There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire Department of State.
We are working on additional options to assist Americans to depart the UAE. Please continue to check your email for additional information or last-minute changes. We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to providing timely information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the UAE. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi. Your well-being remains our foremost concern.
We 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 further departure information and assistance.
If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place indoors, in your residence or another safe building, leaving only to obtain essential items like food, water, and medications.
Options to Depart
- U.S. government-coordinated flights: The Department of State began operating assistance flights to various destinations in Europe from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on March 4, 2026. Travelers are responsible for their own onward travel and accommodation. Those who have expressed interest in flight assistance on the crisis intake form are being contacted on a rolling basis as flights become available.
- Commercial Flights: An increasing number of commercial flights are operating out of international airports in the UAE. Seats on commercial flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai are available now for travel as early as March 10 to multiple U.S. and European cities, although some flights may be cancelled with little notice. Visit airline websites for up-to-the-minute availability. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been advised by their airline to do so. Access to some airports is restricted to confirmed travelers only.
- Overland Routes: Borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia have been open, and commercial flights from those countries have been operating. However, there are reports of congestion at border crossings, and both Oman and Saudi Arabia continue to enforce visa requirements.
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Shelter in Place
- The U.S. Mission to the UAE has instructed remaining U.S. government personnel to shelter in place, and 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, staying away from windows and leaving only for essential items such as food, water, and medication.
Embassy and Consulate Operations
- On March 3, 2026, 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 the Consulate General in Dubai are closed and have suspended all routine consular services. Do not approach the embassy or consulate for any reason.
- For Americans who do not have a valid U.S. passport, limited emergency passport services are being made available. To request emergency passport services, email ACSAbuDhabi@state.gov if you are in Abu Dhabi or DubaiACS@state.gov if you are in Dubai, and our consular teams will contact you with more details.
- For U.S. passports currently in our possession, we are distributing them as security conditions permit. You will be contacted with instructions for picking up your passport when it is available.
- For new U.S. passports that were in transit and have now arrived, we are making them available as security conditions permit. We will contact you when yours is available.
- All foreign passports awaiting visas have been returned to VFS offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and applicants should coordinate directly with VFS to arrange for passport return using one of the contact options here: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ae/en/contact-us .
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 indoors, stay away from any debris, and monitor messages on your mobile phone and from news outlets for official guidance.
- 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 999 for emergency services in UAE.
- 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 .
- U.S. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
