The Travel Advisory for United Arab Emirates was updated on October 23, 2026, to reflect the threat of increased Iranian-supported Houthi regional aggression. The Travel Advisory reads: There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis. Reconsider Travel to the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues. Armed Conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Local laws Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior drug possession traffic violations; financial crimes video recording officials, members of the public, infrastructure, or military activity. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest, fines, or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates. If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates: - Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report  for the United Arab Emirates. - Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations  . - Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information  for United Arab Emirates. - We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Americans traveling to or from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations and develop contingency plans in advance. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. Read the latest country-specific alerts at: travel.state.gov/en/internat…

Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans traveling to and from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. Read the latest country-specific alerts at: travel.state.gov/en/internat……

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day.

U.S. citizens abroad who have not received their ballots at least 30 days before an election day can submit a completed Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB), available via FVAP: fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/…. Write in the candidates of your choice, then print, sign, and send the FWAB to your local election officials.

If you’re traveling internationally, we always recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you go. STEP is how U.S. embassies and consulates contact Americans in the area with safety alerts about everything, from transportation strikes to severe weather and security threats. You set the time period for receiving alerts and can unsubscribe at any time. Learn more at step.state.gov.

U.S. citizens voting absentee must SIGN their ballot for it to be counted. And if you're dropping off your voted ballot at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for return to the United States, make sure it is addressed to your local election officials and have sufficient U.S. postage or be in a postage-paid envelope. Double check postage before you mail your ballot!

Congratulations to our UAE partners on successfully hosting the 15th @CrimeCongressUN in Abu Dhabi. Our delegation, led by the Secretary's Special Representative David Bedard, is working shoulder to shoulder with Emirati and international law enforcement to combat transnational organized crime. @StateINL

U.S. citizens abroad should vote and send back their ballot as soon as they receive it. There are a number of options for returning completed ballots: • Via the U.S. Embassy– You or another person can drop off your ballot request / Form SF-76 Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request (FPCA) or completed ballot at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for return to the United States, including in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For more information about ballot dropoff in the UAE, please visit: ae.usembassy.gov/voting/ • Via Fax, Email, or Internet – Some states permit electronic transmission of completed ballots. Consult the FVAP website for options in your state: fvap.gov. • Via Local mail – If you have a reliable mail service to the United States, put your ballot in the mail with appropriate international postage. • Via Express Courier Service – If time is short or local mail is unreliable, you can use commercial carrier services such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS at your own expense. NOTE: FedEx does not deliver to P.O. boxes.

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