Abu Dhabi welcomes you – vaccinated or not

As Australia opens its International gates, Abu Dhabi has put out the welcome mat for all fully vaccinated tourists and residents traveling from all countries around the world. That’s the good news. Rather concerning is it also approved the decision of unvaccinated visitors from ‘Green List’ countries….a list now about as long as your arm.
They will also be exempt from quarantine measures. HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi said: “We have implemented world-class COVID-19 safety procedures and a sped-up vaccination program which has seen a 90 percent vaccination rate in the UAE capital. These precautionary measures have enabled us to protect our citizens, residents, and visitors. We look forward to welcoming back international travelers from around the world. It seems Etihad Airways will resume flights to Sydney from November 1 as quarantine-free travel for Australian citizens and residents comes into effect.
“Sydney, we’re back – flights from Abu Dhabi will resume by November 1, giving Australians overseas the opportunities to return home to visit their families and friends. Seats are limited,” the airline said in a recent tweet. Those of you with buckets of Virgin Australia FF points hoping to use them on an Etihad flight need to know, however, that the alliance has not yet been reconfirmed.
They will require all visitors to show a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 48 hours before departure and take a PCR test on arrival. They will also need to take a PCR test on day six (counting the day of arrival as day one) and another PCR test on day nine.
The emirate has outlined what it describes as a simple process to enable tourists to register their international vaccination certificate or vaccination exemption document for verification five days before their travel date, via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) Smart app or via ica.gov.ae website. “Applicants will receive an SMS confirmation that will include a link to the Alhosn app, which must be downloaded prior to travel. The Alhosn app displays users’ vaccination status and PCR test results, which are required to activate the Abu Dhabi Green Pass.
“Upon arrival, travelers will receive a Unified ID number, from airport immigration, or via the ICA Smart app or website; this will complete the registration on the Alhosn app. Following a PCR test at the airport, visitors can activate the Green Pass, allowing them entry to all public spaces in the emirate.” Hopefully, your travel agent will take care of most details.
Children under 12 are exempt from COVID-19 PCR testing.
More information on the Green Pass can be found at VisitAbuDhabi.ae, ica.gov.ae, and alhosnapp.ae.
 
Written by Ian McIntosh