UK eases UAE travel advice

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UK eases UAE travel advice

June 18, 2026

DUBAI,— Britain removed its recommendation against non-essential travel to parts of the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, after the United States and Iran reached an interim deal this week ending their war.

Britain had advised against non-essential trips to the region in late February and early March.

The warnings followed strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and missile launches by Iran toward Gulf states.

The fighting has disrupted travel connected to the region for months. The area functions as a destination and a key transit center for travelers.

Official figures cited in an April report by the Financial Times showed that 30,000 Britons had left the United Arab Emirates following the Iran war.

Around 240,000 Britons, tourists included, were in the United Arab Emirates before the conflict erupted in February.

Revised guidance from the British foreign office referred to the U.S.-Iran agreement.

However, it said the situation remained unpredictable and cautioned that attacks could restart with little warning.

ABTA, the London-based association representing travel agents and tour operators, said the policy change marked the most significant development for tourism to and through the Middle East in some time.

In a statement, ABTA chief Mark Tanzer said many people had postponed booking their summer vacations while monitoring events related to the Middle East conflict.

He said travel advice is a major factor affecting confidence in travel decisions.

Tanzer said conditions had not stabilized, but expressed hope that the updated advice would help broaden the market.

(With files from Reuters)