Location: United Arab Emirates
Event: Missile and Drone Attacks on the UAE
There are changes in the Options to Depart and Embassy and Consulate Operations sections below. New or updated information is indicated in bold.
We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. If you want to leave the Middle East, the U.S. government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.
Our current travel advisory for the UAE is at level 3: reconsider travel. If you choose to remain in the UAE, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building whenever you receive a notification on your cell phone or otherwise become aware of a missile and/or drone attack in progress. Maintain a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Beware of scammers attempting to take advantage of the security situation. Follow Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams , and be wary of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Options to Depart
- Commercial Flights: Commercial flights are operating out of international airports in the UAE on a limited schedule, with some cancellations. Tickets from the UAE to many destinations, including on direct flights to the United States, are readily available. Visit airline websites for up-to-the-minute information. If the airline you intended to use has suspended service, consider using a UAE national carrier such Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai, or Air Arabia. The fluctuating security environment impacts airport operating status, with closures resulting in postponed or canceled flights with little notice. Visit airline websites for up-to-the-minute availability. Access to airports may be restricted to confirmed travelers only.
- Overland Routes: Borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia are open, and commercial flights from those countries are operating. Oman and Saudi Arabia continue to enforce visa requirements, and there have been reports of congestion and delays at border crossings.
- The UAE legal system is functioning normally, and UAE immigration authorities continue to enforce exit bans. If you are subject to an exit ban, UAE authorities will not allow you to travel. You can check the status of an exit ban through the Dubai Police app or website , or at any Dubai or Abu Dhabi police station. See our list of UAE lawyers who may be able to assist you in resolving legal issues.
Temporary Shelter in Place
- The U.S. government is instructing its employees in the UAE to temporarily shelter in place whenever reports of incoming missiles or drones are received, or explosions are heard, by taking cover away from windows in a residence or other safe building, and staying there until an all-clear notification is received. We recommend that all Americans in the UAE follow the same guidance. The UAE operates a public safety alert system that notifies cell phone users of incoming attacks, although it may not activate for all incidents.
Embassy and Consulate Operations
- The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai have suspended all routine consular services at our facilities. Do not approach the embassy or consulate unless you have been specifically directed to do so.
- For Americans who do not have a valid U.S. passport, limited passport services are available. To request passport services, use the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator at https://ae.usembassy.gov/services/, selecting the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai. Our consular teams will then contact you with more details.
- For U.S. passports currently in our possession, including those that were in transit and have now arrived, we will distribute them as security conditions permit. We will contact you with instructions for receiving your passport when it is available.
- Routine U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services are unavailable in the UAE until further notice.
Actions to Take
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
- Review our Travel Advisory for the UAE , which describes threats against locations associated with the United States, Israel, and the Jewish community.
- Do not take or reshare footage of drone and missile incidents or share rumors or false information; doing so is unlawful under UAE law and has resulted in arrests and prosecutions.
- Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Find a safe location within your residence or another safe building in which to take shelter when necessary. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
- In case of an attack, stay away from glass doors, windows, and any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
- Keep a low profile and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
- Follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp at whatsapp.com/download/ .
- Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the emergency numbers listed below.
Assistance
- Dial 999 for emergency services in UAE.
- Contact us by visiting https://ae.usembassy.gov/services/, scrolling down to the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator, and clicking on U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi if you are in Abu Dhabi or U.S. Consulate General Dubai if you are in Dubai.
- U.S. Department of State 24/7 Task Force: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
