The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to UAE
Dubai Marina with view of the skyline(Image: mdgomes/Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has issued updates for a number of countries including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Further guidance regarding regional escalation in the Middle East has been shared. 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. 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 you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to UAE.
If you are leaving UAE, you should check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel. If you are traveling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.
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.”
Due to the ongoing security situation, as a precautionary measure the Foreign Office have decided to temporarily withdraw the dependents of British Embassy staff from the United Arab Emirates. Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate as normal.
US President Donald Trump believes the war with Iran is “close” to over. Mr Trump told the Fox Business Network he viewed the conflict as nearing completion and said Iran was keen to make a deal.
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.
You should check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. You should renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.