With our US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Terminal 3, fly to the US from Abu Dhabi and clear US immigration before you board. 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 preclearance 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.
We recommend that you check in at least three hours before your flight, then head to our US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at least one hour before. The facility is located in Terminal 3, next to gates 58 – 61.
When you complete your preclearance process, your US entry date on your passport will be the date you depart from Abu Dhabi.
The steps you need to take before you use our CBP facility depend on your visa type.
If you’re travelling to the US with a valid visa, make sure you have all required documents and avoid bringing any restricted or prohibited items with you.
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 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.
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. If you’re flying in Economy, you can access the US Premium Lounge for AED184 or US $50.
