ABU DHABI 16 August 2021: The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved the entry process for public places limited to vaccinated citizens, residents and tourists. The process will be implemented effective from Friday, 20 August 2021.
The approved process allows entry for those:
- Vaccinated with green status on Alhosn app, which appears after a negative PCR test result and remains for 30 days,
- Entry is also allowed for those exempted from vaccination with green status on Alhosn app, which appears after a negative PCR test result and remains for seven days, and
- Children under 16 years, whose status will appear as green on Alhosn app without the requirement of a test.
Unvaccinated individuals and those with grey status on Alhosn app, which reflects an expired PCR test, are prohibited from entering these public places.
The committee also announced those with a new residency permit have a grace period of 60 days to be vaccinated.
The process to enter public places also applies to visitors and tourists, who should also adhere to the international travel protocol.
The committee explained that to maintain the vaccinated status on Alhosn app, a booster dose must be taken 6 months after receiving the second dose per the medical protocol for each vaccine. A grace period of 30 days is given to all those who have taken their second dose more than 6 months ago, before their status will turn grey on 20 September. Participants in vaccine trials are exempt from needing a booster dose.
This follows the committee’s announcement last month that listed the public places limited to those vaccinated. These are:
- Shopping centres, restaurants, cafes, and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping centre
- Gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs,
- Resorts, museums, cultural centres and theme parks, and
- The list also includes universities, institutes, public and private schools and children’s nurseries in the emirate.
The committee emphasised that the decision is part of the emirate’s proactive measures to contain the spread of the virus and its mutated strains. The committee stressed the importance of committing to precautionary measures as well as choosing to vaccinate, with vaccination the most effective method for sustainable recovery.
New travel rules for citizens, residents and visitors
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated travel procedures for UAE citizens and residents as well as visitors entering Abu Dhabi from abroad, effective from Sunday, 15 August 2021.
Vaccinated travellers arriving into Abu Dhabi from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and take a PCR test on day 6. When arriving from other destinations, they must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test on day 6.
The protocol applies to fully vaccinated UAE citizens and residents as well as visitors as documented on Alhosn app.
Unvaccinated citizens, residents and visitors arriving into Abu Dhabi from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and take a PCR test on days 6 and 9. When arriving from other destinations, they must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day 9.
Verifying international vaccination certificates for visitors
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has announced the process for verifying international vaccination certificates for visitors to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The process enables visitors to have green status on Alhosn app, with only those vaccinated allowed to enter some public places in the emirate from 20th August 2021.
Before departure, visitors need to register in the Register Arrivals section of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) app, complete the register arrivals form and upload an international vaccination certificate. Visitors will then receive an SMS including a link to download Alhosn app.
On arrival into Abu Dhabi, visitors will receive a Unified Identification Number (UID) either at the airport or via ICA app or website. Visitors will need to download and register on the Alhosn app, using the UID and phone number used for ICA registration or when taking a PCR test in the UAE.
Visitors will receive a one-time password (OTP) to complete the Alhosn app registration process. Alhosn app allows users to check status, vaccination information, test results and travel test requirements and use a live QR code.
Home quarantine guidelines for those in contact with positive case
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in collaboration with Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, has updated the home quarantine guidelines for those in contact with a COVID-19 positive case, to protect the health and safety of all community members.
Effective from Sunday, 15 August 2021, those vaccinated must quarantine for 7 days and take a PCR test on day 6. If the PCR test result is negative, they can remove the wristband and end quarantine on day 7.
Those who are not vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on day 9. If the PCR test result is negative, they can remove the wristband and end quarantine on day 10.
Those registered in the home quarantine programme can conduct a free walk-in PCR test and remove the wristband at SEHA Prime Assessment Centers at Zayed Port (Abu Dhabi City), Al Ain Convention Center, and Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra, as well as all SEHA hospitals in Al Dhafra.
