The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is among the Middle Eastern countries that have had their “all but essential travel” advisory lifted amid the US and Iran announcing a memorandum of understanding.
The country, popular among tourists for its ultra-modern cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has been subjected to travel advisories for months following the outbreak of war between Iran and the US.
The temporary closure of Middle Eastern airspace in March grounded flights and severely disrupted travel to the UAE after a series of strikes were reported.
Flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the UK resumed, but a travel advisory remained in place as the conflict continued.
On Thursday, 18 June, the UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) announced that this advisory was lifted. This comes as a memorandum of understanding aims to stop the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It also outlines plans for the financing of Iran’s recovery, sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds.
Here’s the latest travel advice for the UAE, plus all the key questions and answers.
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Is it safe to travel to the UAE?
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, but warns that “the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice”.
What is the government’s advice?
The FCDO is still displaying advice for people should any hostilities resume.
It says that British nationals should read the “if you are affected by a crisis abroad” document, follow advice from local authorities and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.
It also advises that if conflict resumes, to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans and travel documents up to date and stay indoors if they are advised to take shelter.
“Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel,” the FCDO added.
“This included US-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Iran has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”
Are flights going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Commercial flights to the UK from the UAE have resumed.
Emirates said in an update: “We continue to monitor the situation and are working to offer our customers even more flight options and connections.”
Customers will be rebooked on the next available Emirates flight in the event of travel disruption.
Those who booked flights from 2 April will also be offered “one complimentary date change, across all cabins”, said the airline.
Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline that has seats available.
Will it be easier to book a holiday to the UAE now?
As the FCDO no longer warns against non-essential travel to the UAE, your travel insurance is likely to be valid if you now decide to book a trip. Your travel insurance is at risk of being invalidated if you travel against advice from FCDO. However, it is important to check individual policies.
Package holidays are likely to start operating as usual. There are currently no grounds for travellers to expect a refund if they cancel, nor to claim the money back through travel insurance.
If FCDO advice changes to advising against all travel, you can cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund.