The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Abu Dhabi airport lets you clear US immigration and customs inspections before boarding. With all the checks out of the way before you take-off, you can simply pick up your bags and go when you land in the US.
The only CBP facility in the Middle East, it’s the fastest and simplest way to travel to the US.
We’ve introduced biometric facial scanners at our boarding gates for a seamless, quicker boarding experience when you fly between Abu Dhabi and the U.S.
A completely touchless experience, you won’t need to present your passport or boarding pass – when you see the green light, you’re good to head on to the plane.
Available at boarding gates in Abu Dhabi and New York.
The CBP facility is temporarily only available for select flights to the US. We’ll let you know by email 10 days ahead of your trip or you can check etihad.com/manage for up-to-date information. Make sure your email address is up to date to receive this and other important travel updates.
If you have access to the CBP facility, check in at Terminal A at least four hours before your flight and head to Gate F from two hours before your flight.
A shuttle bus service will operate from Gate F to transfer you to the US Customs and Border Protection facility.
Gate F closes 75 minutes before your flight. When you’ve cleared immigration, our US Premium Lounge is available for First and Business Class guests.
If you’re on a flight with clearance in the United States, check in as usual and enjoy the facilities in Terminal A before your flight.
For up-to-date information as this evolves, check our FAQs.
If you complete the pre-clearance process before your flight, the date shown on your passport for entry into the US will be the date you depart from Abu Dhabi.
If you’re travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), apply for travel authorisation from the US Department of Homeland Security at least 72 hours before you travel. You’ll also need to add Advance Passenger Information (API) to your booking at least one hour before your flight.
You must have a machine-readable passport and hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave the US within 90 days.
Regardless of your visa type, you must complete a CBP Customs Declaration Form at the airport on the day of departure. One completed declaration form per family must be handed to the US airport customs official.
Forms are available at check-in, on board or in the Immigration Hall at Abu Dhabi airport.
Our US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility is located in Abu Dhabi airport Terminal 3, next to gates 58 – 61. If you’re checking in or arriving at Terminal A for flights to the US, head to Gate F from two hours before your flight to board a shuttle bus to the facility.
Gate F closes 75 minutes before your flight.
The following flights currently have access to the facility:
This is subject to change.
If you’re a US or Canadian resident, or travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, you can use a free Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk. Located at the CBP facility, you can submit your customs declaration form and biometric information before speaking with a CBP officer.
If you’re not a US citizen or legal resident, then you need to head to our CBP facility, where your biometric and fingerprint data will be processed, along with other preclearance requirements after check-in or arrival at the airport.
US law prohibits the importation of certain agricultural items into the US, including spices, seeds, plants, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and general food products.
Please check CBP regulations for further information.
You can’t bring any liquid, aerosols and gels onboard or to the US – whether from Duty Free or elsewhere – that’s more than 100ml.
Any liquid you’d like to bring should be placed in a separate, clear zip-top plastic bag for a faster inspection process.
Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 88ml and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. You need to declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint and officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.
You may carry up to 15 electronic devices including a laptop, tablet, e-reader, mobile phone or medical device on your flight with us. These can be placed in your cabin or checked baggage. Any device in checked baggage must be completely switched off and protected from damage.
Loose or spare batteries, power banks, e-cigarettes, e-pipes and other personal vaporisers must be placed into your cabin baggage or kept in your pocket or purse, individually protected. For safety reasons, these items are strictly not allowed in your checked baggage. You can carry a maximum of 10 loose or spare batteries, including power banks. The output of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in your electronic devices or spare batteries must not exceed 100 Watt-hours and the Lithium-metal content in batteries must not exceed two grammes.
There is a café and duty-free shop, or if you’re flying in First or Business Class, you’re welcome to use our US Premium Lounge.
If you’ve pre-cleared US customs in Abu Dhabi and your bags have been tagged to your final destination, you will not need to collect them before your connecting flight.
If you have not pre-cleared US customs in Abu Dhabi, you must collect your bags and complete all immigration formalities when you land in the US. This applies even if your bags have been tagged to your final destination.
If you’re flying on an Etihad-operated flight in First or Business from Abu Dhabi to the US, you can use our US Premium Lounge after clearing US Immigration and Customs. The lounge offers comfortable seating, light refreshments and space to relax whilst you wait for your flight.
