Abu Dhabi drops quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers
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.
Related: TPG readers’ best tips for visiting the Middle East on points and miles
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| 6X | 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
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Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.Earn 100,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees