United Arab Emirates
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 2
Level 2: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Lowered to Level 2 on 25 June 2026 following the memorandum on ending US-Iran hostilities signed on 18 June. MOFA notes that unforeseen developments cannot be ruled out, and advises avoiding military facilities and not photographing them even from a distance.
United States (State Dept)
Level 3
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Issued 3 March 2026, after the State Department ordered non-emergency US government personnel and their families to leave on 2 March. Cites the threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran following the onset of hostilities on 28 February, disruption to commercial flights, and a risk of terrorism. It has not been reissued since the 18 June memorandum.
United Kingdom (FCDO)
No advice against travel anywhere in the UAE. Updated 24 July 2026 with information about regional tensions including recent strikes. Notes a high global threat of terrorist attack affecting British nationals.
Japan and the US assess this country one level apart. Review both perspectives below.
The three governments are further apart on the UAE than on any other country here, and the dates explain most of it. The US has said reconsider travel since 3 March 2026, when it ordered its own non-emergency staff out over the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks. Japan and the UK have both moved since: Japan eased its advisory on 25 June, citing the memorandum on ending US-Iran hostilities signed on 18 June, and the UK carries no advice against travel anywhere in the country. The US advisory has not been reissued since that memorandum. Separately from the regional situation, all three note that the UAE enforces strict rules on social behaviour, drug possession, traffic offences and financial matters, and that breaking them can lead to arrest or an exit ban — a legal risk that matters more the longer you stay.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 2: Avoid Non-Essential Travel
“Lowered to Level 2 on 25 June 2026 following the memorandum on ending US-Iran hostilities signed on 18 June. MOFA notes that unforeseen developments cannot be ruled out, and advises avoiding military facilities and not photographing them even from a distance.”
United States (State Dept)
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
“Issued 3 March 2026, after the State Department ordered non-emergency US government personnel and their families to leave on 2 March. Cites the threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran following the onset of hostilities on 28 February, disruption to commercial flights, and a risk of terrorism. It has not been reissued since the 18 June memorandum.”United Kingdom (FCDO)
See our advice before travelling
“No advice against travel anywhere in the UAE. Updated 24 July 2026 with information about regional tensions including recent strikes. Notes a high global threat of terrorist attack affecting British nationals.”SAFE-SENTINEL Tips
💡 Based on all 3 sources:
- 1.Check all three advisories before booking — they currently disagree, and the US one is the oldest.
- 2.Do not photograph military or government facilities, even from a distance.
- 3.Check whether your medication is controlled before you fly; codeine and some psychotropics are restricted while ordinary NSAIDs are not.
- 4.Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and bars but is banned outright in Sharjah.
- 5.Take out travel insurance that covers regional disruption to flights.
Pre-Trip Checklist
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Emergency Contacts
Japanese Embassy
+971-2-443-5696Local Emergency
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Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.