Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (2023)

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (1)

To Abu Dhabi For An Etihad Inaugural

More from this series:

  • Trip Report: To Abu Dhabi For An Etihad Inaugural
  • Review: US Airways Club Tampa
  • Review: American Airlines Premium Lounge Miami Airport
  • Review: Airberlin Business Class A330 Miami To Dusseldorf
  • Review: Airberlin Lounge Dusseldorf Airport
  • Review: Etihad Airways Business Class A330 Dusseldorf To Abu Dhabi
  • Review: Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
  • Review: St. Regis Abu Dhabi
  • Review: Etihad Airways First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport
  • Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance
  • Review: Etihad Airways First Class A340-500 Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles

In January a US customs and immigration pre-clearance facility opened at Abu Dhabi Airport.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (2)

In theory there are a couple of potential reasons for adding pre-clearance facilities:

  • In the event that there are immigration problems, it’s easier to turn someone away before they board the plane than upon landing
  • It’s more convenient for passengers to land at their destination as domestic passengers, so that they can reliably make connections

Of course this comes at a big cost as well. Staffing US CBP officers for just a few daily flights is costly, though in fairness the UAE is picking up 85% of the cost of the facility, thinking that this will be a selling point for passengers.

My experience with Abu Dhabi US pre-clearance facility

I figured I’d share my experience yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Airport US pre-clearance facility prior to the inaugural Etihad Airways flight to Los Angeles.

After spending some time in the Etihad Airways First Class Lounge I was advised to head to the gate about two hours before departure.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (3)
Abu Dhabi Airport terminal

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (4)
Abu Dhabi Airport US pre-clearance signage

Etihad’s gates for US bound flights have long been at the far end of the terminal, about a 10-15 minute walk from the lounge, which is just past security. That has always been the case, so the only thing that has been changed is that you now can’t directly access gates 58-61, but instead have to go through a “maze” in order to get to them.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (5)
Abu Dhabi Airport US pre-clearance signage

So as you approach the gates your boarding passes are checked, and you’re directed down a hallway which leads to an escalator, to the lower level.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (6)
Abu Dhabi Airport US pre-clearance facility entrance

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (7)
Abu Dhabi Airport US pre-clearance facility hallway

My experience with Abu Dhabi US pre-clearance security

Once there you first have to clear security. For what it’s worth they now have a premium line for first and business class passengers, which they apparently didn’t previously have.

There was no queue and I was helped immediately, though the security screening was in stark contrast to the initial one I went through before accessing the lounge. Airport security screening in the UAE is a joke in my experience, and when I went through the first security checkpoint the agent wasn’t even looking at the computer screen as the bags went through the x-ray.

Meanwhile the agents here are quite possibly the most obnoxiously thorough I’ve ever seen anywhere.

I live out of a carry-on, and I pack it damn well. One of the most useful packing tips is to always put your shoes at the bottom of the bag and stuff them with socks. When I get to the checkpoint not only do they want me to remove the shoes I’m wearing, but they also want me to remove any shoes in my bag. That’s the first time anywhere that I’ve been asked to do that.

So I unpack my entire bag to access the shoes and put them in a bin, and then he proceeds to take the dozen pairs of socks I have in my shoes and place them in a separate bin.

On top of that, they searched every square inch of my laptop bag. I keep all my cords and electronics in separate “pouches” in order to stay organized (mostly Delta’s Tumi amenity kits). The officer proceeded to unzip the pouch of each bag, and literally just dump it in a bin as if it were going into the $1 DVD bin at Wal-Mart.

He took out my electric toothbrush and shaving kit, and placed them all in the bin “bare.” Eek!

And then after screening the bag multiple times, he proceeded to repack it by literally throwing all my electronics back in the laptop bag without putting them in the pouches first. I stood there throughout the process with this look on my face:

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (8)

When he saw how I felt about the process, he called over the one female screener at the facility and had her pack my bag. I told them that I could just repack it, and when I proceeded to do so they said “you can’t do it here, you need to take it somewhere else.” Mind you, at this point I had my laptop bag, carry-on, and roughly six bins full of crap.

