United Arab Emirates

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Entry Requirements section (new visa regulations). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

Around 1,100,000 British tourists/nationals visited UAE in 2007. (Source: Abu Dhabi and Dubai Immigration Authorities) Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in UAE in 2007 was from failing to observe the UAE's zero tolerance policy towards possession and use of illegal drugs. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum four year jail sentence. Care should also be taken about the import of prescription drugs and some over-the-counter drugs. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.
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 such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
The UAE has announced that it will introduce changes to its visa regulations on 29 July. Please see Entry Requirements section.

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 such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Please also check the British Embassy website: United Arab Emirates: British Embassy Abu Dhabi/Dubai.

Crime

Over a million British visitors travelled to the UAE in 2006, and more than 100,000 British nationals are resident there. Most visits are trouble-free. Incidents of street crime are rare. Female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies.

In 2007 our Consular staff were aware of a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in the UAE.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

United Arab Emirates Country Profile

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

Road Travel

In Abu Dhabi or Dubai you need an International Driving Licence to hire a car. Other vehicles (and cars hired in other Emirates) can only be driven with a full UAE licence. UAE licences can be obtained from the traffic department by expatriates with valid residency visas (and holders of such visas must obtain such a licence if they wish to drive).

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless undertaken in adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicles. You should always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone if you have one and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.

Driving standards are not always as disciplined as in the UK. If you have a motor accident you should ensure you follow the rules of the Emirate you are in. In Abu Dhabi, you should not move your car until the police arrive at the scene, even if it is an obstruction to the traffic. 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 it is a minor accident and both parties agree on the responsibility for the accident. 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 strongly in your own interests to display calm at all times.

Because it is an offence in the UAE to drink and drive, no matter how small the amount, your insurance is likely to be invalidated, leaving you to pay the claims of other parties involved. If you are in the slightest doubt, take a taxi.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

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; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain. There were 58 fatalities, including 12 British nationals. You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that the UAE is a Muslim country. 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.

Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman Emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public. Sex outside of marriage is illegal, and 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. A marriage certificate has to be provided to the UAE authorities to obtain a birth certificate. Cohabitation, adultery and homosexual behaviour are also illegal.

Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be prosecuted. It has been known for offenders to receive a six-month jail sentence for such an act. Particular caution should be exercised when dealing with the police and other officials

You should exercise the same caution as you would in the UK in not accepting lifts from strangers, and in only using licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport. In Abu Dhabi, it is advisable to avoid the gold, green and white street taxis, which can be badly maintained and erratically driven.

Residents can obtain liquor licences to consume alcohol in private homes. These licences only permit the holder to purchase or consume alcohol in the Emirate that issued the licence e.g. a permit issued in Abu Dhabi 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 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 (no matter how small the amount). There is zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and the penalties can be severe.

The importation of narcotics, pork products and pornographic books and material is forbidden. Videos, books and magazines are 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 presence of drugs in the system is counted as possession.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered to be controlled substances in the UAE. Any such medication is not allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. If a passenger arrives in the UAE without prior approval and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and the person may be subject to prosecution under the laws of the UAE.

The UAE Ministry of Health updates a list of such medication on a monthly basis. This list can be found on their website (www.moh.gov.ae/index1.html). However, the medication on the website is listed by its generic name, which may not necessarily be the name by which it is known as in the UK. If your particular type of medication is not listed on the website that does not mean that it is not a controlled substance. We therefore recommend that you contact the Drug Control Department (DCD) of the Ministry of Health to check whether your medication is on the controlled list. The DCD can be contacted by e-mailing essaj@moh.gov.uae or by fax +971 2 631 3742.

If you want to buy property in the UAE, you should, as in the UK, seek appropriate professional advice. The Embassy can provide a list of local lawyers on request.

Fraud, including bouncing cheques and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), is regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment and/or a fine. Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud.

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

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

We have received official notification from the UAE authorities that new visa regulations which come into effect on 29 July 2008, will affect British nationals as follows:

A tourist visa will be issued on arrival at no cost (although this may change in future)

Visa validity will be 30 days. It can be extended to a similar duration which will be a total of 60 days.

The person has to hold a genuine and recognised British passport.

For further information, you should visit the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (not English).

You may extend this 60-day stay for a maximum of a further 30 days, after which you will be required to leave the country. If you do require this extension from 60 to 90 days, you should contact the Immigration Office of the Emirate in which you arrived, in good time before the expiry of the 60-day deadline.

In Abu Dhabi, if you are over 40 and, intend to apply for the 60 to 90-day extension, you will be required to have local health insurance for the extra month before the visa extension will be granted.

All other British passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to the UAE. Contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.

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 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.

Health

You should be aware that a new Health Insurance law has been implemented and affects all travellers to Abu Dhabi. You should also be aware that if you require medical treatment you will 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.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

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.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before arriving in the UAE. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

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.