Pre-clear U.S. immigration in Abu Dhabi and enjoy your vacation

In partnership with Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the only airline in the Middle East to offer U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance, fast-tracking your arrival in the United States.

Fly to the USA via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, and avoid Stateside immigration queues. The fast-track facility at Zayed International Airport lets you clear U.S. immigration and customs inspections before you board your flight in Abu Dhabi.  

Fly to any destination in the U.S. with Etihad, including New York, Washington, Boston and Chicago, and breeze through customs with CBP Preclearance.

Where does Etihad Airways fly in the U.S.?

Etihad currently flies from Abu Dhabi to Boston, Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Washington. Flights to Charlotte are launching in May 2026.
 
The UAE flag carrier operates a modern and comfortable fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It has an excellent reputation for luxury, outstanding onboard service and is often noted for its attention to detail.

The airline also offers stopover packages in Abu Dhabi, where you can opt-in and get a free two nights to experience the hospitality of the UAE's glittering capital before you fly on to the U.S.

New York

Slip on your sneakers because the city that never sleeps is best explored on foot. Once you've ticked off the big ones - the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Rockerfella Centre or The Edge - there’s so much more to keep you busy. There’s art, culture and jaw-dropping architecture around every block, from The Met, MoMA and the Guggenheim to the kid-friendly Museum of Natural History. Plus, there’s endless entertainment, from the bright lights of Broadway to dimly lit jazz bars. You’ll never run out of options.

Chicago

The Windy City blends big-city attractions with equally big lakeside beaches, plus plenty of lush green spaces and iconic cuisine (deep-pan pizza, anyone?) Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk for iconic riverside views, or enjoy an easy-going cruise on Lake Michigan from Navy Pier. Don't miss world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum, and make time after dark for top-class entertainment. There are countless live theatre performances at hundreds of venues across the city, plus legendary live comedy and live music. Chicago was the birthplace of electric blues.

Boston

Dip into the history of the American Revolution at the Tea Party Ships & Museum, or take a stroll past historic landmarks on the Freedom Trail. Boston is full of fascinating attractions, and it’s easy to explore this city on foot. It's also a friendly city, with a host of vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Explore international cuisine, from Italian to Vietnamese, but don’t miss Boston's famed seafood restaurants and the locally-sourced lobster and clams.

Washington, DC

Washington, DC is rich in history and culture, with countless photo opportunities in front of iconic buildings and well-known monuments. From the White House and the Lincoln Memorial to dozens of free museums, there’s plenty to see and do. The Smithsonian has 11 museums along the National Mall in DC, plus six more and a zoo nearby. There are also beautiful green spaces, including the 2,100-acre Rock Creek Park, with hiking and biking trails. And DC has a dining scene to rival any foodie city, from international flavours to innovative fine dining experiences.

Atlanta

The birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr, Atlanta played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Explore this history and more at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a museum and human rights organisation. The state capital of Georgia has plenty to offer, including a thriving arts scene, a rising culinary scene, and plenty of Southern hospitality. Seek out some authentic Southern soul food, or find some excellent international cuisine that reflects the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. And be sure to visit the High Museum of Art, a modern building home to around 19,000 works of art.

What is U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance?

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance is a speedy way to complete customs and immigration checks before you arrive in the United States.

At Zayed International Airport, US border officers will check and process you and your luggage, so you can relax and enjoy your flight knowing you'll skip long queues when you arrive in the U.S. Instead, you can head directly to your connecting flight or on to your final destination.

Fast-track U.S. immigration

How does U.S. CBP Preclearance work?

You’ll need to arrive at the CBP Preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi two hours before your flight (or 90 minutes if you're travelling in Business, First, or The Residence). Here, your paperwork, passport and other data will be checked. 

To make it even faster, download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app and submit your travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information online.

Once you're cleared, relax in the airside café or pick up a bargain in the duty-free shop. If you’re in The Residence, First, or Business class, or have Platinum or Emerald Etihad Guest status, you can enjoy the U.S. Preclearance Lounge.

The biggest benefit of preclearance is a stress-free arrival in the U.S. You’ll skip the long immigration queues and start enjoying your trip without delay.

Fast-track U.S. immigration

FAQs

The preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport is available for passengers on all Etihad Airways flights to the U.S.  

However, if you’re arriving from or have been in Rwanda in the past 21 days, you will not be permitted to travel to Boston or use the U.S. CBP Preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi. You will be booked on an alternative itinerary and will need to clear customs at an approved airport in the U.S.

The MPC app is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA.

Yes, you can submit information for up to 12 family members (including yourself) on one device, and everyone in your group will be seen by the same CBP officer, together.

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