I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said the security process took 25 minutes even though I didn’t have to wait at all in line.

My experience with Abu Dhabi US pre-clearance immigration

When they first opened the facility they didn’t have Global Entry kiosks. Now they do. So I headed to one of the two kiosks located at the far left of the facility. Once that was complete I stood in the Global Entry queue, which was otherwise empty.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (9)
Abu Dhabi Airport US pre-clearance facility

The “policy” for what people with Global Entry are supposed to do varies substantially by airport. At some airports they just want you to walk by, at some airports they want you to “wave” it at an officer and establish eye contact, and at some airports the officers still question you.

I didn’t know what the policy was here, so decided to wait till I was called. That turned out to be interesting, since the Global Entry line is immediately next to the handicapped line, and the roughly 15 wheelchair pushers in line seemed absolutely convinced I was trying to cut them. So they’d kind of stand there to block me off, even though I wasn’t trying to cut them.

Once you clear US pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi

Once you’ve cleared customs and immigration you take the escalator back up the main level of the terminal, where you’ll find the few gates that are “partitioned off” from the rest of the terminal.

There’s a small concession cart with drinks and light snacks for purchase, and then there are toilets and a prayer room on the lower level of the terminal.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (10)
Abu Dhabi Airport US departure gates

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (11)
Abu Dhabi Airport US departure gates toilets and prayer rooms

There’s nothing else to do in the gate area, other than to wait.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (12)
Abu Dhabi Airport US departure gates

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (13)
Abu Dhabi Airport US departure gates

Since I was on an inaugural flight I left about two hours before departure thinking there would be a party of some sort at the gate, though there was nothing.

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (14)
Abu Dhabi Airport LAX inaugural flight departure gate

Abu Dhabi Airport United States Immigration Pre-Clearance (15)
Etihad Airways A340-500

Bottom line on US pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi

Since introducing Abu Dhabi pre-clearance in January they’ve already made it much better than it was, by adding a priority security line and adding Global Entry kiosks.

When I used the facility yesterday it was under perfect conditions — there were virtually no lines for anyone at security or immigration — and it still sucked. Since this program started, many US bound flights have been delayed 60-90 minutes due to immigration hold ups and passengers not allowing enough time to get to the gate.

To be clear, let me take the perspective of someone that doesn’t have Global Entry. I think it goes without saying that if you have Global Entry then immigration is a non-issue anyway, and it’s just as easy to do it on arrival, since it only takes a couple of minutes.

But especially if you don’t have Global Entry or are in first/business class, you have to leave to the gate two hours before departure, and there’s absolutely nothing to do there. I guess really my biggest beef is with the security process as opposed to immigration as such.

Anyway, they’ve made the decision and I experienced it at its best and still was far from impressed. I’m not sure what problem they were trying to solve with this facility or how they think it will be a selling point, but…

Have you experienced the US pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi? What was your experience like?

FAQs

How long does U.S. preclearance take? ›

We advise that you allow 3 hours before a long-haul flight. If you are checking in a bag, please allow up to an hour of additional time.

How does US immigration work in Abu Dhabi? ›

Regardless of your visa type, you must complete a CBP Customs Declaration Form at the airport on the day of departure. One completed declaration form per family must be handed to the US airport customs official. Forms are available at check-in, on board or in the Immigration Hall at Abu Dhabi airport.

Is there U.S. preclearance in Dubai? ›

In Dubai, this facility is available for passengers of certain nationalities flying with private jet operator DC Aviation Al Futtaim. Please check with the airline you are travelling with for further details. Useful links: US preclearance - Etihad Airways.

What countries have U.S. preclearance? ›

Today, CBP has more than 600 officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and ...

Why does the US have Preclearance? ›

Reasons for implementation. The preclearance program aims to streamline border procedures for flights entering the United States, reduce congestion at ports of entry, and to facilitate travel into U.S. airports that may not be equipped to otherwise handle international travelers.

What is Preclearance process? ›

“Preclearance” refers to an arrangement between two countries that allows customs and immigration officials from the country of destination to be located in the country of origin in order to clear or deny the admission of travellers or goods to the destination country.

