The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the latest escalation in the US-Iran conflict, which included strikes on Dubai. As of Monday, 20 July 2026, the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, meaning British holidaymakers can travel to Dubai without invalidating their travel insurance.
Background of the Conflict
The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iranian targets in February 2026, prompting Iran to retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz and striking sites across the Middle East, including Dubai. Since then, the US has conducted nine consecutive days of strikes on Iranian sites after a short-term ceasefire collapsed earlier in July. Despite these escalations, the FCDO's advice for the UAE has remained unchanged since it removed the "all but essential travel" warning on 18 June 2026.
What This Means for British Travellers
The FCDO warns that "the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice." British nationals are advised to read the FCDO's crisis abroad document, follow local authority guidance, and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts. If conflict resumes, travellers should avoid areas near security or military facilities, keep departure plans and travel documents up to date, and remain indoors if told to take shelter.
Travel Insurance and Package Holidays
Since the FCDO no longer advises against non-essential travel, travel insurance policies are likely to be valid for new bookings. However, insurance may be invalidated if travellers go against FCDO advice. Package holidays are expected to operate as usual, and travellers generally cannot cancel for a refund unless the FCDO advises against all travel, in which case a full refund is available without penalty.
