Traveling to the US from Abu Dhabi can be a smooth process thanks to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
US CBP pre-clearance is currently only available for select Etihad Airways flights.
Abu Dhabi US Immigration Questions
During the pre-clearance of Abu Dhabi US Immigration, US border patrol officers will ask you questions about your trip, such as its duration, your destination in the US, the purpose of your travel, and if you’re carrying more than $10,000 or any prohibited items like meat or seeds.
Before your flight, you’ll need to fill out some forms. This includes Etihad’s combined disclosure and attestation form, which asks for basic details like your name, flight number, and departure date.
You’ll also need to complete a contact tracing form, providing your booking reference number and a US address (like a hotel or Airbnb).
Remember, this form must be completed within 72 hours before your flight.
After clearing immigration, head to Gate F at least two hours before your flight. From there, you’ll take a bus to the CBP facility.
It’s important to note that Gate F closes 75 minutes before your flight, so arrive on time.
Pre-clearance Advantage
- Unlike most international travel, you can clear US immigration and customs before your flight departs from Abu Dhabi.
- You’ll arrive in the US as a domestic traveler, skipping long arrival queues.
When flying to the US with Etihad Airways, arriving at the airport early is crucial. The check-in for all US-bound flights closes two hours before departure.
There are two security checks at the airport, and Abu Dhabi US Immigration Questions procedures in Abu Dhabi take some time.
To ensure you have enough time for the US pre-clearance process, arriving at the airport with ample time is best.