All country guides
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi City (AUH)
- Dialing Code
- + 971
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +4 hours
- Language
- Arabic. English is widely understood.
- Best Time to Go
- November - April
- Currency
- UAE Dirham (AED)
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
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but is provided due to desalination therefore visitors may prefer bottled water
- Respect to religious customs should be shown during the month of Ramadan
Last updated 25 September 2026
Visa Guide
Public Holidays
SEE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
- None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Tetanus
- Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Villa No 1 – 151, Cnr Jabal A Marfa Street & Al Niwayi Street, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: + 971 (02) 417 64 00
Email: abudhabi.dha@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/abudhabi/