United Arab Emirates Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to the United Arab Emirates is operating overall, including international flights through Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, Iranian-airline flights to and from the UAE have been suspended until further notice, while regional armed-conflict risks mean flight routes and security conditions can change at short notice.

Dubai remains open

Dubai International Airport remains operational and Dubai continues to receive international visitors. The current regional aviation restrictions do not amount to a general closure of Dubai or the UAE.

Abu Dhabi remains open

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi continues to operate international services. Travellers should check individual airline schedules because some foreign airlines continue to operate reduced Middle East schedules.

Iranian airline suspension

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE from 24 September until further notice.

Other UAE flights continue

The Iranian-airline suspension does not mean UAE airports or the country’s entire aviation network are closed. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and numerous international airlines continue operating services.

Regional airspace

Regional security developments can affect flight routes even when UAE airports remain open. Airlines may reroute, delay or cancel services if airspace conditions change.

Security situation

The current U.S. travel advisory places the UAE at Level 3: Reconsider Travel because of terrorism and armed-conflict risks. It cites an ongoing threat of missile and drone attacks connected to the regional conflict.

Visa requirements

UAE visa requirements depend on nationality. Some visitors receive visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, while others must obtain a visa before travelling.

Passport validity

Visitors generally need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Different requirements can apply to UAE residents.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi transit

International transit through Dubai and Abu Dhabi continues. Passengers connecting through the UAE should nevertheless check both their incoming and onward flights because regional route changes can affect connections.

Oman border

The UAE has several land-border crossings with Oman. Travellers should make sure their visa or immigration status permits the intended overland journey and check vehicle insurance requirements when driving.

Saudi Arabia border

Overland travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is possible through authorized crossings. Travellers must meet Saudi immigration and visa requirements separately.

Local laws

The UAE has strict laws concerning drugs, public behaviour, photography, online activity and other conduct. Visitors remain subject to UAE law even when behaviour may be legal in their home country.

Iranian airline flights suspended

On 24 September, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE until further notice.

UAE airports remain operational

The Iranian flight restriction is targeted and does not represent a closure of UAE airports. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other UAE airports continue handling international traffic.

Regional aviation remains sensitive

Some international airlines continue to operate altered or reduced schedules to the Gulf following earlier conflict-related airspace disruption.

Security advisory remains elevated

The current U.S. advisory remains Level 3: Reconsider Travel because of terrorism and armed-conflict risks.

Regional conditions can change quickly

Travellers should continue checking airline and official aviation information because changes to regional airspace can affect UAE flights with little notice.

Check your airline, passport and UAE visa requirements before departure.

Confirm your flight directly with the operating airline, particularly if your itinerary involves Iran or another country affected by current regional aviation restrictions.

Do not assume that the suspension of Iranian airlines means Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports are closed. Most UAE international aviation continues to operate.

If connecting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi, check both sectors of your journey shortly before departure because regional airspace changes can affect connecting flights.

If travelling overland to Oman or Saudi Arabia, check the immigration, visa and vehicle requirements for the country you are entering.

Monitor official security information and follow instructions from UAE authorities if missile, drone or other emergency warnings are issued.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.