unitedarabemirates

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Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

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Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

• Around one million British nationals visit the UAE every year (Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism. We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.
  
  
• The UAE is a Muslim country and their laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Over a million British visitors travel to the UAE every year and more than 100,000 British nationals are resident there. The vast majority of visits are trouble-free. Female visitors should take care when walking or travelling alone and should use a reputable taxi company, particularly at night.

Each year, our Consular staff in the UAE help a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence. Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape are rare but do happen.

Drink spiking, known to be used in date rape, can happen. Consular staff have received credible reports of drink spiking in night clubs in Dubai, resulting in sexual assaults on both men and women. Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended, including non-alcoholic drinks. When in pubs and clubs, stay with your friends and avoid getting separated in the crowd. Do not leave with a stranger. See our “Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad” and "Women Travellers" pages.

Exercise the same caution as you would in the UK: don’t accept lifts from strangers; use only licensed taxis or other recognized forms of public transport. Avoid the gold, green and white street taxis in Abu Dhabi; they can be badly maintained and erratically driven.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Beach Safety

Rip currents are the leading hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Always comply with warning signs, especially red flags, and only swim from approved beaches.  See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

British nationals possessing a visit visa may drive a UAE rental car using their British driving licence. Anyone applying for residence in the UAE may also drive on their British driving licence until such time as the residency permit is issued. Thereafter, a UAE driving licence is required. Expatriates with valid residency visas may obtain UAE from the traffic department.

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless undertaken in adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicles. Always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone, and leave a copy of your travel plans with friends or relatives.

Driving standards in the UAE are not always as disciplined as those in the UK and the corresponding rate of traffic accidents is significantly higher. A report released by the World Health Organisation has reported that UAE road users are almost seven times more likely to be killed than their UK counterparts. The report shows that the UAE has one of the highest rates of road deaths.

Speeding is common in the UAE and although tailgating is illegal, it does happen. Flashing your lights in the UAE can mean a driver is coming through, rather than (as in the UK) giving way. The Emirati authorities are increasing their efforts to address road safety and have launched the "Gulf Traffic’s UAE Road Campaign: Safety Awareness for Emirates (SAFE)." More details are available at: www.gulftraffic.com/safety.html.

If you have a motor accident, ensure you follow the rules of the Emirate in which you are travelling. In Abu Dhabi, if no one has been hurt and vehicle damage is minor, drivers should move their vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic; otherwise, the vehicles should not be moved. In Dubai, you should only move your vehicle if it is causing an obstruction to other motorists. In the other Emirates, you may only move your car if the accident is minor and both parties agree on who is responsible for it. In all cases, the police must be called, and it is an offence to leave the scene of the accident before the police have arrived. Even minor expressions of 'road rage', such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties. It is very much in your interests to display calm at all times.

Statistics released by the UAE Ministry of Interior reported that in 2008, 2,022 pedestrians crossing the road were hit by vehicles. Pedestrians should exercise caution and ensure that they only cross roads using designated pedestrian crossings. While there are zebra crossings marked on the roads, similar to in the UK, vehicles often do not stop for pedestrians waiting at these types of crossings.

It is a criminal offence in the UAE to drink and drive, no matter how small the amount. This means that, should you drink and drive, your insurance is likely to be invalidated, leaving you to pay the claims of other parties involved in any accident. You also risk imprisonment.

Offensive gestures and bad language used at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence, and possibly deportation.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

On 28 July 2010 a maritime incident involving the Japanese oil tanker M/V M Star occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, the cause of which is currently being investigated by the relevant authorities.

You should be careful when travelling by tourist boats; the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should ensure that life jackets are available for all passengers. See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

United Arab Emirates Country Profile

The UAE has been largely unaffected by the recent Arab Spring which has seen unrest, and calls for reform, in other countries in the region. However, events in the Middle East, including Iraq and the Middle East Peace Process, do continue to impact on local public opinion. Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. Take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

UAE laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK. You are therefore strongly advised to familiarise yourself with, and respect local laws and customs, which form the foundation of the UAE’s rich cultural traditions.  You can read more about the UAE’s local laws and customs on our website page: Hala: Understanding the UAE.

Hobbies that involve cameras and binoculars, such as bird watching and plane spotting, may be misunderstood - particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.

Local Laws and Customs - Drugs and Alcohol

There is zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum four-year jail sentence. You should take care over the import of prescription drugs and some over-the-counter drugs. Britons can find themselves facing charges relating to cultural differences, such as using bad language, rude gestures or public displays of affection. British nationals should also be aware of the UAE’s strict laws banning sex outside of marriage.