Does Etihad have US immigration? ›

US immigration service at Abu Dhabi Airport is available for passengers travelling to New York, Chicago and Washington via Etihad Airways. The UAE is only one of the six countries offering the U.S. immigration clearance service. Others include Ireland, Aruba, the Bahamas, Canada and Bermuda.

Do American citizens need visa for Abu Dhabi? ›

We strongly recommend U.S. citizens arrive in the UAE on a full-validity passport that is valid for more than six months beyond the date of entry. Personal travel of 30 days or less: A U.S. citizen with a regular passport may obtain a no fee visitor visa upon arrival.

Is Abu Dhabi open to Americans? ›

International visitors to Abu Dhabi no longer need a PCR test before flying if they are fully vaccinated, under 16 years old, or hold a COVID-19 recovery certificate with a QR code dated within 30 days of departure.

Do you have to go through us preclearance? ›

Do all passengers travelling to the US from Dublin Airport go through US Preclearance? All passengers travelling directly to the US from Dublin Airport go through US Preclearance.

Can I complete US immigration in Dubai? ›

​​The United Arab Emirates is one of only six countries in the world where you will be able to complete all your immigration processes before your flight to the United States.

Does Abu Dhabi have global entry? ›

Global Entry kiosks are located at the following airports: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)* Anchorage - Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)

Does US immigration happen in Doha? ›

No you cannot. Immigration can only be done after landing in USA. In Abu Dhabi airports these service is available,i heard that Qatar airways will provide that.

Where do you clear customs on international flights? ›

Board Your Departing Flight

Beyond the usual questions about hazardous items in luggage, you won't need to declare anything else you're leaving the country with. So when do you go through customs? Customs inspection always takes place at the port of entry.

Do you go through immigration when leaving the US? ›

Whenever you travel from one country to another, you must go through the immigration process. Each country has its immigration inspection process. For most passengers, this is a simple process that takes only a few minutes.

What do US immigration officers see on their screen? ›

Additional Information an Officer Can Get About You

Any criminal history you have. Your citizenship status. Employment information. Your phone numbers.

Can you bring food through US Preclearance? ›

Yes. There are restrictions on food items that can be taken into the US, and this includes items that can be bought in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport prior to screening. You should declare all food items, carry them in hand luggage and present them for inspection at the US preclearance facility.

What do they check at airport immigration? ›

When you go through immigration, the immigration officer will ask to see your passport and travel documents. This includes a visa, if you need to get one beforehand to enter the country and any immigration forms you need to complete if you do not need a visa to enter the country.

How is Preclearance determined? ›

voter suppression

… states) obtain prior approval (“preclearance”) of any change to their electoral laws or procedures—generally by demonstrating to a federal court that the change “does not have the purpose and will not have the effect of denying or abridging the right to vote on account of race or color.” Section…

How long is Preclearance approval valid? ›

Pre-clearance requests should be submitted through the Compliance Portal or as otherwise directed by Compliance. Pre-clearance approval for a transaction is generally valid for 2 trading days, meaning it expires at the end of the second trading day after the day it was approved.

What is a Preclearance request? ›

Pre-Clearance means approval to purchase or sell a Security, or the process of requesting such approval.

Where does immigration happen for Etihad Airways? ›

“Air travellers on all Etihad Airways flights to the United States from this week will be able to experience the benefits of arriving in the US having pre-cleared US Customs and Border Protection at Abu Dhabi Airport,” the airline noted in a media statement.

Does Etihad participate in TSA PreCheck? ›

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the expansion of the TSA PreCheck programme to include eligible customers of four more airlines: Aeromexico, Etihad Airways, Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines.

How do I contact Abu Dhabi immigration? ›

The MOI is a federal body governing all immigration related issues, however, contact the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation & Residency department (+971-2-4462244) for immigration enquiries.

