Etihad Airways is now letting nationals from six Muslim-majority countries affected by the U.S. travel ban board flights to the United States 🇺🇸, as long as they have valid travel documents and meet strict U.S. entry rules. This change, effective July 28, 2025, follows new U.S. Supreme Court and State Department guidance and affects travelers from Iran 🇮🇷, Libya 🇱🇾, Somalia 🇸🇴, Sudan 🇸🇩, Syria 🇸🇾, and Yemen 🇾🇪.
The policy update comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 21, 2025, to keep part of the travel ban in place. The U.S. State Department now requires visa applicants from these countries to prove they have a close family relationship in the United States 🇺🇸 or formal ties to a U.S. entity. Etihad Airways says it will allow these passengers to board flights to the United States 🇺🇸 if they have all the right documents. However, final approval depends on checks by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Abu Dhabi preclearance facility.
Key Details for Travelers
- Who can board? Only nationals from Iran 🇮🇷, Libya 🇱🇾, Somalia 🇸🇴, Sudan 🇸🇩, Syria 🇸🇾, and Yemen 🇾🇪 with valid U.S. visas and required documents can board Etihad Airways flights to the United States 🇺🇸.
- What are the requirements? Passengers must show they have a close family member in the United States 🇺🇸 (like a parent, spouse, child, or sibling) or a formal connection to a U.S. entity, such as a job offer or university admission.
- Where does screening happen? All passengers go through U.S. CBP preclearance at Abu Dhabi airport before boarding. This means U.S. officers check documents and eligibility before travelers even get on the plane.
- When did this start? The new policy took effect July 28, 2025, following the Supreme Court’s July 21, 2025, decision.
- Why is this happening? The U.S. government wants to control who enters the country from these six nations, citing security concerns. Etihad Airways is following U.S. law and official guidance.
Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Passengers
- Check if you qualify: Make sure you have a close U.S. family member or a formal tie to a U.S. entity. The U.S. State Department has a list of who counts as a close family member.
- Get your documents: You need a valid U.S. visa and a passport that’s good for at least six months after your planned travel date. You can find visa information and application forms on the U.S. State Department website.
- Book your flight: Reserve your ticket with Etihad Airways. Double-check that your documents are in order before you pay.
- Go to Abu Dhabi airport: Arrive early for your flight. You’ll go through U.S. CBP preclearance, where officers will check your documents and ask questions.
- Board your flight: If U.S. officers approve you, you can board the plane to the United States 🇺🇸.
- If denied: If you don’t meet the requirements or are turned away by U.S. officers, Etihad Airways offers flexible options. You can reschedule, get a credit, or request a refund.
Recent Regional Disruptions
Etihad Airways and other airlines in the United Arab Emirates have faced challenges due to regional tensions. In June 2025, Etihad and others suspended flights to places like Iran 🇮🇷, Iraq, Syria 🇸🇾, and Israel 🇮🇱 because of airspace closures after U.S. military actions. However, flights from Abu Dhabi to the United States 🇺🇸 are still running for eligible passengers. The airline warns that the situation can change quickly, and more disruptions could happen with little notice.
Security and Airline Operations
The United States 🇺🇸 has put in place new security measures for all flights coming from the region. These include extra screening at airports to avoid expanding the ban on carrying electronics in the cabin. Etihad Airways continues to fly to six U.S. cities, accepting eligible passengers from the six listed countries. Emirates, another major airline, is also operating U.S. flights as normal, following similar rules.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Views
Etihad Airways says it will keep accepting eligible travelers from the six countries, but only if they pass U.S. preclearance checks. The U.S. State Department sets the rules for who can enter, and the Supreme Court’s decision keeps the partial travel ban in place. UAE authorities are watching the regional security situation and working with airlines to keep flights safe.
Aviation experts warn that ongoing tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and Iran 🇮🇷 could cause more problems for air travel in the region. Still, for now, U.S.-bound flights from Abu Dhabi for eligible passengers are not affected. The UAE government has called for calm and wants to avoid more travel disruptions. Travel industry analysts say the Abu Dhabi preclearance system adds an extra layer of security and helps make sure only those who meet U.S. requirements can board.
Background and Context
The U.S. travel ban on certain Muslim-majority countries has been in place in different forms since 2017. It has changed over the years, with court cases and new rules. The latest Supreme Court decision in July 2025 keeps the ban for most people from the six countries but allows exceptions for those with close family or formal U.S. ties. Etihad Airways has always followed U.S. rules, changing its boarding and document checks as needed.
Looking Ahead
There could be more changes if the region becomes less stable or if new U.S. policies are announced. Both U.S. and UAE officials are watching the situation closely and may update travel rules or security steps if needed. For now, no new U.S. travel restrictions have been announced since July 28, 2025.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Check your eligibility and documents before booking. Make sure you meet U.S. entry rules and have all the right paperwork.
- Watch for flight updates. Because of regional instability, flights can change or be canceled quickly.
- Contact Etihad Airways or your travel agent for the latest information. They can help with rescheduling or refunds if your travel is affected.
- Stay informed. Follow updates from official sources like the U.S. State Department and Etihad Airways.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Etihad Airways’ policy gives some hope to travelers from the six affected countries, but the process remains strict and can change quickly. The Abu Dhabi preclearance system means travelers know before boarding if they will be allowed into the United States 🇺🇸, reducing the risk of being turned away after a long flight.
In summary, Etihad Airways is now boarding eligible nationals from the six U.S.-ban countries for flights to the United States 🇺🇸, as long as they meet all U.S. entry requirements and pass preclearance in Abu Dhabi. The situation is still changing, so travelers should stay alert, keep their plans flexible, and check for updates often. For more details on U.S. preclearance and entry requirements, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance page.
Learn Today
Etihad Airways → A major UAE airline operating international flights, now allowing certain nationals to fly to the U.S. with restrictions.
U.S. travel ban → Restrictions imposed on travelers from specified countries to enter the United States for security reasons.
Abu Dhabi preclearance → A U.S. Customs process in Abu Dhabi airport that vets passengers before boarding U.S.-bound flights.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → Federal agency responsible for border security, including passport and visa checks at entry points.
U.S. State Department → U.S. government agency handling foreign affairs and issuing visa policies and guidance to travelers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Etihad Airways now allows eligible nationals from six Muslim-majority countries banned by the U.S. to board flights. They must have valid documents and pass U.S. CBP preclearance at Abu Dhabi. This policy, effective July 28, 2025, follows the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and new State Department requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