Many people also stop off in UAE airports on their way to other destinations. UAE airports have excellent technology and security, so transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs are arrested. Passengers in transit under the influence of drink or drugs may also be arrested and can face four years in jail. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.

Residents can obtain liquor licences to consume alcohol in private homes. These licences permit the holder to purchase or consume alcohol only in the Emirate that issued the licence; a permit issued in Abu Dhabi, for example, is not valid in Dubai.

Alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs, but it is a punishable offence to drink, or to be drunk, in public. The legal age for consumption of alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, although a Ministry of Tourism by-law allows hotels to serve alcohol only to those over 21, and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except Sharjah, where any alcohol consumption is illegal).

It is an offence in the UAE to drink and drive, and there is zero tolerance for it. The penalties can be severe. The importation of narcotics, pork products and pornography into the UAE is illegal. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe. The possession and/or import of even the smallest amount of drugs can result in a minimum prison sentence of four years. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.

Local Laws and Customs - Dress Code

Women should dress modestly when in public areas, such as shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools, and not in other public areas.

Local Laws and Customs - Hotels

It is normal practice for hotels to take photocopies of your passport or other ID. You cannot stay in a hotel if you are under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult. It is against the law to share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you are not married or closely related.  

Local Laws and Customs - Offensive Behaviour

Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be prosecuted. Offenders have, in the past, received six-month jail sentences for such acts, and some have been deported. You should exercise particular caution when dealing with the police and other officials.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.

Cross-dressing is illegal.

Local Laws and Customs - Relationships Outside Marriage

Sex outside of marriage is illegal and if any offenders are brought to the attention of the UAE authorities they run the risk of prosecution, imprisonment and/or a fine and deportation. Same sex marriages are not recognised.

Problems will be encountered if an unmarried woman gives birth in the UAE. These problems can range from a refusal to issue a birth certificate to arrest and imprisonment. In order to obtain a birth certificate from the UAE authorities, a marriage certificate must be provided. The registration authorities may compare the date of the marriage against the date of birth.

It is against the law to live together or share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you are not married or closely related.
Homosexual relationships are illegal.

These laws apply to residents as well as visitors.

Local Laws and Customs - Purchasing Property

If you want to buy property in the UAE, you should seek appropriate professional advice, as you would in the UK.  A list of lawyers for Abu Dhabi and Dubai is available on our website, www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk.

Local Laws and Customs - Financial Crimes 

Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing cheques (including post-dated and ‘security cheques’) and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded extremely seriously in the UAE and can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine. Bank accounts and other assets can also be frozen.

Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for financial crimes. Convicted individuals will not generally be released from jail until the debt is paid or waived and they may even remain in jail after a debt has been paid, if there is an outstanding sentence to be served.

Local Laws and Customs - Photography

Photography of certain government buildings and military installations is not permitted. You should not photograph people without their permission.

Local Laws and Customs - Weapons and related equipment

Weapons, ammunition, body protection and related equipment (such as cleaning kits, gun belts, etc.), however small the quantity and whatever the purpose, all require permission before entering or transiting the UAE.  Bringing such equipment into the UAE without the required permission can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Local Laws and Customs - Technical Equipment

Equipment such as satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars, which are legal and available in the UK, may require a licence for use in the UAE. Seek advice from the UAE Embassy in London, or in your country of residence, before bringing in such equipment. Failure to comply may result in confiscation and severe penalties, including lengthy detention.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British citizens do not require a visa before their arrival in the UAE and will be given a 30 day visa on arrival. The 30-day visa can be extended for a further 30 days in the Emirate in which you arrived by visiting the appropriate immigration office and paying an extension fee. Do not outstay your visa or you will be subject to a fine.

If you have entered Dubai on a visit visa and you wish to work then you should first acquire a probationary work permit, which is available from the Ministry of Labour and is valid for up to three months. If you do not get this permit and you are caught working whilst on a visit visa, then you risk being jailed or fined and deported.

For further information, including on how to stay in the UAE for longer than 60 days, see the following websites:

• UAE: Consulate in London.
• Dubai:  Naturalisation and Residency Department – Dubai or Immigration tel no: +971 4 398 0000.
• Abu Dhabi:  UAE Federal E-Government Portal or telephone 600522222.

