The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has lifted its travel advisory warning against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, as part of a series of updates to travel advice for 14 countries including Turkey and Cyprus.
Background of the Travel Ban
The FCDO had maintained a warning against all but essential travel to the UAE since March, owing to the ongoing Middle East War, after the UAE was hit by missile and drone strikes at the beginning of the conflict.
Reason for Lifting the Ban
This week, the US and Iran announced a 'memorandum of understanding', prompting the Foreign Office to update its advice and lift the travel bans in place for Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Stark Warning Remains
Despite the lifting of the ban, the government body issued a stark warning for Brits. In an update on 'regional tensions', it states: "The US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice."
Advice for British Nationals
Should hostilities resume, British nationals are advised to:
- Read the guidance on how to prepare for a crisis, including emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis
- Follow advice from local authorities
- Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
- Monitor local and international media for the latest information
- Stay away from areas around security or military facilities
- Keep departure plans under review and ensure travel documents are up to date
- If advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with few external walls or windows may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure
The FCDO added: "Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel. This included US or Israeli-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."
