UK removes ‘do not travel’ warnings for Dubai and several Middle Eastern countries

The UK government has relaxed its travel advisories for some Middle Eastern countries, making it easier for holidaymakers to visit popular destinations such as Dubai.

The British Foreign Office (FCDO) has released new travel advice for many countries after the US and Iran announced they had signed a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.

The FCDO says it no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. An advisory against all but essential travel can invalidate travel insurance, so lifting the advice will make trips to the region simpler for many travellers.

The FCDO has also lifted “all but essential travel” advisories for Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, as well as advisories for the Eastern Province and Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia.

This comes weeks after the travel advice changed for Jordan, another country that is popular with tourists.

All travel to Iran, Syria and Yemen is still advised against.

The FCDO has released a statement for Middle Eastern countries following the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to end the war in the region.

It says that “the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice”.

If hostilities continue, it advises British nationals to read the document titled “If you’re affected by a crisis abroad”, follow advice from local authorities, and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.

It also advises that if the conflict resumes, British nationals should 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.”

This advice is the same or similar across the FCDO travel advice pages for countries affected by the Middle East conflict.

Where the FCDO has removed ‘all but essential travel’ warnings today

UAE
Bahrain
Qatar
Kuwait
Eastern Province and Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia (the FCDO continues to advise against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen, and all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen)