U.S. immigration in Abu Dhabi

Fast track your arrival in the U.S

The fastest and simplest way to travel to the U.S.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility in Zayed International Airport lets you clear U.S. immigration and customs inspections before boarding your flight in Abu Dhabi.

How does it work?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility is available for all Etihad Airways flights to the U.S. 

Four hours before your flight

Check in at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A at least four hours before your flight.

Two hours before your flight

Make your way to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility two hours before your flight, or 90 minutes if you’re travelling in Business, First or The Residence.

One hour before your flight

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility closes an hour before your flight.

Effortless entry into the U.S.

From skipping paperwork to speeding through customs, discover the smart solutions that make traveling to the U.S. easier.

Mobile Passport Control
Global Entry
Biometric facial scanners

Mobile Passport Control

Use the free CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app before you fly from Abu Dhabi and breeze through customs. Save the time and hassle of paper forms and submit all required documents and information in minutes from your phone. Check you’re eligible to use the MPC app then download it from the App Store or Google Play.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection programme that speeds up entry into the U.S. for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. When you’ve been approved to use the programme, head to the the Global Entry lanes at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Your photo will be taken, then simply follow the on-screen instructions and proceed to a U.S. Customs officer.

Find out more

Biometric facial scanners

Boarding gates at Zayed International Airport use biometric facial scanners for flights to the U.S. With no need to present a passport or boarding pass, simply proceed to the aircraft when you see the green light.

Frequently asked questions

All Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi to the U.S. have access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility. 

However, if you are arriving from or have been in Rwanda in the past 21 days, you will not be permitted to travel to Boston or use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi. If that is the case, you will be booked on an alternative itinerary and will clear customs at an approved airport in the U.S.

If you’re a U.S. or Canadian resident, or travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, you can use a free Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk. Located at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, you can submit your customs declaration form and biometric information before speaking with a CBP officer.

If you’re not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, then you need to head to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, where your biometric and fingerprint data will be processed, along with other preclearance requirements after check-in or arrival at the airport.

There is a café and duty-free shop, as well as accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. A smoking area is also available.

The U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport is also conveniently located just steps away from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility. Grab a drink, choose from a selection of light bites, and unwind as you wait to board your flight to the U.S. You can even board straight from the lounge on some flights. 

You’re invited to use the U.S. Preclearance Lounge if you’re:

Travelling on an Etihad Airways flight in The Residence, First or Business
A Platinum Etihad Guest member (plus one accompanying guest)
An Emerald Etihad Guest member (plus two accompanying guests)

Paid access cannot be booked in advance and is subject to availability.

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