Finding your way

There are strict rules for travelling into Abu Dhabi by road. All passengers entering Abu Dhabi must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours. You may have to quarantine depending on how long you have been in the UAE.

Arriving passengers

If you have just arrived in Dubai and travel straight to Abu Dhabi, you must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 48 hours and take a COVID-19 PCR test at the border. Travellers from green countries must self-isolate until they receive a negative result from the COVID-19 PCR test taken on landing. The quarantine period for travellers coming from other countries is 10 days. Your quarantine may be at home, in a hotel, or in accommodation provided by the health authorities. Travellers intending to stay in Abu Dhabi for longer than 4 consecutive days must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test on day 4, and on day 8 if they remain in the emirate for 8 or more consecutive days.

If you have been in the UAE for up to 10 days

Your quarantine time will be reduced by the number of days you have already been in another emirate of the UAE. For example, if you have been in Dubai for 6 days before entering Abu Dhabi, you must quarantine for 4 days after entering Abu Dhabi.

Entering Abu Dhabi from other emirates

You must present at the Abu Dhabi border your negative COVID-19 PCR test results or negative laser DPI blood test results issued within 48 hours.

Effective 17 January 2021, all UAE citizens and expats, including returning Abu Dhabi residents, must present a negative result for a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) laser test taken 48 hours before entry to Abu Dhabi.

Residents and visitors will need to undergo additional tests in the emirate based on their period of stay. If they stay on for more than four days, they must take a COVID-19 PCR test on the fourth day, and on the eighth day. The day of arrival is counted as the first day.

Exemption: Volunteers of the COVID-19 vaccine trials and those taking the vaccine under the national vaccination programmes with active icons on the Alhosn app are exempted from these measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes for a smooth journey.

These tests are a legal requirement. Find out where to get tested in Dubai before you enter Abu Dhabi.