Abu Dhabi entry rules updated: Latest requirements explained

Abu Dhabi - SMS not required, but Al Hosn app mandatory to enter Abu Dhabi.

(Photo: Abu Dhabi Police/Facebook)

Ashwani Kumar

Published: Sun 31 Jan 2021, 10:19 AM

Last updated: Sun 31 Jan 2021, 10:30 AM

Local authorities in Abu Dhabi have tightened entry rules for those within the UAE. Here is all you need to know.

Al Hosn app must

Effective from Monday, February 1, people looking to drive to the Capital will need to show Covid-19 negative test results via the contact tracing Al Hosn app and not the SMS notification.

In the past, people had been urged to download the app, but it wasn’t mandatory. Al Hosn app will not only show the test result, but also highlight the number of days since a person landed at the airport from abroad.

The information in the app will assist officers posted at the border to ascertain the quarantine norms to be followed for a particular person.

Is a DPI test result still valid for entry?

Anyone taking the DPI test must enter Abu Dhabi within 24 hours of receiving the negative result. But the DPI test method cannot be used to enter for two consecutive times.

Also, those entering Abu Dhabi with a DPI test result and staying for more than 48 hours must take a PCR test on the third and seventh day of entry.

What about those taking a PCR test?

Those taking a PCR test must enter the Capital within 48 hours of receiving a negative result.

They must take a PCR test on the fourth and eighth day of entry.

Who are exempted?

These procedures don’t apply to volunteers of the Phase 3 Clinical Trials of the Covid-19 vaccine and those who have received the jab as part of national vaccination programmes.

They must have received status of gold star or ‘E’ icons on Al Hosn app. Both the categories of fully vaccinated people — those who have taken both the doses — will receive such special symbols.