How to clear US immigration at Abu Dhabi Airport
Clearing immigration is a daunting experience for most travellers. Especially after a long-haul flight, you would love to make a rapid exit and get to your destination instead of standing in a long queue. Well, the good news for those travelling to the U.S. from Abu Dhabi is that you can clear U.S. immigration at Abu Dhabi Airport and be treated as a domestic traveller upon arrival.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ABU DHABI US IMMIGRATION
US immigration service at Abu Dhabi Airport is available for passengers travelling to New York, Chicago and Washington via Etihad Airways. The UAE is one of the six countries offering the U.S. immigration clearance service. Others include Ireland, Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada and Bermuda. Passengers can clear customs, security and immigration before flying to the USA.
Here’s what you need to know about the U.S. pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi.
PAPERWORK
Depending on your nationality, the reason for travel and length of stay, you would need different paperwork to board a flight to the U.S. For instance, you could travel via the visa waiver Esta programme or after getting a U.S. visa. Whatever the case, ensure all paperwork is in order when you get to the immigration desk.
PRE-FLIGHT DOCUMENTS FOR ABU DHABI US IMMIGRATION
You must fill in certain documents for U.S. pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi. As per CDC rules, you must fill out Etihad’s combined disclosure and attestation form. Filling out the contact tracing form is also mandatory for all visitors. You need a booking reference number and a valid U.S. address, which could be a hotel or an Airbnb.
You can fill out this form no more than 72 hours before travelling. The documents are available on Etihad’s website, and families travelling together must submit only one form.
Fill out the form with clarity and accuracy to avoid problems at the U.S. pre-clearance facility.
PACKING RULES
As per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines, all liquids being carried must be less than 100ml in size and fit into one zipped plastic bag. This includes items bought at the duty-free shop.
Another step you can take to clear U.S. immigration at Abu Dhabi International Airport is to follow the guidelines for packaging food. Visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website to find the list of prohibited items.
REACH THE AIRPORT EARLY
The check-in for all US-bound Etihad flights will close two hours before departure. There are two security checks at the airport. Plus, U.S. immigration at Abu Dhabi Airport takes some time. So, it is best to reach the airport early and have ample time on your hands to avail the U.S. pre-clearance facility.
IMMIGRATION PROCESS
The U.S. border patrol officers will ask you various questions about your trip at the immigration desk. This can include your trip duration, the destination in the U.S. and the reasons for travel. They may also ask follow-up questions.
Furthermore, those carrying more than $10k have to declare it. You must sign a confirmation stating you are not carrying prohibited items like meat or seeds. Last, the immigration officer will take a picture and ask you to identify your checked-in luggage on a monitor. This is the last step for U.S. pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi.
ETIHAD’S US LOUNGE
Premium travellers can access Etihad’s U.S. Lounge with comfy sofas, bathrooms, drinks, snacks and Wi-Fi. Economy passengers can either go to the departure gates directly or buy the eight-hour lounge pass, which costs AED 185 for adults and AED 90 for children.
Please note that the pass is subject to availability.
PROCEDURE FOR THE US, CANADIAN NATIONALS AND VISA WAIVER PROGRAM TRAVELLERS
US and Canadian nationals and those travelling on the Visa Waiver Programme can use the Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks. This is an automated process through CBP’s Primary Inspection area.
Etihad Airways passengers can use to service to submit their biometric information and Customer declaration. You don’t need preregistration or membership to use APC.
Visa Waiver Programme holders would need to follow these steps.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ESTA website to apply for authorisation to travel under the VWP. This has to be done within 72 hours of your flight.
- Add Advance Passenger Information (API) an hour before your first flight.
- Be aware of the prohibited and restricted items you can’t bring to the country.
- Have a machine-readable passport and a confirmed returned ticket for departure within 90 days.
- Fill out the CBP Customs Declaration form at the airport on the day of departure.
FAQS
HOW TO APPLY FOR A US VISA FROM DUBAI?
Want to visit the USA? Here’s our guide on how to apply for a U.S. visa from Dubai.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR MOVING FROM THE US TO DUBAI?
Are you all set to make the big move? Read our comprehensive guide on moving from the U.S. to Dubai. for a smooth experience.
WHICH ARE THE TOP IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS IN ABU DHABI?
Want to explore your permanent immigration options? You can contact any of these immigration consultants in Abu Dhabi for guidance.
This concludes the overview of the process to clear U.S. immigration at Abu Dhabi Airport. You can save a lot of time and energy by following the steps mentioned above. When you reach the U.S., there is no need to go through security clearances or additional checks. Collect your baggage or continue the journey with a connecting flight.
The UAE government has also introduced different measures to assist those travelling to and from the country. For instance, the Smart Travel System in Abu Dhabi is one of the initiatives that has had a significant impact.