Your Foolproof Checklist for Abu Dhabi Travel Requirements in 2026

The first thing when planning trip is checking entry requirements and seeing if you qualify. 

Visa Eligibility

You must know which visa category for Abu Dhabi you fall into. There are several visa options for foreigners and those traveling for tourism often choose tourist visa. 

There are travellers from some countries that qualify for on arrival visa to Abu Dhabi and others enjoy visa free entry to UAE. If not eligible for either you need apply for prepaid tourist visa. 

Visa on arrival to Abu Dhabi

Visas on arrival are issued to travellers when they arrive in country at the airport. Go to immigration desk upon arrival and passport will be stamped with visa to Abu Dhabi free of charge. The only visa on arrival that is not free is 14 days on arrival visa issued to Indian nationalities with specific visa like for US, UK, Australia, Canada and Japan. There are 3 types of free on arrival visa: 

• 30 days on arrival visa
• 90 days on arrival visa
• 180 days on arrival visa

Prepaid Abu Dhabi Tourist Visa

This visa must be applied before you enter UAE. You can apply it through official government website, UAE airlines or authorized travel agents like Arabiers.  Visas are applied online all you need is submit the requirements. 

The documents you need for Abu Dhabi tourist visa depend on nationality and age of applicant. The mandatory requirements are:

• A clear scanned colored copy of passport with validity for at least 6 months
• A recent photo, clear with white background and not wearing glasses

Other requirements may include:

• A return or onward flight ticket if continuing to another destination
• Proof of accommodation in Abu Dhabi for time you be there
• Proof of finances like bank statements to show you can afford stay in Abu Dhabi
• Travel insurance 

Some nationalities are even required to submit national identity cards.

Abu Dhabi is safe destination with low crime rate. Travellers however need to be informed about security for them to beware of surroundings during travels.

Below are recommendations for improved security:

• Take standard precautions by securing your belongings and watching out not to leave things in cars. For fraud preventions ensure you careful when using ATMs and credit cards. 
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions as you may be hacked. Online and telephone romance scams are common so take caution too. 
• Use official taxis or even better taxi hailing apps like Uber and when you hire vehicle be careful when driving through Abu Dhabi roads.

• If you have medication carry them in original packaging with doctors’ prescription. Many over the counter drugs from other countries are controlled substances in Abu Dhabi. 
• Check list of prohibited items and avoid packing them. Narcotics, pornographic, firearms, weapons of any kind and unauthorized religious materials are not allowed in UAE.
• Learn local customs and respect them when arrive in Abu Dhabi. Public display of affection is frowned upon and remember to pack modestly to visit religious sites like mosques and cultural centers.
• Alcohol is not allowed in licensed hotels, restaurants and bar and public intoxication is crime. 
• Photographing government buildings, military installations or the local people without permission is considered crime in UAE.

Health and wellness in Abu Dhabi

• Covid 19 entry requirements were abolished therefore tourists are not expected to undergo testing or quarantine. There are also no specific vaccination requirements to enter but ensure you up to date with routine vaccinations. 
• Abu Dhabi experiences extreme heat and desert climate. Ensure to pack high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and stay hydrated during tour.
• Those applying for residency in Abu Dhabi will be subjected to medical tests once arrive at the country for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. 

Money and Finances

• The local currency of Abu Dhabi is UAE Dirham, AED. Credit cards are widely accepted in city but it’s advisable to carry with you few local notes. UAE is considered expensive so ensure you have sufficient funds to sustain you during trip.
  You may even be asked to produce proof of sufficient funds when applying for visa to Abu Dhabi.  You are also charged AED 35 if you leave the UAE by land to neighboring country. 

Before you leave to Abu Dhabi you need to tick a checklist to avoid forgetting important things.

• Double check visa and print hard copy and check whether passport is valid for over six months
• Review travel advisories from the foreign affairs department of your country for clear travels
• You may register with your embassy in case of emergency updates
• Pack appropriately keeping in mind of the desert climate and also ones that are respectful to local culture. Pack phone charger, adapters, medications and also copies of key travel documents. 
• Do research for local SIM card options or international roaming plan to use when in Abu Dhabi
• Check travel history to ensure no travel bans or legal cases. Settle outstanding debts or legal cases you may have in UAE as you may face exit bans or arrest in airport for unsettled debts. 

• Have visa, passport and return ticket readily accessible to give at immigration counter. 
• Those qualifying for visa on arrival, when arrive go to ‘visa on arrival’ counter for visa stamping. 
• Be patient and respectful when dealing with immigration officers
• When cleared by immigration, use official taxi queue or if you had earlier organized for pickup go meet them for transport to your accommodation 

For smooth travels to Abu Dhabi, it is important to have checklist for travel requirements. A checklist helps you navigate formalities with confidence and you focus on enjoying amazing experiences the city has to offer.

The checklist should cover all aspects from visa requirements, to health and safety measures like hacks like packing efficiently. Travel regulations change often so it is crucial you check with official government website for any change.