The shelter in place and embassy and consulate operations sections were updated with new information. There are not any changes to the options to depart and actions to take sections.
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. New or updated information below is indicated in bold.
If you choose to not take advantage of available departure options, including commercial options, you 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. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Options to Depart
- Commercial Flights: Limited commercial flights are operating out of international airports in the UAE. 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. 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 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.
- UAE immigration authorities continue to enforce exit bans, and if you are subject to one, you will not be permitted 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.
- Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.
Shelter in Place
- The U.S. government is now 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 cellphone 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 in Dubai have suspended all routine consular services. 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 emergency passport services are available. To request emergency 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 picking up your passport when it is available.
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 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.
- 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 following emergency numbers.
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.
