Fly to America?Here’s how to go through immigration in Abu Dhabi before you travel

The U.S. is a popular destination for Emirati tourists, and anyone flying to the U.S. from the capital can go through U.S. immigration before departure.

The UAE is one of only six countries in the world to offer this service – the others are Ireland, Aruba, Bahamas, Canada and Bermuda.

The service, offered at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Etihad flights to New York, Washington and Chicago, allows passengers to clear security, customs and immigration before boarding. This means that upon arrival in the U.S., travelers will be considered domestic rather than international, allowing them to skip customs and security checks on arrival and go directly to any connecting flights.

All passengers departing from Abu Dhabi are required to immigration through the United States in the UAE, and there are a few things to know before you set off.here is national team Abu Dhabi International Airport US Pre-clearance Guide.

1. Organize your paperwork

The documents required to enter the United States depend on the reason for travel, nationality and length of stay, so make sure you have the correct documents ready in advance.

If flying under the Visa Waiver Esta program, which allows people from 40 countries to travel visa-free, please apply for approval at least three days before your flight. This service costs $21 and should be paid upon application. It allows travelers to stay in the United States for up to 90 days, as long as they have a machine-readable passport and a confirmed return or onward ticket.

For those flying with a US visa, this is a longer process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the relevant document is approved, it will be reflected in the US immigration system and officials will be able to see it at Abu Dhabi airport.

2. Stay up to date on Covid-19 related travel rules

Currently, most travelers flying to the U.S. must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a valid exemption. The vaccine must be one of those approved by US authorities and the second dose must be given at least 14 days before arrival in the US. Excludes children under 18 and U.S. citizens.

Masks are still required on all Etihad flights, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends wearing masks on public transport and in enclosed spaces.No PCR test required to travel to the U.S. since the U.S. Easing travel restrictions in June.

3. Complete the pre-flight departure form

To process US immigration in Abu Dhabi, there are a few forms that need to be filled out.Etihad Airways Joint Disclosure and Attestation Form Mandatory according to CDC rules. It asks for basic details about the trip, such as passenger name, flight number and departure date.

All travelers must also complete a contact tracing form. To do this, you need a booking reference number and a US address, which can be a hotel or Airbnb. It must be done within 72 hours before the flight, and families travelling together only need to fill out one form.it can be in Etihad’s website.

4. The packaging conforms to American safety standards

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials enforce strict guidelines for liquids smaller than 100 milliliters that fit into a zippered plastic bag. This applies to all liquids, including those bought in duty-free shops, even if they are in a sealed airport shopping bag.

Some foods, plants, and other products are also banned from the United States, so any souvenirs you bring with you are worth scrutinizing.List of allowed and prohibited items for international flights here.

5. Give yourself enough time

Checking out immigration in Abu Dhabi adds a little time to the journey before departure, but on the other hand it saves time, so it is worth planning to have more pre-departure time than usual.

Check-in for all Etihad flights to the US closes two hours before departure. After that, there is an initial security check – the same for all passengers at Abu Dhabi Airport, followed by a second security checkpoint located near gates 58 and 61 for passengers heading to the US reserved.

If it’s a flying business, skip the line to be safe, but subsequent U.S. immigration checkpoints do not offer fast-track for advanced passengers and the lines can be long. Pre-clearance closes 60 minutes before departure, so be sure to reserve more than an hour before flight time.

6. Expect to answer some questions

Immigration desks are run by U.S. Border Patrol agents who ask questions about travel. Some basic questions include where, why, and how long passengers will be in the U.S., and travelers may be asked follow-up questions, such as what their occupation is or whether they have been in the U.S. before.

If you are flying with more than $10,000 worth of cash, you must declare and confirm that you are not carrying prohibited items such as seeds or meat.

Many travelers arrive at these immigration points with loads of documents, but in reality, if filled out properly, all that is required is a copy of their passport, boarding pass and visa (if applicable). Travelers will also have photos taken for U.S. authorities and will be asked to identify their checked bags — which border patrol officers will show on monitors.

7. Access to the Etihad America Lounge

There are several gates on the other side of US pre-clearance and a small retail kiosk. Economy class passengers can go directly to the boarding gate, while premium passengers have access to a dedicated Etihad America lounge.

This is a scaled-down version of the Etihad Business Class lounge, complete with comfortable sofas, bathroom, Wi-Fi, free drinks and a small selection of snacks and snacks. For Economy Class passengers who want access to the lounge, the 8-hour pass costs AED 185 for adults and AED 90 for children, subject to availability.

8. Keep your feet on the ground

When landing in the United States, there is no need to pass any additional checks or security clearances. If heading to another destination in the US, simply disembark and follow the signs to claim your luggage or transfer.

Updated: August 24, 2022 at 2:07pm