On December 24, Abu Dhabi updated its list of safe countries. It mostly includes countries in Asia and Oceania. The United States is not currently on the list, so American visitors will need to quarantine upon arrival.
Tourists who enter the UAE in Dubai can travel by road to Abu Dhabi if they provide a negative COVID test within 48 hours of their journey. Abu Dhabi mandates that visitors who stay for six days or longer take an additional PCR test.
However, if tourists can prove that they’re in good health, they may be exempt from the quarantine.
Different countries have set different restrictions and requirements for travelers regarding testing and quarantine. The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) in the UAE mandates a 14-day quarantine for everyone entering from another country.
Abu Dhabi is keeping its own regularly-updated list of countries that it considers safe, and visitors from these locations will not be held to the quarantine requirements.
In a typical year, more than 21 million people visit the United Arab Emirates. Those numbers dropped dramatically in 2020, though, after the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.
The UAE cancelled most flights in March to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Dubai reopened to tourists in July, and Abu Dhabi opened back up on December 24.
As of now, the country is experiencing a second wave of infections. The CDC places UEA at level 4 of risk. This means there is a high level of COVID-19 in the country.
Given the current uncertainties and in light of the precautionary principle, the CDC discourages travel for non-essential reasons.
Due to the current situation, the UAE requires all visitors aged 12 and older to show a negative PCR test for COVID-19. This test must be taken within 96 hours of the flight, and the results must be written in English or Arabic.
Also, the UAE requires masks and social distancing in public spaces, so travelers should be mindful of precautions. Violators of these guidelines may face fines of up to $27,000.
Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s tallest building, largest indoor shopping mall, and biggest aquarium. Because it has so many record-setting features, it’s one of the most high-profile vacation destinations.
