Most passengers find it hard to clear immigration. You’d want to make a quick departure and hurry to your destination rather than wait in a large queue, especially after a long flight. The good news is that travellers coming to the United States from Abu Dhabi may 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
Etihad Airways travellers flying to New York, Chicago, or Washington can employ the US immigration service at Abu Dhabi Airport. The UAE is one of six countries that offer US immigration clearance services. Ireland, Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada, and Bermuda make up the others. Before travelling to the United States, passengers may go through customs, security, and immigration.
Here’s all you need to know about US pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi.
Paperwork
To board a flight to the United States, you needs different papers according on your nationality, reason for trip, and length of stay. For example, you might travel under the visa waiver Esta programme or after acquiring a U.S. visa. In any case, make sure all paperwork is in order before you arrive at the immigration counter.
Pre-Flight Documents for Abu Dhabi US Immigration
Certain documentation must be completed in order to obtain US pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi. According to CDC rules, you must complete Etihad’s combined disclosure and attestation form. All visitors must also complete the contact monitoring form. A booking reference number and a legitimate US location, which might be a hotel or an Airbnb, must be provided.
This form must be filled no later than 72 hours before departure. The forms are available on Etihad’s website, and families flying together only have to fill out one form.
Fill out the form accurately and completely to prevent issues at the US pre-clearance facility.
Packing Rules
All liquids transported must be less than 100ml in size and fit into a single zippered plastic bag, in accordance with US Customs and Border Protection requirements. This covers things bought at a duty-free retailer.
Reach the Airport Early
Check-in for all Etihad flights destined for the United States will close two hours before departure. The airport has two checkpoints for security. Furthermore, US immigration at Abu Dhabi Airport takes some time. As a result, it suggested to arrive at the airport early and with sufficient of time to take advantage of the US pre-clearance service.
Immigration Process
Those carrying more than $10,000 also have to disclose it. You must sign a confirmation form declaring that you are not transporting prohibited items such as meat or seeds. Finally, the immigration official will photograph you and ask you to identify the checked luggage on a monitor. This is the final stage in the pre-clearance process for the United States in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad’s US Lounge
Premium travellers get access to Etihad’s U.S. Lounge, which has comfortable sofas, toilets, drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi. Economy travellers may either proceed directly to the departure gates or buy an eight-hour lounge membership for AED 185 for adults and AED 90 for children.
Procedure for the US, Canadian Nationals and Visa Waiver Program Travellers
The Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks are accessible to US and Canadian citizens, as well as those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme. This is a fully automated operation that occurs in CBP’s Primary Inspection section.
Passengers on Etihad Airways may use this service to submit their biometric information and Customer Declaration. APC does not need preregistration or membership.
These are the steps that Visa Waiver Programme participants must take:
- To apply for permission to travel under the VWP, go to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s ESTA website. This must be done within 72 hours of your flight.
- An hour before your first flight, add Advance Passenger Information (API).
- Be aware of the forbidden and restricted things that you are not allowed to bring into the country.
- Have a machine-readable passport and a confirmed going back ticket for a 90-day trip.
- On the day of departure, complete the CBP Customs Declaration form at the airport.
Which are the Top Immigration Consultants in Abu Dhabi?
Do you want to learn more about your permanent immigration options? You can seek assistance from any of these Abu Dhabi immigration consultants.
This finishes the review of the process for clearing US immigration at Abu Dhabi International Airport. By following the procedures described above, you may save a significant amount of time and energy. There is no need to go through security clearances or extra steps when you arrive in the United States. Return your luggage or continue your journey on a connecting flight.
The UAE government has also implemented multiple steps to help travellers travelling to and from the nation. The Smart Travel System in Abu Dhabi, for example, is one of the efforts that has had an immense impact.
