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Abu Dhabi drops quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers

Ben Smithson
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Ben Smithson is a senior writer for TPG UK. Originally from Australia, he is the primary points and miles writer for the U.K. site.
Sept. 03, 2021
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2 min read
abudhabi
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.

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

Featured image by Image by dani3315 for Getty Images
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.