Need to know
Travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against the FCDO’s advice
UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance for tourists heading to Dubai(Image: Getty Images)
What you need to know before travelling to Dubai:
- The Foreign Office has issued updates for a number of countries including United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Guidance regarding regional escalation in the Middle East has been shared, which 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. The Foreign Office currently advises that people stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and US or Israeli-linked locations.
- Guidance said: “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.”
- If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. It is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE.
- The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to UAE. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- The Foreign Office warned: “Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”
- To enter the UAE, your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive. If you have a residence permit, your passport’s expiry date must be at least three monthS after the date you arrive in the UAE. If you’re travelling through the UAE and not passing through immigration, your passport must have an expiry date at least three months after the date you will transit.
Read the full story: UK Foreign Office updates guidance for tourists heading to Dubai