Foreign Office drops 'do not travel' advice for UAE
BBC News 2026-06-18 14:56:29
Context: The UK's Foreign Office has lifted its 'do not travel' advice for the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai, after the US and Iran reached a 14-point agreement to cease hostilities, although the situation remains unpredictable. This change in travel advice comes as thousands of British citizens had been stranded in the region due to the conflict and makes it easier for people to visit the popular holiday destination. The UAE, particularly Dubai, attracts a significant number of British tourists, with over 1.4 million visiting last year.
Key Facts
- The Foreign Office has dropped its advice against travelling to Dubai, but warned that "the situation remains unpredictable" in the region and that "attacks could resume at short notice".
- The US and Iran have announced a 14-point memorandum of understanding, which includes a commitment to hold further talks on a final agreement within the next 60 days and an end to fighting.
- The agreement includes a commitment from both sides that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon and a $300bn redevelopment package for Iran, although the fate of Iran's nuclear programme remains to be negotiated.
- The lifting of the 'do not travel' advice means that people travelling to the UAE will no longer risk invalidating their travel insurance, which was a significant concern for British citizens planning to visit the region.
- Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, had suspended flights to the region due to the conflict, with Virgin Atlantic suspending flights until winter 2027 and British Airways until October 2026.