Country guide
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Time zones
UTC/GMT +4 hours (2 hours ahead of South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 971
Best time to go
November – April
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but is provided due to desalination therefore visitors may preferred bottled water.
Tourism office
visitabudhabi.ae/en
Travel tips
If you are travelling with medication, it should be noted that certain medications are not allowed in the country even with a prescription.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
** Please refer to general United Arab Emirates Requirements if travelling on any other airline **
APPLICANTS TRAVELLING TO ABU DHABI ON ETIHAD AIRWAYS
NOTE: Only transit visas are available at this time.
Applications are via the Etihad Visa Portal: https://etihad.visaonline.ae/etihad
Requirements:
- Submit your completed application form with a colour photograph and a copy of your passport.
- Your passport must be valid for six months at the time of travel.
- You need a confirmed ticket to Abu Dhabi and onward to a third destination.
- Both arrival and departure must be through Zayed International Airport.
Visa processing time
(2) to (4) business days
Visa validity
- 48 hours, or
- 96 hours
Valid for entry within: 30 days
Visa cost
- Visa fee: 48 hours = AED 55
- Visa fee: 96 hours = AED 216
SA representative
SA Embassy,
Villa No 1 – 151, Cnr Jabal A Marfa Street & Al Niwayi Street, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi
T: + 971 (02) 417 64 00
E: abudhabi.dha@dirco.gov.za
W: https://dirco1.azurewebsites.net/abudhabi/
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
SEE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES