United Arab Emirates Travel Risk Level

Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on March 2. Advisory summary was updated . Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict and terrorism. Advisory Summary On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government family members to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices . Local laws Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional in

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). FCDO advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Register your presence With commercial flights resuming to the UK from United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), we are pausing our ‘register your interest in flights from UAE ’ scheme. If you are still in UAE and need to get back to the UK, please check availability with the commercial airlines. You can still register your presence if you are in UAE for further updates. Regional escalation Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This includes US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and US or Israeli-linked locations. Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports, have decreased. However, the risk of renewed strikes remains, and further attacks could occur at short notice. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information. Read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK this includes suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies. Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts . Shelter in place If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection. Limit your movements to essentia