they show symptoms of Coronavirus.
You will be asked to complete a form agreeing to self-isolate and do everything you can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the UAE. We recommend you complete this form in advance of your trip. Download now.
Quarantine guidelines in Abu Dhabi
COVID-19 PCR testing is mandatory before every flight; you'll feel safe knowing that every guest flying with us has tested negative for COVID-19.
For most destinations, your test must be carried out 48 or 72 hours ahead of your flight departure time. This will depend on where you are flying to and from, so you should always check in advance at etihad.com/destinationguide.
Children under 12 and people with severe and moderate disabilities are exempt from COVID-19 PCR testing, though this is subject to the regulations at your destination.
COVID-19 PCR testing is included with all flights from Abu Dhabi between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021. If you are flying to China, you will be required to arrange a COVID-19 PCR test at an approved SEHA or G42 clinic.
Visit etihad.com/destination to find out more.
We’ve introduced new procedures at Abu Dhabi airport to keep you protected, so please make sure you arrive with plenty of time. Temperature screening is in operation, and you’ll be asked to wait two metres from other guests at all queuing points.
Our Business Lounge in Terminal 3 is currently open. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all other lounges in Abu Dhabi are closed. We will reopen them as soon as we can.
You’ll undergo thermal screening and COVID-19 PCR testing when you land at Abu Dhabi airport. This applies to all guests, excluding children under 12.
If you are travelling to Dubai or another emirate via Abu Dhabi as a tourist, your visa must be issued in Abu Dhabi – Dubai tourist visas will not be accepted. When you arrive, you will simply need to follow the quarantine rules of that emirate. You will only be permitted to travel to another emirate by Etihad Chauffeur, Etihad Express Coach or Airport Taxi.
If you are travelling from another emirate to reach Abu Dhabi airport, you must present a negative COVID-19 test before you will be permitted to enter Abu Dhabi. The test must be valid within 48 hours. Taxis are in operation between Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport.
Learn more about travelling to Dubai and other emirates.
COVID-19 PCR testing is included when you fly with Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021. Excludes flights to China. That’s one less thing to think about before you travel.
Find out more
We’ll make your connection as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Our Business Lounge and GoSleep sleeping pods are open in Terminal 3, as well as the Al Dhabi lounge and Aerotel Abu Dhabiin Terminal 1. A range of food and beverage outlets and Duty Free stores are open, all with carefully considered safety measures to keep you protected.
You can even stay connected with free Wi-Fi and mobile charging points throughout the airport.
Remember, you need to have a COVID-19 PCR test before you fly to Abu Dhabi, even if you are just transiting. For most destinations, your test must be carried out 48 or 72 hours before your flight, though this will depend on your final destination. Check now.
For new bookings, the maximum connection time in Abu Dhabi is 12 hours.
Use our interactive map to see the destinations we’re flying to around the world. Then when you’re ready to start exploring, simply select ‘Search flights’ to book.
You must wear a face mask at all times whilst you travel
You must have a COVID-19 PCR test before your flight
Check in and choose your seat online or via our app from 30 hours before your flight
Check-in at the airport opens three hours before your flight – your boarding pass will be ready to collect
On board, food and drinks will be served in line with COVID-19 guidelines
Our cabin crew wear personal protective equipment at all times and are all vaccinated against COVID-19.
View the recommended time to check-in before you travel with the new Abu Dhabi International Airport check-in portal
Always read our travel regulations before you fly
You must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result before every Etihad Airways flight. For most destinations, your test must be carried out 48 or 72 hours ahead of your flight departure time. This will depend on where you’re flying to or from and your transit time.
You can read more at etihad.com/destinationguide. Always remember to check the requirements at both your departure and arrival city by selecting the ‘Flying to’ and ‘Flying from’ tabs.
You can take your COVID-19 PCR test at any accredited medical facility.
If you are travelling to China, you must take your test at one of these G42 clinics listed below. Tests from other medical facilities will not be accepted:
*Home testing is available with these clinics
No, you will not be required to quarantine if you’re travelling straight to Dubai. You are permitted to travel to Dubai or any northern emirate by Etihad Chauffeur, Etihad Coach or Airport Taxi only.
Yes! You can pay to reserve your seat from the moment you book you ticket, or you can select your seat when you check-in online.
We’ll always do our best to make sure that you are seated with your family. The best way to guarantee the seats you’d like is to book them in advance.
Read more about our seat choices
You’ll always find the most up to date travel information – including testing and quarantine requirements – at etihad.com/destinationguide.
Use the ‘Flying to’ and ‘Flying from’ tabs to check the regulations at both your city of departure and arrival.
Yes! We’re proud to be the first airline in the world to vaccinate all pilots and cabin crew on board against COVID-19. It’s just one of the ways we’re keeping you protected with Etihad Wellness.
Etihad Wellness
We’re taking extra steps to make sure you feel safe and well when you travel. We've limited touchpoints and allowed for more distance between you and other guests, and for extra peace of mind, we’ve introduced a team of Wellness Ambassadors to help at every point of your journey.