Newly-updated Covid guidelines, safety checks, and Etihad Airways are all set to get your travel plans in motion. Take a seat and we will let you know about the policies, list of countries, and all you need to know from the Etihad travel updates. Plan your trip to the UAE with Etihad Airways, and save while you fly.
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Etihad Travel Updates: Travel rules, Visa Issue for Passengers, and Country list
The Abu Dhabi Base Etihad airways have updated travel rules, visa protocols, and the countries eligible for visas on arrival. in the recent statement, the airlines said, “Travellers from the 70 countries do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to UAE. When you land in Abu Dhabi, simply make your way to immigration to receive a visa when you arrive”. Travelers who are citizens or residents of the United Arab Emirates can also enter Abu Dhabi.
Keep reading to know if you are eligible for your visa issue and what kind of Visa you might need.
Know more about your visa-related queries at Fly Etihad Visa.
Related Article: Traveling soon? 10 Reasons to choose Dnata Travel
Policies and Updates you should know about
Domestic Helpers are allowed
The said helpers can enter only when they are traveling with a sponsor from GCC countries or a direct member of the sponsor’s family. The GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Traveling to Dubai Via Abu Dhabi
Unless you are entering from a Green list country, your visa must be issued for Abu Dhabi, if are traveling to Dubai.
Update on Green List Countries
The following countries have been removed from the list of Green List Countries, effective from August 18: Armenia, Austria, Israel, Italy, Maldives, and the United States of America.
Canceled Visa
Visas issued before March 17, 2020, including all pre-arranged entry Visas and New Residence Visas, have been canceled. It will no longer be accepted for entry into the UAE.
Long Term Visa
The airlines have stated, “You can apply for the tourist visa whilst you are in the UAE to avoid any fines or legal implications.”, for those who need to apply for a long-term single entry tourist visa.
This is implied to the passengers who have a canceled residency visa or an expired tourist visa but are currently residing in the UAE. The resident or visitor will undergo a complete change of status application at the Etihad Airways headquarters in Abu Dhabi as soon as the visa is approved.
List of Countries eligible to receive a Visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- People’s Republic of China
- Peru
- Poland
- The Republic of Mauritius
- Republic of El Salvador
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland,
- The Vatican
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
Related Article: Five offbeat places to visit in the Middle East
Types of Visa according to your travel purpose
There are seven visa types for entry in the United Arab Emirates on Etihad Travel Updates. Your choice depends on the length of your trip. Note that the fees are non-refundable and take approximately three to four days to process. Here are the travel visas, you need to know:
1. Transit Visa Single Entry
The single entry is for passengers who are transiting through the Abu Dhabi International Airport and traveling onward to a third destination.
Transiting period: Between eight hours and four calendar days
Validity of entry: 14 days
Duration: 4 days
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: AED 50
2. 48-Hour Transit Visa Single Entry
The 48-hour transit single entry is for passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport for a period of between eight to 48 hours and traveling onward to a third destination.
Validity of entry: 14 days
Duration: 48 hours
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: Free
3. Tourist Visa Single Entry
A tourist visa is crucial if you plan to have a trip to UAE. You need to apply before you travel and your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months. If the passenger is below the age of 18 and traveling alone, they are eligible for this visa when traveling with their parents with the same type of visa.
Extension: This visa may be extended twice for 30 days, for AED 960 per extension.
Validity of entry: 60 days
Duration: 30 days
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: AED 350
4. Tourist Visa Multiple Entry
You can apply for this visa if you want to stay for 30 days. If the passenger is below the age of 18 and traveling alone, they are eligible for this visa when traveling with their parents with the same type of visa.
Extension: Short-Term Multiple Entry Visa may be extended twice for 30 days each time, for AED 960 per extension
Validity of entry: 60 days
Duration: 30 days (starting from the date of first entry)
Number of Entries: Multiple entries (within 30 days from the date of first entry)
Visa fee: AED 650
5. Service Visa Single Entry
The Service Visa Single Entry applies to passengers and accompanying families traveling for commercial activity in the UAE. The categories include Company manager’s representatives, sales managers, account auditors, company or establishment delegations. Also, consultants are requested by companies operating in the UAE that are required to carry out an urgent task.
Validity of entry: 14 days
Duration: 14 days
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: AED 400
6. Long Term Tourist Visa Single Entry
The Long Term Tourist Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 30 days in the UAE. If the passenger is below the age of 18 and traveling alone, they are eligible for this visa when traveling with their parents with the same type of visa.
Extension: Long Term Tourist Visa may be extended twice for 30 days each time, for AED 960 per extension
Validity of entry: 60 days
Duration: 90 days
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: AED 1000
7. Long Term Visit Visa Multiple Entry
If you want to enter multiple times or stay longer in the UAE, a long-term Visit Visa is the best choice. If the passenger is below the age of 18 and traveling alone, they are eligible for this visa when traveling with their parents with the same type of visa.
Extension: This visa may be extended twice for 30 days each time, for AED 960 per extension.
Validity of entry: 60 days
Duration: 90 days (starting from the date of first entry)
Number of Entries: Multiple entries (within 90 days from the date of first entry)
Visa fee: AED 2500
That’s all you need to know about the Etihad Travel updates. You can subscribe to our newsletters and follow the blog, for the best saving tips right in your mail. We have a special offer for student: Etihad Airways Student promo codes gives students 10% off on flights worldwide.
