Travelling from Abu Dhabi to the U.S. as a local or expat? How about clearing immigration checks, documentation, and customs inspection before boarding a flight? With an Abu Dhabi US immigration preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport, travelling is quick, convenient and hassle-free.
Before you pack your bags, apply for a preclearance and simplify your travel journey. Scroll down to discover its complete process and documentation.
- Overview
- Immigration Preclearance for U.S. Visa Holders
- Immigration Preclearance for Visa Waiver Program Travellers
- Immigration Preclearance Using Mobile Passport Control
- FAQs
Overview of Abu Dhabi U.S. Immigration Preclearance
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with Etihad Airways, has introduced an immigration preclearance facility. This facility is available for all Etihad Airways flights to the U.S. departing from Abu Dhabi.
Immigration preclearance allows travellers to complete U.S. immigration and customs formalities before boarding, without immigration queues upon arrival in the U.S. In Abu Dhabi, this facility is available at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) also known as Zayed International Airport.
Locals of the UAE and expats residing here can apply, however, the requirements vary by nationality. Let’s go through the different processes, one by one.
Immigration Preclearance for U.S. Visa Holders
If you have an approved U.S. visa, the preclearance process is quite straightforward and hassle-free. Here is how to apply for Abu Dhabi U.S. immigration preclearance:
1. Fulfill Initial Requirements
Travellers must submit some documents to apply for U.S. immigration in Abu Dhabi. Here are the important documents and requirements for immigration clearance:
- A valid passport with a valid visa.
- Boarding pass.
- Fill out Etihad’s disclosure and attestation form online via the Etihad Airways website.
- Complete the contact tracing forms online via the Etihad Airways website.
2. Follow the Packing Rules
CBP has set some guidelines for travelling to the U.S. from Abu Dhabi. If you want to clear immigration, the next step is to follow the packing rules. Here is a brief on packing your stuff:
- Don’t carry prohibited agricultural items like spices, meat, and plants.
- Carry liquids in a zip-top plastic bag and not more than 100 ml.
- Baby formula, food, breast milk and medicines above 88 ml are allowed. However, all these items must be in reasonable quantities.
- Up to 15 electronic devices are allowed on the flight.
3. Check-In at the Airport
On the departure day, arrive at the airport at least four hours before the flight. Check-in at Terminal A of Zayed International Airport, where an immigration preclearance facility is available.
Economy class travellers must complete the preclearance at the CBP facility two hours before the flight. On the other hand, Business class travellers can complete the process 90 minutes before the flight takes off. Ensure to complete the process in time as the facility closes an hour before take off.
4. Luggage Checking and Quick Questioning
The last step for clearing immigration is luggage checking and a quick interview at the CBP immigration counter. The representative will simply enquire about the reason for travelling to the U.S.
5. Wait in the U.S. Preclearance Lounge
After clearance, Business, First or The Residence class travellers can wait at the Lounge area. All Etihad Guest members can relax in the lounge for a maximum of 90 minutes before the flight takes off.
Immigration Preclearance for Visa Waiver Program Travellers
Certain countries are eligible for travel to the U.S. without a visa. For countries listed in the visa waiver program, the process of clearing U.S. immigration in Abu Dhabi is different. Let’s first review the list of eligible countries followed by the process.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
1. Apply for Travel Authorisation
The first and foremost step is to apply for travel authorisation via the Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Simply visit the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and go to ESTA. Apply for authorisation at least 72 hours before take-off time. For any nationality, the following documents are mandatory:
- A machine-readable passport.
- Proof of leaving the U.S. within 90 days like an onward or a return ticket.
2. Fill out the CBP Customs Declaration Form
The next step is to fill out the customs declaration form on the departure day. This form is available at different locations in Zayed International Airport. Each family must submit one declaration form.
3. Add Advance Passenger Information (API)
After this, the traveller must add Advance Passenger Information (API) to their booking. It is essential to add this at least one hour before taking off.
Immigration Preclearance Using Mobile Passport Control
Another way of clearing U.S. immigration in Abu Dhabi is using Mobile Passport Control (MPC). Eligible travellers can benefit from the mobile application and can apply for preclearance in no time. Here are the details of applying for immigration clearance using MPC:
Eligibility
The following travellers are eligible to use the MPC application to apply for immigration clearance:
- U.S. citizens
- Lawful permanent residents
- Canadian B1/B2
- Returning visa waiver program applicants
Process
Follow these steps to avail of U.S. immigration clearance in Abu Dhabi quickly:
- Download the MPC application from the Play Store or App Store.
- Create a profile using your passport details. One profile per family is enough.
- Visit the preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi and submit documents and selfies of every family member on the application. There is no need to fill out a paper application form.
- Lastly, provide an original passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card to the CBP representative for immigration clearance.
FAQs
UAE residents are eligible for a U.S. visa application. The best thing is that it is straightforward and quick to apply for a U.S. visa from Dubai.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has established preclearance facilities in different parts of the world. UAE residents can find it at the Zayed International Airport.
The preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi allows travellers to clear U.S. immigration in advance. This ensures a smooth experience upon arrival in the U.S.
That was all about Abu Dhabi U.S. Immigration clearance. Follow this quick process to skip the long queues after landing in the U.S. Happy journey!
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