Britain has lifted its “do not travel” advice for Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates following the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
UK relaxes UAE travel warning after US-Iran agreement
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the move follows the announcement of a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict.
However, it warned the situation “remains unpredictable” and said attacks could resume at short notice.
The updated guidance means Britons travelling to the UAE will no longer risk invalidating their travel insurance by visiting against official advice.
More than 1.4 million Britons visited Dubai last year, making it one of the UK’s most popular long-haul holiday destinations.
The conflict left thousands of travellers stranded across the Middle East after airlines suspended services to major regional hubs.
Travel industry body ABTA welcomed the change, saying government travel advice is a key factor in holidaymakers’ confidence.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said many people had delayed booking summer breaks because of uncertainty over the conflict, adding the revised advice should help boost demand.
Despite the easing of restrictions, some airlines have yet to restore flights.
Virgin Atlantic said its suspension of Dubai services until the winter 2027 schedule remains unchanged, while British Airways is not expected to resume flights to the UAE until October. Emirates has continued operating flights throughout the conflict.
The Foreign Office has also lifted its advice against travel to Qatar and most parts of Saudi Arabia, although it continues to warn travellers to monitor the security situation closely.
The FCDO continues to advise travellers to check the latest guidance before departure, as the security situation across the Middle East could change rapidly.
Holidaymakers are also urged to stay in contact with their airline, as some carriers continue to operate reduced schedules despite the easing of travel advice.