The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety. The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available.
Please complete this form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake . If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.
If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
Options to Depart
- Limited commercial flights are currently operating out of international airports in the UAE. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so. Access to airports is restricted to confirmed travelers only. Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these flights if they believe it is safe to do so. Visit the DXB and AUH websites to find information about flight status.
- Land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia are also open at this time, but there are reports of congestion, and options for accommodations in Oman may be limited.
- The Department of State is organizing limited assistance flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. American citizens who have registered through the link above will be contacted when seats become available. Please continue to monitor your email and phone for updates.
Shelter in Place
- The U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates has issued a shelter in place notification for the UAE. We recommend all Americans in the UAE do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
Embassy and Consulate Operations
- On March 3, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave the UAE due to the threat of armed conflict.
- The U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and Consulate Dubai have suspended all routine consular services.
- For Americans who do not have a valid U.S. passport, arrangements will be made to provide passport services once security conditions permit, and you will be contacted when yours is available.
- For U.S. and foreign passports we are currently holding, we will arrange to make them available once security conditions permit. For now, please do not approach the embassy or consulate for any reason.
Actions to Take
- Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
- In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
- Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
- Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
- Dial 997 for fire, 998 for ambulance services, and 999 for police.
- S. Mission to the UAE: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
- S. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
