The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned its citizens from travelling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, citing current regional developments and growing security concerns.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the travel ban late on Thursday and called on Emiratis already present in the three countries to expedite their immediate return home.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said UAE nationals are prohibited from travelling to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Lebanese Republic and the Republic of Iraq.
The ministry said the decision was taken “in light of current developments” and as part of precautionary measures to protect UAE citizens abroad.
MoFA also stressed that the ban will remain in line with official instructions and travel advisories issued by the authorities.
Emiratis told to return immediately
The ministry urged all UAE nationals currently in Iran, Lebanon or Iraq to leave immediately and return to the UAE at the earliest possible time.
It also asked Emiratis in these countries to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials said the measure is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to monitor the wellbeing of its citizens abroad and ensure their safety during regional disturbances.
Citizens urged to follow advisories
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of strictly adhering to all instructions and advisories issued by the UAE government. MoFA said citizens must remain in contact with the ministry and follow official guidance as the situation develops.
The ministry also urged nationals in the affected countries to register and communicate with authorities as an added precaution.
The three affected countries are at the centre of a regional war that erupted in February. Fighting continues in Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire being extended last week.
A separate truce has halted US and Israeli attacks on Iran since early April, but naval blockades remain in place and peace talks in Pakistan have faltered.
Iraq, which hosts US troops and pro-Iran militants, had also been subject to frequent attacks until the ceasefire.
The UAE had previously banned its citizens from travelling to Lebanon between 2021 and 2025. That ban was lifted last May, before the latest restrictions were announced in response to renewed regional developments.
