Do I still need a PCR test to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai if vaccinated?

Border testing rules have been in place for close to a year to help combat Covid-19

A police checkpoint on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border in 2020. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Police

Congestion at the border into Abu Dhabi from Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road as police check motorists for permits. A ban on travel in and out of Abu Dhabi began on June 2. Pawan Singh / The National

Officers check motorists for travel permits as they enter Abu Dhabi from Dubai. Courtesy: AD Police

A picture taken with a drone shows cars queueing before a security checkpoint on the E11 highway, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. EPA

A picture taken with a drone shows cars queuing before a security checkpoint on the E11 highway, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on June 6. EPA

A picture taken with a drone shows cars queueing before a security checkpoint on the E11 highway, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. EPA

Traffic builds up on Sheikh Zayed Road as police check motorists for movement permits to enter Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Tailbacks on Sheikh Zayed Road as motorists wait to enter Abu Dhabi while police check for movement permits. Pawan Singh / The National

Police check motorists for permits to travel in Abu Dhabi from Dubai as a temporary movement ban comes into force. Pawan Singh / The National

Traffic builds up on Sheikh Zayed Road as police check motorists for movement permits to enter Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Tailbacks on Sheikh Zayed Road as motorists wait to enter Abu Dhabi while police check for movement permits. Pawan Singh / The National

Traffic builds up on Sheikh Zayed Road as police check motorists for movement permits to enter Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Latest: Abu Dhabi gears up for Covid-19 green status checks on Al Hosn app from Tuesday

In June last year, authorities introduced  coronavirus testing measures to allow people to enter Abu Dhabi.

Twelve months later, as the global fight against Covid-19 continues, the border checks are a familiar routine for commuters.

The strategy is aimed at ensuring people entering the capital are free of the virus.

The National has compiled a guide with everything you need to know when crossing the border, whether you are vaccinated or not.

What tests do I need to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

People require either a negative PCR or DPI test to enter the UAE capital, plus they need to have downloaded the UAE's vaccination, test and tracing app Al Hosn to prove their status.

DPI test results are available within minutes but cannot be used to enter Abu Dhabi on two consecutive occasions.

You can get a DPI test in 18 drive-through testing stations on Al Faya Road before Ghantoot near the border.

Avoid busy times like Sunday mornings or expect to queue.

Read more: Abu Dhabi changes entry rules for residents taking the DPI test

I am vaccinated. What do I need to do?

Anyone who is fully vaccinated will acquire an "E" status on the Al Hosn app 28 days after their second dose.

"E" status allows people entry into Abu Dhabi and can be kept active by taking a PCR test once a week.

It means those vaccinated are not obliged to have a negative test within 48 hours, but must still have taken a PCR test within seven days.

People who have received their second dose less than 28 days ago must continue to present proof of a negative PCR test received within 48 hours when travelling until their "E" status is secured.

Read more: UAE unveils new vaccine and testing protocols for Al Hosn app

I am not vaccinated. What do I need to do?

You will need to take a PCR test. You can enter Abu Dhabi with a negative PCR result within 48 hours of receiving it.

In principle, if you are commuting to Abu Dhabi on a daily basis this means you can enter Abu Dhabi two days in a row, as long as it is within the 48-hour period.

Alternatively, you can take a DPI test and enter the emirate within 24 hours of receiving a negative result.

I am travelling with my family. Do my children need tests?

Children aged 12 and over need to present a negative Covid-19 test result to cross into Abu Dhabi, just like adults.

Their IDs will be checked at the border.

Can I take a bus or taxi between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) intercity buses are currently suspended, but taxis are allowed to travel between emirates.

Both the cab driver and passengers will need to undergo appropriate testing, which can be done at the DPI border facility, if they do not already have a negative PCR test, or an E on their Al Hosn app.

Waiting charges to have the DPI tests done will be borne by the passenger.

Only two people can travel in each taxi if it is travelling to a destination outside Dubai, regardless of whether the vehicle is a saloon car or minivan.

I am staying in Abu Dhabi for a few days, do I need more tests?

Those without the "E" status on the Al Hosn app must receive a negative PCR test within 48 hours. The day of arrival is counted as day one of any stay.

Those staying in the emirate for four days or more must take another PCR test on day four and day eight if staying for eight days or longer.

People who enter the capital after showing a negative DPI test and stay for more than 48 hours will have to take a PCR test on day three of entry, and a second one on day seven, if they remain in the emirate for a week or more.

I just flew into Dubai from another country. Can I go to Abu Dhabi?

Yes, you can, but you will need to follow Abu Dhabi's quarantine rules, which differ depending on the country you have come from and whether it is on the green or red list.

The rules are different for vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers.

Those vaccinated arriving from Green List countries must take a Covid-19 PCR test on the day of arrival and on day six, without the need to quarantine.

Vaccinated travellers arriving from other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for five days and take another PCR test on day four.

Non‑vaccinated travellers arriving from Green List countries must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, followed by PCR tests on day six, and if the stay is extended, on day 12.

Non‑vaccinated travellers arriving from other countries must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day eight.