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Etihad Airways offers a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility for passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi to the USA. This means that eligible passengers can complete US immigration and customs checks at Zayed International Airport before departure, and arrive in the US as if they were on a domestic flight. However, passengers who have not pre-cleared US customs in Abu Dhabi must complete all immigration formalities upon landing in the US. It is important to note that the visa requirements for US-bound travellers depend on the country of origin, and travellers should always refer to official government websites for the most up-to-date information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa Application | All visa applications are processed by the UAE immigration authorities. |
| Visa Requirements | A completed application form, a colour photograph, and a copy of your passport. |
| Passport Validity | Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel. |
| Visa Waiver | If travelling from Abu Dhabi to the US, you can use the CBP Mobile Passport Control app if you are a US or Canadian citizen or Visa Waiver Program traveller with approved ESTA. |
| Visa on Arrival | You are eligible for a visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi if you have a transit visa. |
| US-Bound Flights | All direct US-bound Etihad flights are eligible for preclearance from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). |
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What You'll Learn
US Visa Waiver Program
Etihad Airways offers a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility for passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi to the US. This allows eligible passengers to complete US immigration at Zayed International Airport before departure, so they can arrive in the US as domestic travellers. To use this facility, passengers must be US or Canadian citizens or Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers with approved ESTA.
The VWP, administered by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 41 or 42 countries to travel to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. In exchange, these countries must offer US citizens and nationals similar visa-free travel privileges. Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, for example, can visit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa due to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program.
To be eligible for the VWP, countries must meet various requirements, including enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the US, as well as maintaining high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards. It is important to note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US, as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission.
Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, certain travellers are no longer eligible for the VWP and must obtain a visa before travelling to the US. This includes nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to or been present in specified countries, such as Cuba, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, after specified dates. These individuals can apply for US visas through regular appointment processes.
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Transit Visas
If you are travelling to the United States via Etihad Airways, you will need to ensure you have the correct visa requirements in place. All visa applications are processed by the UAE immigration authorities, and Etihad Airways cannot provide information on rejected applications.
If you are transiting through Abu Dhabi and plan to leave the airport, you will need to apply for a visa before you fly. You can apply for a short-stay visa with Etihad Airways, which allows you to stay in the UAE for two to four days. To apply, you must submit a completed application form, a colour photograph, and a copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. You will also need a confirmed ticket to Abu Dhabi and onward to your final destination.
If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you can leave the airport and explore Abu Dhabi between connecting flights. However, if your transit time is more than 24 hours, you must arrange a confirmed hotel reservation or provide an Emirates ID card and a UAE Residence visa copy of the person you are staying with.
For US-bound flights, you may be eligible for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This allows you to pass through immigration in Abu Dhabi before arriving in the US as a domestic traveller. However, this is only available at a specific gate at Abu Dhabi airport.
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Visa applications
If you're travelling to the United States via Etihad Airways, you can pre-clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This means that when you land in the US, you will be treated as a domestic traveller. To do this, you must be either a US or Canadian citizen or a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) traveller with approved ESTA. You can use the CBP Mobile Passport Control app by creating a profile with your passport or LPR card information.
If you are not eligible for preclearance, you must complete all immigration formalities when you land in the US. This includes collecting your baggage, even if your bags have been tagged to your final destination.
If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi, you may be eligible for a visa on arrival. This allows you to leave the airport and explore the city between connecting flights. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa before you travel to the UAE. The type of visa you need depends on the length of your trip. You can apply for a visa through Etihad Airways, which will sponsor your visa, although you are not required to fly with them. To apply, submit a completed application form with a colour photograph and a copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel. You will also need a confirmed ticket to Abu Dhabi and onward to a third destination.
All visa applications are processed by the UAE immigration authorities. If your visa application is rejected, Etihad Airways cannot provide any information about the reason for rejection. Entry into the UAE is subject to the verification of your documents at the airport.
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US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance
There are currently 15 Preclearance locations worldwide in 6 countries: Ireland (Dublin and Shannon), Aruba, Bermuda, the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), the Bahamas (Nassau), and Canada (Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg). These Preclearance locations serve most major Canadian airports and enable more convenient travel from these cities to the US. For example, the presence of Preclearance facilities in Toronto and Nassau allows airlines to direct their flights to LaGuardia Airport in New York, which lacks border protection facilities.
The process of implementing Preclearance involves agreements between CBP and the host government, CBP and the airport operator, and the TSA and the host government. These agreements establish parameters such as CBP authorities, protections, and infrastructure requirements. The host government, airport, and airlines must consistently engage with CBP for successful completion of Preclearance agreements.
While Preclearance allows travellers to bypass inspections upon arrival in the US, they may still be subject to re-inspection at the discretion of CBP. Additionally, CBP officers in the Preclearance Division are not armed on foreign soil, and passengers can choose to abandon their flight and refuse a search.
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Visa requirements for children
Etihad Airways offers a range of services for passengers travelling with children. Here is some information regarding visa requirements for children travelling with Etihad Airways:
When travelling with children, specific visa requirements must be met, and these may vary depending on the age of the child and the destination country. Here are some important points to consider:
- Visa Applications: When applying for a visa, children are typically required to apply for the same type of visa as their accompanying adult(s). This could be a tourist visa, transit visa, or any other applicable visa type.
- Documents: In addition to the standard visa application requirements, children may need to provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate translated into English or Arabic. Some countries may also require passport-sized photographs for children, adhering to specific size requirements.
- Eligibility for Visa on Arrival: In some cases, children may be eligible for a visa on arrival, which allows them to obtain a visa when they arrive at their destination. This option may be available for short trips or stopovers in certain countries, such as Abu Dhabi. However, it is important to check the eligibility requirements before assuming this option is available.
- Unaccompanied Minors: If a child is travelling alone, they may be considered an unaccompanied minor. Etihad Airways has specific procedures for unaccompanied minors, including age restrictions and documentation requirements. Children under five must be accompanied by an adult and cannot use the Unaccompanied Minor service.
- Seat Allocation: Children of different age groups have specific seating requirements. Infants do not require their own seats, but an infant seat can be purchased. Children aged two and above require their own seats and can use approved car seats onboard if they are travelling on a child's ticket.
- Meal Requests: Etihad Airways allows special meal requests for children, especially those with medical dietary requirements. These requests should be made at least 24 hours before the flight.
- Entertainment and Amenities: Etihad Airways offers various in-flight entertainment options for children, including children's games, TV shows, and films. Additionally, complimentary strollers are available for use at Zayed International Airport.
- US-Specific Information: When travelling to the US, direct flights by Etihad Airways require preclearance from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This process occurs after clearing local security and immigration at the departure airport, allowing travellers to enter the US as domestic travellers.
Please note that visa requirements can vary depending on the destination country and the specific circumstances of your travel. It is always recommended to consult official government websites or embassies for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements for children.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to apply for a visa before you fly to the UAE. You can apply for a visa with Etihad Airways to stay for two to four days in the UAE.
You need to submit a completed application form with a colour photograph and a copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel, and you need a confirmed ticket to Abu Dhabi and onward to a third destination.
US-bound direct flights by Etihad Airways are eligible for preclearance from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. However, this is only available at a specific gate. If you have not pre-cleared US customs in Abu Dhabi, you must complete immigration formalities when you land in the US.
