Summary

COVID-19 entry restrictions for the United Arab Emirates

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for the UAE’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

Travelling from and returning to the UK

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

Following the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the country is observing a period of mourning until 22 June. Residents and visitors to the UAE should show respect during this time. As a mark of respect, the British Embassy offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be closed from 13 May to 16 May and re-open on 17 May 2022. If you are a British citizen and require urgent assistance during this time, please call 02 610 1100 or 04 309 4444.

A number of missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones) have been launched into the UAE from Yemen in 2022, targeting infrastructure and high profile locations, some of which are in populated areas. The vast majority of these missiles and drones have been intercepted and destroyed but there have been a small number of casualties. On 17 January 2022, the UAE authorities confirmed a Houthi attack on civilian facilities in Abu Dhabi, which caused the death of three civilians. On 24 January 2022, the UAE authorities announced that their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties. On 31 January 2022, the UAE authorities announced their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties.

Further attacks are very likely. In the event of any incidents, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Safety and Security and Terrorism.

There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.

If you’re planning travel to the United Arab Emirates, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

Around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. See Terrorism

If you’re planning to travel with prescribed or over the counter medicines for personal use, you’ll need to meet the UAE’s specific requirements for your medicine to be allowed into the country. See Medication

The UAE is a Muslim country. Laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK. See Local laws and customs

You can contact the emergency services by calling 999 (police), 997 (fire) or 998 (ambulance).

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.