You will experience some traffic and delays at the airport if you are getting ready to enjoy your much-needed vacation this summer. The official social media channels of Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) published some travel advice for the upcoming Eid Al Adha festivities on July 5.
This comprehensive guide on navigating the airport will help you have a smooth and safe trip if you’re traveling through Abu Dhabi Airport for the Eid holiday.
1. Check the latest travel guidelines for your destination
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before booking your trip, advises the Abu Dhabi Airport website. Check the destination nation’s entry and visa procedures as well.
Check the COVID-19 travel recommendations for your intended destination and save a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record. Check the country’s COVID-19 portal or contact your airlines to find out which forms you need to complete. Some nations also need travelers to complete a self-declaration form prior to arrival.
2. Get your documents in order
You would also need actual copies of other COVID-19-related documents, as required by your destination country, in addition to your passport and ticket.
These may include:
- COVID-19 vaccine certificate
- Negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result
- Filled out the COVID-19 travel form, as required by the destination country.
3. Find out where your terminal is located
It was urged for travelers to check the Abu Dhabi Airport website, www.abudhabiairport.ae, to confirm the terminal from which their flight would take off.
Etihad Airways only uses Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi Airport for arrivals and departures; other airlines use Terminals 1 and 2.
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4. Know the luggage regulations
Always check the airline’s permitted weight limit for checked bags.
The weight limit for each piece of checked baggage at Abu Dhabi International Airport is 32 kilograms, which is standard for most international airports, according to the official airport website, www.abudhabiairport.ae. If your baggage weighs more than 32 kg, you will be required to repack it.
All liquids must be packed in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml for hand luggage. Additionally, they ought to be kept in transparent, sealable bags. At Abu Dhabi Airport, these plastic travel bags are typically located next to the customer service and information desks.
5. Park your car at the airport during your holiday
You can go and leave your automobile at the Abu Dhabi Airport if you are on a short vacation. You can pick up and drop off passengers at Abu Dhabi Airport or keep your car there while you travel, according to the airport’s website. Depending on the terminal you are using, the costs could change.
6. Check in early
You can self-check in and receive your boarding card without waiting in line if you wish to spend less time at the airport. The self-check-in kiosks are located in Terminals 1 and 3. Drop your baggage off at the “Bag Drop” station after checking in.
For self-check-in, you should always arrive three to four hours beforehand. According to the Abu Dhabi Airport website, check-in begins three hours before departure for flights operated by other airlines and at least four hours before departure for flights operated by Etihad. One hour prior to your flight’s departure, check-in is closed.
7. Use e-border gate
Utilize the E-border Gates at the Abu Dhabi Airport to speed up the immigration process.
However, one of the 25 E-registration kiosks is where you must first sign up for the E-border Gates. If you are a resident of the UAE, present your passport and Emirates ID in addition to doing the biometric exam. Once registration is complete, you can use the E-border gates. It takes seven seconds to pass through the E-border gate, claims Abu Dhabi Airport.
You can also take use of the US Pre-clearance facility if you are traveling to the US, which enables travelers traveling to the US to complete all immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi prior to departure.
8. Wear your mask at all times
In addition to the previously mentioned advice, Abu Dhabi Airport suggested that travelers always wear their masks, dress comfortably for the journey, and make an effort to stay hydrated.