With all of the changes to the rules and regulations for
entering the capital, updates that have been required to balance safety with
normalcy in the capital, it is critical to stay up to date on the latest
requirements and restrictions.
This guide is all about explaining the most important rules
for getting around Abu Dhabi and its public spaces, and your starting point
should be the Alhosn Green Pass.
What exactly is the Alhosn Green Pass?
The Alhosn Green Pass is essentially a traffic light app
that displays your current Covid-19 test and vaccination status, and it's almost
as important as wearing face masks for travel into public places in Abu Dhabi.
It is available for free from Apple, Google Play, Samsung Store and AppGallery.
The app has many functions, the most important of which are storing your
vaccination data (residents vaccinated in the UAE should have their information
automatically loaded, tourists vaccinated elsewhere should follow the guide
below for how to upload their certificates into the system) and showing any
recent PCR tests linked to your account.
The Alhosn app will require your Emirates ID number if you
are a resident. Tourists must enter the UID number from their visa.
Colour coding
When you update your app, the main profile will display a QR
code and a status in one of three colors: green, grey, or red. Green indicates
that you have had a recent PCR test and are free to visit Abu Dhabi's
attractions, shops, restaurants, malls, and events at your leisure.
Previously, the Green Pass on the Alhosn app was only
available to people who were fully vaccinated (including a third, booster
shot), but as of March 24, 2022 ” everyone, regardless of vaccination status ”
can obtain the Green Pass. The length of the Green Pass is determined by the
extent of your Covid vaccine coverage. More on that later.
Grey indicates that you did not have a negative PCR test
within the required time frame to turn Green. Simply go out and get that PCR
result to turn Green.
If you are over 50, have relatively severe symptoms, have a
chronic disease, or are pregnant, you are advised to visit one of the Prime
Assessment Centres for a medical check and isolation instructions.
Other people: You should retest in any health facility in
the emirate and continue to isolate. If the test results are positive, you will
be contacted by a specialist who will advise you on isolation procedures.
To end isolation in Abu Dhabi, two negative PCR tests must
be performed 24 hours apart.
How long exactly does the Green Pass last?
A Green Pass status will be valid for 30 days after a
negative PCR test for people who have been fully vaccinated (that is, have had
both doses of the vaccine and a booster shot after six months of receiving your
second dose).
It is important to note that your vaccines must be reflected
in the Alhosn app for you to achieve this status.
Those with active, doctor-approved exemptions will be
granted Green Pass Status for seven days following a negative PCR test.
People who have recently recovered from Covid will receive a
Green Pass valid for 30 days 11 days after receiving a positive test. Following
that, a negative PCR test will be required for a 30-day follow-up Green Pass
window.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals can obtain
a 48-hour Green Pass with a negative PCR test as of March 24, 2022.
PCR tests are not required for children under the age of 16.
What about for tourists?
So, even if you're a tourist visiting Abu Dhabi, it's a good
idea to download the Alhosn App, especially if you're vaccinated.
However, as of March 17, unvaccinated individuals and those
who do not have an Alhosn Green Pass can now visit "events, tourist
attractions, and cultural sites in Abu Dhabi" with a negative PCR test
obtained within 48 hours.
See the table below for more information on how tourists use
the Alhosn app.
If you are experiencing problems with your Alhosn app,
please contact us.
If you have any problems with the app, there is a support
service called ISTIJABA. The pandemic knowledge hub can be reached by dialing
800 1717 within the UAE or (00971) 800 1717 from outside the country.
What are Abu Dhabi's current entry requirements?
Driving into Abu Dhabi
You do not need an Alhosn Green Pass or a negative PCR to
enter Abu Dhabi as of Saturday, February 26th, 2022.
Borders have also been freed of the requirement to pass an
EDE scan.
Although, as previously stated, a Green Pass is still
required to enter public spaces in Abu Dhabi. Malls, restaurants, hotels, gyms,
public parks, and beaches are all examples.
Flying into Abu Dhabi
As of February 26, Abu Dhabi had completely abandoned its
Green List system, as well as the requirement that unvaccinated passengers
arriving from non-Green List countries be quarantined.
Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi will no longer be required
to take a PCR test upon arrival as of March 7. It is now available as an option
for Dhs40.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated
Those who have been fully vaccinated (with a UAE-approved
vaccine) or who have a recovery certificate with a QR dated within 30 days are
not required to take a PCR test before arriving in Abu Dhabi.
Unvaccinated passengers
Anyone traveling to Abu Dhabi who is not fully vaccinated
must show a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of departure or a
Covid-19 recovery certificate with a QR code dated within 30 days of departure.
Traveling out of or through Abu Dhabi
The update also removes the requirement for a negative PCR
to board a flight out of Abu Dhabi or transit through AUH. Though it is
critical to check the entry requirements of your destination, PCRs may be
required in advance.
How tourists can prove they've been immunized
Vaccine certificates will be required for those wishing to
enter the UAE under the new rules. Tourists must register their documents on
the ICA website five days before their departure date. We
recommend doing this on the desktop site because there is more functionality
reported.
Step one is to download the ICA app and complete the form in
the Register Arrival section. You can upload your vaccination certificates
here, and once completed, you will receive an SMS with a link to download the
Alhosn app. You must use the same phone number on the ICA app as you do on the
Alhosn app ” we recommend using a UAE sim card (you can change the registered
phone number registered to the ICA via the ICA app).
Next, you'll need a UID number, which can be obtained at the
airport or online at the ICA website. This is required for creating your profile on
the Alhosn app. You must associate a phone number with the Alhosn account (the
same one you used for the ICA).
