Flights to the United States
July 16, 2020
The UAE is allowing additional airlines besides Emirates Airline and and Etihad Airways to fly in/out of the country. Please check with your airline or local media for the latest information.
Etihad Airways announced non-stop flights to/from Abu Dhabi and select designations in the US, including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Additional destinations may be added in the future. Please visit the Etihad website for more information and to book tickets.
Emirates Airline announced non-stop flights to/from Abu Dhabi and select designations in the US, including Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Additional destinations may be added in the future. Please visit the Emirates Airline website for more information and to book tickets.
You do not need a letter from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the UAE or a letter from authorities of the country you will transit to make your reservation. To avoid miscommunication on documentation or letters needed, and for ease, book directly on the airlines’ website.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate cannot assist with contacting airlines, arranging onward travel, or negotiating the use of funds from any pre-existing itineraries. If booking tickets by phone, state clearly that you are transiting and that your destination is the United States.
The U.S. government has no plans to organize repatriation flights from the UAE to the United States, as there are commercial options available.
Flight Options to the UAE
UAE residents can now return to the UAE. UAE carriers are scheduled to operate additional flights to allow stranded UAE residents to return to the country. For details of available flights and points of origins, please contact Etihad, Emirates, and flydubai airlines directly.
Returning residents must request and be approved for return by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship before arriving into the country. Please visit this website to request a permit.
There may be different rules for return depending on which Emirate you are a resident of. Please consult local UAE authorities for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Is the U.S. government organizing a charter flight from the United Arab Emirates to the United States?
No, presently the U.S. government has no plans to organize repatriation flights from the UAE to the United States. Emirates and Etihad airlines flights are the best options for U.S. citizens and U.S. LPRs to return to the United States.
– How do I schedule a flight to the United States?
Identify a Flight Departing the UAE: Ideally, identify a non-stop flight to the United States. Due to current travel restrictions for Americans in Europe and other locations, the easiest way to return to the US is to take a direct flight. There are transit options available in select European countries, though they may be limited. Please review the restrictions at any transit airports before purchasing your ticket.
– Are American Citizens, LPRs, and others arriving the United States from Europe (including the United Kingdom and Germany) allowed to enter at this time?
Restrictions on entry into the United States related to the March 11 and March 14 Presidential Proclamations do not apply to American Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, and certain other travelers. Further details regarding the Proclamation and exceptions for certain travelers can be found here.
– Do I need a letter from the U.S. Consulate or Embassy to purchase a ticket or board the flight?
You do not need a letter from the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, U.S. Consulate General in Dubai, or a letter from authorities of the country you will transit to make your reservation. To avoid miscommunication on documentation or letters needed, and for ease, book directly on the airlines’ website.
– Can you book the flight for me?
The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate cannot assist with contacting airlines, arranging onward travel, or negotiating the use of funds from any pre-existing itineraries. If booking tickets by telephone, you must clearly state that you are transiting through Europe or Asia, that your final destination is the United States, and that you will have a purchased ticket from your transit location to the United States at the time of boarding in the UAE.
– Can I book my luggage or pets all the way through?
You must contact individual airlines to review rules and regulations regarding pets and luggage. You should be mindful that airlines may not be able to transfer checked baggage between flights operated by different airlines or purchased separately. Contact your connecting airline for details.
– Will I be required to self-quarantine when I arrive in the United States?
The Center for Disease Control requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, who have been in the Schengen Area, or any CDC Level 3 country, 14 days prior to arrival in the United States to self-quarantine for 14 days. Travelers can review CDC guidelines here. The Department of State does not endorse any private company and assumes no responsibility or liability for services provided by private companies.
– After a flight, while transiting through a country en route to/from the United States, am I able to leave the airport?
Since each country may have differing rules, please reach out directly to the airport you are transiting through for specific information. You may also consult the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that transit area for additional information.