See United Arab Emirates#Get in for visa requirements. Most travellers can visit for at least 30 days with a visa-on-arrival as long as your passport is valid for 6 months from the date of arrival, however there are exceptions and you should always check the latest information.

Nationalities not approved for visa-on-arrival are required to apply for a visa in advance. You will require sponsorship by an Emirati airline, hotel or tour operator to be able to apply for a visa. All UAE airlines offer visa services when you fly with them. Travel agents and hotels can also arrange a tourist visa for you.

Transit visas, if required, are sponsored by the airlines. They are free if you are staying less than 48 hours or at a cost of 150 dirhams for up to 96 hours

Remote check-in desks at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Al-Mina or Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (daily 9AM-8PM) are available for those flying with Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Egyptair and WizzAir. As of November 2023, city check-in costs 35 dirhams for adults, 25 dirhams for children aged 12 years old and below and 15 dirhams for infants aged two years old and below. City check-in is available between 24 and 4 hours before your flight.

A city check-in facility was previously also operated in downtown Abu Dhabi. This facility, known as the City Terminal, resembled an airport terminal building with lounge and transport facilities. After having checked in at the City Terminal, travellers could arrive at the airport just one hour before the departure of their flight. This facility closed in October 2019.

Other city check-in facilities operated by Etihad Airways in Dubai (at the Etihad Travel Mall, near Noor Bank metro station and at the Mazaya Center) have also closed.

Zayed International Airport features a United States border pre-clearance facility, meaning that passengers flying to select U.S. destinations will go through the U.S. customs and immigration control before getting on the plane, and will be treated as domestic passengers upon arrival in the U.S. It is one of just three such airports outside North America (the other two being Dublin and Shannon airports in Ireland).

Travellers whose flights to the U.S. qualify should head to Gate F (near Gate B10) at least 75 minutes before the flight, from where a shuttle bus service will transfer you to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. For premium class passengers there is a Lounge located post-clearance.

As of 15 November 2023, the only flights eligible for U.S. customs and immigration pre-clearance are:

• Flight EY101 to New York
• Flight EY131 to Washington

Al Ghazal taxis travel to the city at a flat rate of 75 dirham and take around 30–40 minutes.

Metered taxis are now allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. A trip into Abu Dhabi city center will cost 60–70 dirham. Metered taxis can also bring passengers to the airport. Expect long lines at the taxi stand during the evening and late night hours. The majority of taxis accept credit cards, you will be able to tell if the taxi takes card or not by looking at the meter – if the screen is blue, you can, but if the screen is orange, (an older style meter), you can’t.

Rates given by the airport as of November 2023 are:

If you are flying on Etihad, Emirates and some partner airlines, complimentary shuttle buses are provided at infrequent intervals to Dubai (Al-Wasl centre, 75-minute journey) and Al Ain (Club Tower, 90-minute journey). You should book these at least 24 hours in advance through this site.

Etihad first and business class passengers can take advantage of a complimentary chauffeur service using this link to and from anywhere in the UAE.

If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, the airport has a glut of car rental companies on site including both well known International chains and local enterprises. Many are open 24 hours a day and their offices are clustered on the Mezzanine level (Floor 1) in Terminal A.

The airport is located on the E10 highway.

Uber and local equivalent Careem are available at Abu Dhabi Airport.

• Etihad Business Class Lounge: Near Gate C27. Open 24 hours.
• Etihad First Class Lounge: Near Gate C27. Open 24 hours.
• Etihad U.S. Premium Lounge: After U.S. Immigration and Customs Pre-clearance. Open 10:30–23:30
• Diamond Lounge: Open 24 hours.
• Pearl Lounge: Level 4. Coming soon.

Standing at 22 metres tall and 17 metres wide, this 100-ton sculpture is comprised of 1632 curved glass panels and is the centrepiece of Terminal A. It is somewhat reminiscent in shape of the main hall of the old Terminal 1.

If you are terminating your journey in Abu Dhabi, non-Muslim adults can bring in four items of alcohol, e.g. four bottles of wine, or four bottles of spirits, or four cases of beer (regardless of alcohol content).

Complimentary strollers are available.

An online form is available for those who have left the airport. Within the terminal:

• Landside: Level 0 – Arrivals Concourse. Next to Left Luggage / Baggage Storage, near to Etisalat. Phone: +971-2-5572752
• Airside: Level 3 – Departures. Next to Le Club Duty Free are public toilets. Enter via the entrance on the left side just before the toilet. The Lost & Found office is located 20 meters away.

Be aware that the UAE takes a very strict line on medicines, with many common drugs, notably anything with containing codeine, diazepam (Valium) or dextromethorphan (Robitussin) being banned unless you have a notarized and authenticated doctor's prescription.

As of November 2023, the fixed rate for a porter is 30 dirhams (approx. $8.16 USD).

Available for a fee in the Pearl Lounge on Level 4.

There is an enclosed smoking room in each of the four piers.