The Foreign Office has officially changed its advice for Brits wanting to head to Dubai. For the last few months, those heading to the UAE from the UK have faced major travel disruptions due to conflict in the Middle East, with flights grounded and many airlines suspending services across the region following drone strikes. Because of this, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) had been advising against all but essential travel since March. However, certain restrictions are now beginning to ease after the US and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement.
What Does the Foreign Office Advice Say?
As of June 18, the government has updated its travel guidance and downgraded its warning. The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. This means if you were to travel there now, your travel insurance would not be invalidated. Despite this, it has warned that there is still some risk involved in travelling there. A message on the website reads: ‘The situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice.’
What Should Brits Do If Hostilities Resume?
Before travelling, make sure to read the UK government’s guidance on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis. You’ll also want to follow advice from local authorities, monitor local and international media for the latest information, and sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts. Travel experts warn you should also stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and keep your departure plans under review, ensuring all travel documents are up to date. If at any point you are advised to take shelter, the Foreign Office says: ‘Stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.’
Are Airlines Flying to Dubai?
While flights will resume now that the do not travel advice has changed, some airlines won’t be so quick to restart their services. Virgin Atlantic, for instance, previously suspended all flights to the UAE until winter 2027, and a spokesperson has confirmed this remains the case. British Airways also doesn’t plan to resume its flights to the UAE until at least October 2026. However, Emirates, an airline owned by the government of Dubai, is operating flights.
