Everything you need to know about Abu Dhabi's quarantine wristband

Quarantine wristbands are being distributed to all international travellers who arrive in Abu Dhabi and intend to stay in the emirate. The wristband ensures the traveller is adhering to a 14-day mandatory quarantine period to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The free, medically-approved tag is removed at a medical facility after two weeks, subject to its wearer receiving a negative PCR nasal swab test on the day 12 of quarantine.

The travel rules were set out Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Committee on Thursday to help track new arrivals and protect public health.

But what if the wearer has an emergency or wants to go to another emirate?

The National explains.

Who must wear a wristband and where do they get it from?

All international travellers who arrive in Abu Dhabi at any entry point with the intention of staying there will be fitted with a wristband. On arrival, all travellers will undergo a PCR nasal swab to test for Covid-19 and must register under a quarantine system to receive the electronic wristband from authorities. The wristband is free.

A man is fitted with an electronic wristband on arrival to Abu Dhabi. This must be worn for 14 days. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

What if I arrive to the UAE in another emirate then go to Abu Dhabi?

If you land in another emirate and then go to Abu Dhabi you will be expected to quarantine for 14 days when you reach the capital.

Authorities at the Abu Dhabi border will ask to see proof of your date of arrival to the UAE. If you have spent less than 14 days in another emirate, you will need to take a PCR test in Abu Dhabi and register for the quarantine system to be given a wristband.

If you spend several days in another emirate before coming to Abu Dhabi, these may be deducted from your quarantine period on arrival to the capital. For example, if you spend four days in another emirate before going to Abu Dhabi, you must spend 10 days in quarantine in the capital.

Tourists arriving in other emirates but heading to Abu Dhabi must also quarantine.

If you spend more than 14 days in another emirate before going to Abu Dhabi, there is no need to quarantine in the capital. You will only need to follow the established border procedure to cross into Abu Dhabi.

Read more on these procedures: Swab test must be taken six days after entering Abu Dhabi

What if I arrive in Abu Dhabi but want to go to another emirate?

You must first undergo a PCR test within 96 hours of travel to Abu Dhabi. Then, on arrival, you must take a DPI laser test and, if negative, can move on to another emirate. You will also be asked to sign a form disclosing your location and agreeing to abide by any regulations in place.

If you have not taken a PCR test within 96 hours to travel to Abu Dhabi, you must first take one and wait for a negative result before going to another emirate.

Thermal scanners at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Airports

What if I am only planning to stay in Abu Dhabi for a few days (and not 14)?

If you are landing in Abu Dhabi, you will be fitted with an electronic wristband that will not be removed until you have completed the 14-day quarantine. It will not be possible to travel out of the country until you complete that period.

As a result, authorities advise travellers plan their trips accordingly.

Where will I quarantine?

This depends on where you are staying. Your accommodation will be evaluated by authorities on arrival. If you live alone or share a home that allows you to completely self-isolate from others, you will likely be told to quarantine at your residence.

If it is not possible to completely self-isolate from others, you will be asked to check into a hotel or use accommodation provided by authorities.

Families travelling together can quarantine together at home.

Can I go to the supermarket during my quarantine period?

Travellers must stay in their home, hotel or accommodation for the duration of the 14 days, except to get their scheduled PCR test on day 12 and then to have their wristband removed on day 14. You are advised to use supermarket delivery apps for the duration of that time.

What if I have an emergency during the 14-day quarantine?

An inquiry will be made after you have broken quarantine to ensure it was justified.

Do I need to take any more tests after arriving in Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Travellers remaining in Abu Dhabi must take a PCR nasal swab test on day 12 of quarantine. This must be paid for by the traveller.

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The 62 destinations Etihad is flying to this summer from Abu Dhabi

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How can I leave the house to take a PCR test on day 12?

A representative from Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre will contact you to book a test appointment in a Seha-managed health facilities. The appointment will be made at a Covid-19 Prime Assessment Centre facility at either Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre or Al Ain Convention Centre, or Al Dhafra Hospitals.

When and how will the wristband be removed?

A representative from Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre will contact you to book a removal of the wristband on day 14 of quarantine, after you receive a negative result from the PCR test you took on day 12.

The wristband will be removed at one of the health facilities listed above.

What happens if I don't self-isolate for 14 days or wear the wristband the whole time?

The electronic wristband helps authorities track people under quarantine who may potentially be carrying the virus. Anyone who does not adhere to the new regulations will face penalties and fines, according to a decision by the Attorney General.

See the list of fines here: UAE introduces heavier fines for quarantine offences, including Dh3,000 for not wearing mask