Please note: the above applies to British Citizens only. If you hold any other type of British nationality such as British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas), you will need to arrange a visa before you arrive in the UAE. Contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London.

If you apply for a Residence Visa, you will be required to take a blood test. Those testing positive for HIV and for hepatitis are detained and then deported. There is no appeal process. Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to the UAE would therefore be advisable.

You should cancel your work visa before permanently leaving the country. If you do not do this, you will be at risk of being reported as an absconder and could be arrested if you return to the UAE - even if you are in transit to another country. Failure to repay debts or resolve any outstanding cases against you may also result in your being arrested on returning to the UAE.

If you have any doubt about your status on returning to the country we recommend you seek advice from a local lawyer (a list of local lawyers from the Embassy's website: http://ukinuae.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/.

Entry Requirements - Residence Permits/Visas for Abu Dhabi

A British national wishing to sponsor his non-EU wife may be requested to bring a Letter of No Objection from the British Embassy. The Consular Section in Abu Dhabi can issue these on production of both parties’ passports and the marriage certificate, translated into English when necessary. Details of the Consular Section’s opening hours are available on the Embassy’s website at: http://ukinuae.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter the UAE. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into the UAE. If you hold a residence permit, your passport must be valid for at least three months in order to travel into and out of the country.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. In the UAE this may also be required when obtaining a residence visa. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London.

Entry Requirements - Medication
Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered controlled substances in the UAE. Any such medication cannot be brought into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. If a traveller arrives in the UAE without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and the person may be subject to prosecution under UAE law.

The latest guidelines issued from the UAE Ministry of Health state that a visitor entering or transiting the UAE who is carrying controlled drugs (narcotic, psychotropic, CDa and CDb) should have in his/her possession a valid medical prescription (if the original has been retained by the dispensing pharmacy, an attested copy of the prescription should be carried) and an authenticated certificate and/or permit from the health authority of the country of departure confirming that the traveller has legal authority to possess the drugs. Visitors should not carry more than 30 days worth of the prescription. A visitor carrying regular medicines (prescription only medicines) can bring into the UAE up to three months worth of the medicines provided he/she has the valid medical prescription.

For further information and specific queries, contact the Embassy fo the United Arab Emirates or the Registration and Drug Control Department of the UAE Ministry of Health on 00 971 2 611 7505/6117354, e-mails: ahosman@moh.gov.ae, mvashokan@moh.gov.ae.

The British Embassy is unable to make these enquiries on your behalf.

Entry Requirements - Previous Travel to Israel

UAE immigration authorities have advised that British nationals with valid or expired Israeli visas or stamps in their passports should not face any difficulties entering the UAE as long as they do not intend to work.  If you do intend to work then further checks may be required and there is a risk that entry may be refused. British-Israeli dual nationals may be refused entry to the UAE. If you have any concerns or further queries, contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London

Exit Requirements

Visitors must have legal status in the UAE when they depart. If you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country. Visitors can incur heavy fines if they overstay or fail to extend their legal residency.

You should be aware that if you should require medical treatment whilst in the UAE, you would have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.

Healthcare facilities in the UAE are generally comparable with those of the UK, but visitors may be prevented from using them without travel insurance or without the means to settle any charges incurred themselves. For more information on carrying UK medicines in the UAE, please see the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice.

The UAE currently requires expatriates to be tested for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis B. If your test results are positive, you will be deported. There is no appeal system against this process. Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to the UAE would therefore be advisable.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page. 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to the UAE and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

See our Travel Health page.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before arriving in the UAE. Check for any exclusions and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page. 

General - Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here and the website for the British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk/en.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

Around one million British nationals visit the UAE every year (Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Most visits are trouble-free. 382 British nationals required consular assistance in the UAE in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 75deaths, 41 hospitalisations, and 217 arrests (for a variety of offences).

General – Passports

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may use your identity to commit crimes. You should always keep it in a safe place.

Laws in the UAE require foreign guests to hand over their passports when they check in to a hotel. The hotels do not usually keep the passport; it is normal practice for them to take a photocopy and then return the passport to its owner.

UAE employers may ask foreign employees to deposit their passports with the company as part of their terms and conditions of employment. While this is not an unusual practice, it is illegal under UAE labour law.

Our Regional Passport Processing Centre, based in Düsseldorf, now processes passports for British Nationals in the UAE. Full details of how to apply are available on http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/how-to-apply/united-arab-emirates. If your passport is lost or stolen you should contact the nearest British Embassy, who will be able to help you with emergency travel documentation.