Can US citizens travel to UAE without visa? ›

No visas are required for American citizens (holder of regular passports) before arrival in the UAE, including US Citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries in their passports.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi airport? ›

You will then need to have your UAE visa delivered to the airport by your sponsor so that you can collect it upon arrival. A 'Visa Delivery Services' office, which is accessible by the public as well as arriving passengers, is located in the Arrivals hall of each terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport (view map).

Do US citizens need transit visa for Dubai? ›

Transit visas for 48 hours are issued free of charge to passengers transiting through the UAE's airports. You need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa is not extendable, nor renewable.

Can vaccinated people enter Abu Dhabi? ›

Travelling to Abu Dhabi

You do not need a negative result of an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 if: you are fully vaccinated or. you are under 16 or. you hold a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure.

Can a US green card holder get visa for Dubai on arrival? ›

All Indian citizens holding U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits can receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days for a charge of AED 100. They have the option to extend their stay only once for an additional 14 days for AED250.

Do i need a pcr test to go to Abu Dhabi from dubai? ›

Entry requirements to Abu Dhabi (as of 19 December 2021)

From 19 December 2021, people going to the emirate of Abu Dhabi from within the UAE will be checked for COVID-19 with the use of EDE scanners. EDE is an advanced technology that uses a mobile scanning device to detect potential COVID-19 cases rapidly.

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›

The same is true for lawful permanent residents: you generally cannot be denied entry to the United States, but declining to answer questions may result in delay or further inspection.

Can immigration deny entry to a US citizen? ›

At the United States border, US immigration officers alone decide whether to allow or deny entry to travelers. Sometimes denial is clear-cut, such as a prior criminal conviction or the submission of incorrect documents. Very often, however, no specific reasons are given and denied US travelers just have to guess.

Is there a bar after US Preclearance? ›

For those flying business class, there is a complimentary lounge located after US Preclearance. Called 51st&Green, the lounge offers a spot to refuel and relax prior to your flight with WiFi, food and drink, luggage storage, and showers. If you aren't flying business class, you can still access the lounge for a fee.

How can I get US entry and exit out of UAE? ›

In order to get an entry and exit report in UAE, first download their App or visit the official website. Once you have downloaded their App, register your user name and password and go to their individual service panel from where you can select “entry and exit report”.

How Long Does US visa processing take in Dubai? ›

The US visa processing time in Dubai can take up to 78 calendar days (11 weeks). The processing time usually depends on the number of visa applications the US Embassy receives at the same time as yours.

Is immigration to UAE easy? ›

Expats wanting to know how to move to the UAE will be pleased to know that it is relatively easy. With an expat population that is almost five times larger than the population of Emirati nationals, the UAE makes relocating to their country easy and straightforward.

Does TSA PreCheck work for international flights? ›

Yes. TSA PreCheck® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck®.

Do I need entry permit for Abu Dhabi? ›

Anyone who does not have the privilege of getting a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival will require an entry permit prior to arrival into the UAE and someone to sponsor it.

What's the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck? ›

TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States.

Do you clear US Customs in Abu Dhabi? ›

Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of only a handful of airports in the world that offers the CBP facility. Having cleared CBP, guests can check through their baggage to their final destination in the United States.

Is US immigration done at Abu Dhabi airport? ›

Our US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility is located in Abu Dhabi airport Terminal 3, next to gates 58 – 61.

What countries have US pre clearance? ›

Today, CBP has more than 600 officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and ...

Does Dubai have US preclearance? ›

In Dubai, this facility is available for passengers of certain nationalities flying with private jet operator DC Aviation Al Futtaim. Please check with the airline you are travelling with for further details. Useful links: US preclearance - Etihad Airways.

Do you go through customs before or after international flight? ›

In most cases, you'll go through customs and immigration after your flight first arrives in a new country, but there are exceptions. For example, some countries have mutual agreements intended to help speed travelers through the process, so you may go through customs and immigration before you board.

Do you have to clear immigration on a connecting flight? ›

When does a traveler clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection? When does a traveler clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection? If a connection to another U.S. city is involved, the traveler will not be required to go through another clearance when they arrive at that final U.S. destination.

