Abu Dhabi's Green List: what it's like to travel to Abu Dhabi from a country with quarantine exemption

Visitors may not have to undergo mandatory 10-day quarantine, but there are some steps to bear in mind

Green generally means go. When it comes to Abu Dhabi's Green List, it means no quarantine for people travelling from select destinations. However, they still need to abide by several Covid-19 regulations.

As of April 4, there are 14 countries on the list, after the latest addition of Israel and South Korea.

The list is updated every fortnight by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Destinations can be removed or added, depending on their Covid-19 developments. Anyone flying to Abu Dhabi from countries not on the list must wear a medically approved wristband upon arrival in the capital and quarantine for 10 days. The wristband ensures travellers adhere to the mandatory quarantine period to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The National was on board Etihad Airways flight EY599, the first commercial flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, which departed on Wednesday, April 7, from Ben Gurion Airport.

Based on the trip, here are the procedures to keep in mind while travelling from a country on Abu Dhabi's Green List.

Watch the video up to see more from The National's journey.

Step 1

All passengers must take a Covid-19 PCR test in the country they are travelling from. They are required to show a negative test result at check-in counters.

Abu Dhabi welcomes only UAE nationals, residents and those from a country eligible for a visa on arrival. All other visa services are currently suspended. Those who want to travel to Dubai or another emirate via Abu Dhabi as a tourist, must have a visa issued in Abu Dhabi.

Step 2

After landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport, passengers will undergo thermal screening and a second Covid-19 PCR test. Testing will take place after clearing immigration and collecting checked baggage. This applies to all travellers, excluding children under the age of 12.

Passengers will not be given a wristband tracker at the airport as they are exempt from quarantine.

Step 3

Travellers will be requested to self-isolate at home or a hotel until they receive a negative result for their Covid-19 test. If the result is positive, they will need to follow further formalities.

Step 4

Travellers who are not vaccinated will need to take a PCR test on the sixth and 12th day of entering Abu Dhabi. Those who are vaccinated and have completed 28 days after the second dose, will only need to take a PCR test on the sixth day.

The 14 countries on the Green List:

• Australia
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• China
• Greenland
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Israel
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• New Zealand
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea