Did you know? Tourists visiting the UAE in the year 2023 would be in excess of 24 million, and a significant percentage of them would be transferred to and from the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi during their tour.
The questions that are mostly asked by tourists who visit Dubai are as follows: Is it possible to visit Abu Dhabi, in comparison with Dubai, with complete ease? The good news is that you do not have any restrictions related to short-distance travel by moving between Dubai and Abu Dhabi; nevertheless, a couple of notes concerning the documentation, transport and newly established travel rules do occur. Before you decide to take a trip between the two cities, here is what you should know.
Travel Rules Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The border restrictions do not exist between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The two cities belong to the UAE itself, and because you have a valid visa, you will not have to go through any problem with transferring between the two cities.
Earlier, COVID-19 checkpoints in travel and COVID-19 testing restrictions existed, but they were dropped in 2025.
Entry Requirements for Tourists
Tourists can enter Abu Dhabi from Dubai if they:
- Hold a valid UAE tourist visa
- Coming legally to the UAE through one of the ports (land, air and sea)
- Follow local laws and customs
No additional visa is required to move between cities. Your tourist visa in the UAE is valid in all the Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi.
Documents Tourists Must Carry
When a tourist is travelling to Abu Dhabi, they should take along:
- Original passport
- Copy of UAE tourist visa or e-visa printout
- Hotel booking confirmation (if staying overnight)
- Valid ID (such as Emirates ID, if applicable)
These are not required at checkpoints, but it is a good idea to carry them around wherever you go, when you ideally want to stay in a hotel or get through a security check.
Transportation Options
There are several convenient ways of travelling between the two cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi for tourists:
- Bus: Cost-effective means of transport at Al Ghubaiba bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
- Taxi: Comfortable and direct, costing around AED 250
- Private car hire: Services like Careem or Uber
- Self-drive rental cars
The buses operate at 30-minute intervals and require about 2 hours.
Border Checkpoints and Inspections
There are no extra controls, but random checks can take place. Always work with the authorities and have your identification and other travel papers on you, just in case.
Day Trips vs. Overnight Stay Rules
Both day trips and overnight stays are allowed. When you plan to spend a night here, do be sure that your hotel reservation in Abu Dhabi is fully confirmed, and you can bring along your passport and visa there to check in. In some of the luxury hotels, a copy of your visa and entry stamp may be required.
Entry Permission for GCC Residents
The non-citizens of the UAE, which include those members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have to bear:
- A valid UAE visa or permit.
- Residency visa in one of the GCC countries (in case of arriving from outside the GCC countries).
But one does not really need a special license to reach Abu Dhabi in case you are already in Dubai and are already on a valid visa.
Tourist Entry Rules at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
| Visa Needed to Enter Abu Dhabi | No (UAE visa covers all Emirates) |
| Documents to Carry | Passport, visa, and hotel booking |
| Transportation Options | Bus, taxi, rental, Uber/Careem |
| Border Checkpoints | None (random checks possible) |
| Travel Time | ~2 hours by car |
| Can Stay Overnight | Yes, with hotel booking |
Conclusion
The key city where tourists can simply access Abu Dhabi without any special entry permit is Dubai. Just bring with you your basic travel documents in the form of a UAE visa, which is fine, provided you have an authentic one. Abu Dhabi is an ideal day out or weekend away trip by taxi or bus, and transportation in Abu Dhabi is great. The attractions are world-class, and there is no hassle of getting in.