UAE MOFA Bans Emirati Nationals from Travel to Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq — Citizens Already There Urged to Return Immediately

On Thursday, 30 April 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs published an official statement announcing a travel ban on UAE nationals to three countries: the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Lebanese Republic, and the Republic of Iraq. The ban took effect immediately on the date of announcement.

MOFA cited "current regional developments" as the reason for the precautionary measure and stressed the UAE's ongoing duty to monitor the wellbeing of its nationals abroad. The statement was carried by all major UAE outlets — Khaleej Times, The National, Gulf News — and confirmed across regional and international media.

The ban is comprehensive — it does not distinguish between travel purposes. Tourism, business meetings, religious pilgrimage, family visits, transit, and even short layovers are all covered. Emirati nationals planning travel to any of the three countries should suspend bookings immediately.

MOFA has called on all Emirati nationals currently in Iran, Lebanon, or Iraq to expedite their return to the UAE without delay. The Ministry has opened a dedicated assistance line and stated that consular support will be provided to those who need help arranging return travel.

1. 1Contact MOFA at +971 8004 4444 immediately to register your location and travel plans.
2. 2Book the earliest available flight back to the UAE — direct routes preferred where they remain operational.
3. 3Carry your Emirates ID and UAE passport at all times; keep digital scans accessible.
4. 4Inform family members in the UAE of your departure schedule.
5. 5If you encounter difficulties (cancelled flights, closed borders, document issues), contact the nearest UAE embassy or consular mission.
6. 6Check airline advisories — some carriers may temporarily suspend or reroute flights.
7. 7Avoid public statements or social media posts about your situation that could compromise your safety or that of fellow travellers.

MOFA's statement attributes the ban to "current regional developments" without specifying particular incidents. The UAE has consistently issued such precautionary advisories during periods of heightened tension in the broader Middle East, and the move is consistent with the country's standing policy of prioritising the safety of its citizens abroad.

Travel bans of this nature are administrative and protective rather than diplomatic — they do not equate to a downgrade of bilateral relations and do not affect the UAE's broader regional engagement. They typically remain in force for as long as MOFA assesses the security situation to warrant it, and are lifted via a subsequent official statement.

Travel insurance for Emirati nationals — particularly policies issued by UAE-based insurers — may exclude coverage for trips to countries under official UAE travel ban. Travellers should check policy wording before assuming coverage applies.

The MOFA travel ban applies specifically to UAE passport holders. Expatriate residents of the UAE — including Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Egyptian, Lebanese, and other passport holders — are not directly subject to the order and travel under the laws and advisories of their own country of nationality.

Expat residents should also consider that UAE-issued residence visas remain valid during travel — but UAE airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai) may suspend or reroute flights to affected destinations regardless of passenger nationality. Check flight status directly with the airline before departure.

1. 1If you hold a UAE passport and have travel booked to Iran, Lebanon, or Iraq, cancel or postpone immediately. Contact the airline for refund or credit.
2. 2If you are an Emirati currently in any of the three countries, return to the UAE as soon as possible and call MOFA at +971 8004 4444.
3. 3If you are a UAE expat resident travelling on a foreign passport, check your home country's travel advisory and the UAE airline flight status before departure.
4. 4If you have made non-refundable bookings, contact your travel insurance provider — many UAE policies cover cancellation triggered by official government advisories, but coverage varies.
5. 5For family members in the affected countries who hold UAE residence visas, plan their return to the UAE rather than waiting for the situation to ease.
6. 6Monitor MOFA's official channels (MoFAUAE on social media, mofa.gov.ae) for further advisories or lifting of the ban.
7. 7Contact OraVisa if you need help rebooking your trip to an alternative destination.

This update is based on the official statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 30 April 2026 and corroborating coverage from major UAE and regional outlets including Khaleej Times, The National, and Gulf News. Information is provided for general guidance to UAE residents and Emirati nationals. The travel ban remains in force until officially lifted by MOFA. For the latest official information, visit mofa.gov.ae or call the dedicated helpline at +971 8004 4444. This is not legal advice; specific situations should be discussed with consular authorities or a qualified advisor.