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Abu Dhabi drops quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers

Sept. 03, 2021
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2 min read
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Abu Dhabi drops quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers
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Fully vaccinated travelers can add one more destination to their list of possible travel options -- Abu Dhabi.

From Sunday 5 September, the capital of the United Arab Emirates will no longer require guests from overseas to quarantine upon arrival, provided they are fully vaccinated. Those visitors will simply have to show proof of vaccination as well as a negative PCR test (taken 48 hours before departure) when they arrive. Unvaccinated travelers from countries on Abu Dhabi's green list (which does not currently include the United States) can also skip quarantine but must take a PCR test when they arrive and again on Day 6.

However, travelers who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and have arrived in Abu Dhabi from non-green list destinations must still quarantine for 10 days, and take a PCR test on Day 9.

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Vaccinated citizens, residents and visitors arriving from green list destinations must take a PCR test when they arrive without having to self-isolate. They will need another test on day 6, if they are staying in the emirate. Guests coming from other destinations will have to take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and then be tested again on days 4 and 8, if they are staying in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee approved the change in protocols. The lifting of the quarantine mandate removes a major obstacle for anyone considering a trip to the UAE. It's especially helpful for anyone planning to visit the popular city of Dubai, which is less than 80 miles away. For some travelers who struggle to find affordable fares or good points options for flights to Dubai, heading to Abu Dhabi and then taking a taxi is a useful alternative.

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Related: TPG readers’ best tips for visiting the Middle East on points and miles

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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