Last updated: 4 Jun 2026
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
About
| From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. In recent years, the country has rocketed to the forefront of the international tourism stakes. | |
| Capital: | Abu Dhabi City (AUH) |
| Currency: | UAE Dirham (AED) |
| Language: | Arabic. English is widely understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 971 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +4 hours (2 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | November – April |
| Best For: | Shopping |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but is provided due to desalination therefore visitors may preferred bottled water. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | United Arab Emirates is a liberal Islamic country and foreign women can dress as they like, but should dress more conservatively when out in public areas (shoulders and knees covered). Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Public displays of affection should be avoided. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. [Note: in Sharjah, women are not allowed to wear bathing suits in public] |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality and adultery are illegal. Non-married couples are not allowed to share hotel rooms, although this is rarely enforced. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours (visitors are excluded from this but should do so in private). Drug trafficking carries severe penalties (certain medications are banned; please check before travelling with over-the-counter or prescription medication). |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | If you are travelling with medication, it should be noted that certain medications are not allowed in the country even with a prescription. Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into the United Arab Emirates without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 500g of tobacco. • 4L of wine or spirits or 24 cans of beer. • Goods to the value of AED3,000. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics, goods from boycotted countries (eg Israel), ivory, rhino horn, gambling devices, original engravings, prints or sculptures, any immoral publications or media contradicting Islamic teachings, counterfeit currency, and cooked or homemade food. If you are planning to carry medication into the country, check with your embassy in advance, as some common, over-the-counter medicines that are freely available elsewhere in the world are prohibited in the UAE. Penalties are severe - you could go to prison if you’re caught. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Pre-Columbian articles, marine products, unprocessed coral or turtle shells. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays: See UAE
Visa Requirements
VISAS ARE REQUIRED BY SA PASSPORT HOLDERS.
** 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/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
