Effective immediately, authorities in the UAE have launched the second phase of the Resident Return Programme, which now removes the need for residents of Abu Dhabi to wait for approval to return to the capital while overseas.

The development is “welcome news” for Etihad Airways’ UAE residents at home or overseas, who can now travel with ease and return to Abu Dhabi freely without having to wait for approval to do so while abroad.

With the gradual return to normal life in Abu Dhabi, this step will further ease the re-entry process for a greater number of professionals as schools and universities re-open and regular working practices are resumed.

The Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) made it a requirement that all guests travelling on Etihad Airways flights to and via Abu Dhabi are required to show a negative Covid-19 PCR test result from a government approved testing facility, and from 16 August, this will also apply to all guests departing Abu Dhabi.

Before booking their flight to or from Abu Dhabi, residents are encouraged to visit a new website  and submit their passport number, and Emirates ID number, to obtain instant verification of their UAE entry status, in accordance with their UAE residence visa validity.

The PCR test must be carried out within 96 hours prior to their departure and a negative Covid-19 PCR test result certificate must be shown for approval to board. Timings will differ for those flying from China or the USA. Guests departing Pakistan and India must use an Etihad approved medical facility. Children under the age of 12 and people with mild to severe disabilities are currently exempt from this PCR test requirement.

Etihad’s wellness sanitisation and safety programme has also been added to ensure the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey. This includes specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, a first in the industry, who have been introduced by the airline to provide essential travel health information and care on the ground and on every flight, so guests can fly with greater ease and peace of mind.