In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the UAE, Etihad Airways has mandated passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi to wear a medically-approved tracking wristband during their 14 days of compulsory home quarantine. Authorities at Abu Dhabi International Airport will be providing the tracking wristband to all residents and visitors arriving at the Emirate from all countries with the UAE's flagship carrier.

As per the latest COVID-19-related travel guidelines on the Etihad Airways website, passengers are required to self-isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival in Abu Dhabi. In addition, they will be required to wear a medically-approved wristband for the duration of your quarantine.

"The wristband will be provided by the authorities at Abu Dhabi Airport after you clear immigration," Etihad Airways said in the guidelines.

Those passengers holding a diplomatic passport or are under the age of 18, over the age of 60, or suffering from a chronic disease, will be exempted from having to wear the wristband.

At the same time, passengers travelling from any country that the UAE considers to be under a higher risk of COVID-19 maybe subjected to stay in quarantine at a government facility. Travellers are also required to complete a form agreeing to the self-isolation norms and contribute to the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the UAE.

These guidelines have been issued in addition to the pre-existing norms of mandatory thermal screening and COVID-19 PCR testing upon arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport. Passengers are also required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test before flying with Etihad Airways. Children under the age of 12 have been exempted from taking the test.

COVID-19 test has to be carried out at any government accredited medical facility maximum of 96 hours before the flight departure time. However, timings can vary depending on the country from where the passenger is arriving in Abu Dhabi.

"Timings will differ if you are flying to China or select destinations. Guests departing Pakistan and India must use an Etihad approved medical facility," the airline added.