The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has made clear that its travel advice for the UAE remains unchanged despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. The decision comes as US military strikes on Iran continue, with nine consecutive days of bombardment as of Monday, 20 July 2026.
Contrary to some expectations, the FCDO's guidance still advises against 'all but essential travel' for British nationals. This stance has been maintained since the update issued on 18 June 2026, when the warning was downgraded from a full advisory. The removal of this warning has allowed travel insurance policies to become valid again for trips to popular UAE destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
While the FCDO's formal advisory against non-essential travel remains in place, they continue to caution that "the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice." To stay safe, British nationals are advised to review the FCDO's 'crisis abroad' document, adhere to local authority instructions, and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts. The Iranian regime had previously indicated intentions to target US and Israel-linked locations in the Gulf, including civilian infrastructure such as ports, hotels, and airports.
Commercial flights between the UK and the UAE have resumed, and package holidays are likely to operate as usual. However, travellers should check their individual insurance policies to confirm validity. If FCDO advice were to change back to advising against all travel, customers with package holidays would typically be entitled to a full refund without penalty.
The FCDO's stance provides reassurance for the thousands of Britons who visit the UAE annually, but the underlying regional tensions highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared for potential changes in circumstances.