How does the US know you have left the country? ›

Otherwise, when leaving via air or sea, CBP will record the departure electronically via manifest information provided by the carrier or by CBP. For more information and for answers to frequently asked questions, see the I-94 Fact Sheet.

What questions do US immigration ask at airport? ›

So here are the questions you'll hear when you go through customs or border control, and how to answer them.
  • HERE YOU GO. ...
  • “WHERE ARE YOU FLYING IN FROM?” ...
  • WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT? ...
  • WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO BE STAYING? ...
  • HOW LONG ARE YOU STAYING IN THE UNITED STATES? ...
  • RIGHT HAND, LEFT HAND.
Jun 26, 2017

Does US immigration stamp passport on entry? ›

My Passport Wasn't Stamped When I entered The US In 2023

In regards to the entry into the United States, immigration agents will not always stamp the passport, but they do record entry into the country.

How long does immigration clearance take? ›

Usually after attending an appointment the Home Office takes between three to twelve weeks to make a decision, depending on the type of application. However please note that as of July 2022 we are seeing lengthy delays with some applications taking up to six months to receive a decision.

What is the fastest immigration process? ›

Marriage to U.S. Citizen

This is the fastest way to immigrate. Typically, the process lasts from six to nine months, after which a temporary Green Card is received. Within the next two years, you must contact the USCIS again with proof of the validity of the marriage.

How can I speed up the US immigration process? ›

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page).

Is there a bar after US preclearance? ›

For those flying business class, there is a complimentary lounge located after US Preclearance. Called 51st&Green, the lounge offers a spot to refuel and relax prior to your flight with WiFi, food and drink, luggage storage, and showers. If you aren't flying business class, you can still access the lounge for a fee.

What is immigration clearance at airport? ›

Immigration check is conducted for all passengers at the time of arrival and departure. The passports are duly stamped at arrival as well as at departure. Passengers should ensure that their passports are duly stamped before leaving the immigration counter.

What questions do U.S. immigration ask at airport? ›

So here are the questions you'll hear when you go through customs or border control, and how to answer them.
  • HERE YOU GO. ...
  • “WHERE ARE YOU FLYING IN FROM?” ...
  • WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT? ...
  • WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO BE STAYING? ...
  • HOW LONG ARE YOU STAYING IN THE UNITED STATES? ...
  • RIGHT HAND, LEFT HAND.
Jun 26, 2017

What do I need for immigration clearance? ›

Fill up the ECC Application form. Note that the form requires you to attach a 2×2 colored photograph with white background taken within the last three (3) months. Present your passport and ACR I-Card. Pay the corresponding fees – that's Php2,800 per passenger.

Which country has the easiest immigration process? ›

Having garnered a reputation for being one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants and being ranked as one of the most liveable places in the world, Canada is definitely the best and easiest country to immigrate to.

Which country has the fastest immigration process? ›

Here are some of the easiest countries to immigrate to:
  • Spain.
  • Paraguay.
  • Germany.
  • Montenegro.
  • Czechia.
  • Thailand.
  • Canada.
  • Portugal.

Why does the U.S. immigration system take so long? ›

Many factors impact processing times, including the number of applications, petitions, or requests we receive, workload allocations, and staffing levels, among other factors. Case-specific factors may also make an individual adjudication more complex, requiring additional adjudicative time.

Will USCIS speed up in 2022? ›

USCIS committed to improving processing times for petitions and key documents back in March 2022, which we reported on in detail here. Specifically, USCIS announced the following goals: I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD): within three months.

Can immigration lawyer speed up process? ›

Immigration attorneys can help speed up your immigration case in a few different ways. The most obvious is by using their knowledge and experience to make the process go more smoothly and easily.

Is USCIS going to speed up? ›

USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023. Currently, the agency's publicly posted processing times show the amount of time it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the past six months.

How long does it take to get through US customs? ›

How long does customs usually take? On average, it takes travelers 17 minutes and 53 seconds to get through Immigration and Customs. This number will vary based on the airport you're traveling through, the time of year you're traveling, and the time of day you're arriving at the airport.

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