There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect that family members may travel to the UAE.
Reconsider Travel to the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict.
Advisory Summary
U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks.
As of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in UAE.
Armed Conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.
Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Local laws
Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior drug possession traffic violations; financial crimes video recording officials, members of the public, infrastructure, or military activity. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest, fines, or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates.
If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for United Arab Emirates.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
