The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has lifted its advisory against all but essential travel to the UAE, updating its guidance on 18 June following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding relating to the conflict in the Middle East.
The change marks a meaningful shift in the FCDO’s posture toward the Gulf. Prior to a ceasefire on April 8, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel, including US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Iran had also previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region, including ports, hotels, energy facilities and airports.
The FCDO notes the situation remains unpredictable and that hostilities could resume at short notice. British nationals in the UAE are advised to monitor local and international media, keep travel documents current, and stay away from areas near security or military facilities.
Should hostilities resume, the office advises people to seek shelter indoors, ideally in an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls and windows as possible. It notes the principal risk comes from falling debris caused by intercepts rather than direct strikes.
The FCDO’s travel advisory covers the full UAE and is updated in real time. Travellers can sign up for email alerts via the GOV.UK page.
