UK Foreign Office announces major travel change for Dubai and Middle East
NewsWorld NewsWorld newsThe travel advice for the Middle East has been updated after the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding15:15, 18 Jun 2026The Foreign Office has made a major change to its. . .
NewsWorld NewsWorld newsThe travel advice for the Middle East has been updated after the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding15:15, 18 Jun 2026The Foreign Office has made a major change to its travel advice forseveral countries in the Middle Eastincluding the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In an alert issued on Thursday (June 18),the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)said it 'no longer advises against all but essential travel' to the UAE (which includes Dubai), parts of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. It comes afterthe US and Iran signed an initial peace dealwhich aims to end the war, effective immediately. The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a £224bn plan for Iran's 'reconstruction', and the US terminating its sanctions on Iran. Click hereto get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily NewsletterThe situation regarding Iran's nuclear programme is still unresolved, however, so the two countries are to negotiate for an extendable 60-day period. Since the war between Iran and the US kicked off back in February, the UK Government has been regularly updating its travel advice in a bid to keep people safe. Until now, the Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, but this advice has now changed. A note on theFCDO advice pagefor the UAE reads: "FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to UAE. "Further detail reads: "The US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice. "The same update reads on the travel advice pages for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, among other parts of the Middle East. For anyone travelling to the Middle East, the Foreign Office warns that if hostilities are to resume, the advice is as follows:Article continues belowreadIf you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV. UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”follow advice from the local authoritiessign up to FCDO Travel Adviceemail alertsmonitor local and international media for the latest informationstay away from areas around security or military facilitieskeep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to dateif you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structureChoose Manchester Evening News as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. World newsMiddle East warTravelForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeForeign Office