Is it safe to travel to Dubai? Travel warnings, embassy contacts, and advice for stranded travellers
DO NOT TRAVEL — Level 4 Advisory
The US State Department, UK FCDO, and most Western governments have issued their highest-level travel warnings for UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. All non-essential travel to the Gulf region should be cancelled immediately.
The Iran crisis has fundamentally disrupted travel across the Gulf region. Iran's retaliatory missile strikes targeted UAE territory including areas near Dubai and Abu Dhabi, leading to the immediate suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), and airports across Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, and Gulf Air have cancelled all flights until further notice. Overflying of Iranian, Iraqi, and parts of Gulf airspace has been suspended by most international carriers.
Travellers currently stranded in the Gulf should contact their embassy immediately and register their presence. Oman, which has not been targeted, is the primary alternative departure point — several airlines are operating emergency flights from Muscat International Airport. Land border crossings into Oman from the UAE remain open but are experiencing severe congestion. Some travellers are routing through India (Mumbai, Delhi) or Jordan (Amman) as alternative exit points.
For those with upcoming travel booked, most airlines are offering free rebooking or full refunds for Gulf-region flights through March 2026. Travel insurance purchased before the conflict began should cover cancellation under war or civil unrest clauses — contact your provider promptly. Credit card travel protection may also apply. Monitor your government's travel advisory website and your airline's status page for the latest updates on flight resumptions.
US Embassy UAE (Abu Dhabi)
+971-2-414-2200
Emergency: +971-2-414-2500
UK Embassy UAE (Abu Dhabi)
+971-2-610-1100
Emergency: +44-20-7008-5000
US Embassy Bahrain
+973-1724-2700
Emergency: +973-1727-5532
US Embassy Qatar (Doha)
+974-4496-6000
Emergency: +974-4496-6000
UK Embassy Qatar (Doha)
+974-4496-2000
Emergency: +44-20-7008-5000
US Embassy Kuwait
+965-2259-1001
Emergency: +965-2259-1001
Canadian Embassy UAE
+971-2-694-0300
Emergency: +1-613-996-8885
Australian Embassy UAE
+971-2-401-7500
Emergency: +61-2-6261-3305
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As of February 28, 2026, travel to Dubai is strongly advised against. Iran has launched retaliatory ballistic missile strikes targeting UAE territory including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While UAE air defences have intercepted multiple missile waves, debris has impacted several areas. Dubai International Airport (DXB) has suspended all operations. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for the UAE.
Yes. All major Western governments have issued the highest-level travel warnings for the Gulf region including UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Airports across the region have suspended or severely restricted operations. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air have cancelled most flights. If you have upcoming travel booked, contact your airline and travel insurance provider immediately for rebooking or refund options.
If you are currently in the Gulf region: register with your embassy immediately using the contact numbers listed on this page. Move to a safe location away from military installations and government buildings. Monitor your embassy's social media channels for evacuation updates. Oman (Muscat) and India (Mumbai/Delhi) are potential alternative departure points if Gulf airports remain closed. Several airlines are operating emergency repatriation flights from Muscat.
Most standard travel insurance policies include coverage for 'acts of war' or 'civil unrest' that were not in effect when the policy was purchased. If you purchased insurance before February 28, 2026, you likely have coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and emergency evacuation. Contact your insurer immediately. Policies purchased after the conflict began may exclude the Gulf region. Check your policy's force majeure and war exclusion clauses carefully.