U.S. State Department: UAE at Level 3, Reconsider Travel

Key points

• The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for the UAE due to terrorism and armed conflict.
• Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there is an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.
• The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target U.S.-associated locations in the UAE.
• U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites.
• As of August 29, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in the UAE.
• The FAA has issued an advisory NOTAM or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation covering risks to civil aviation in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman region.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities.
• The UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, financial crimes, and video recording of officials, the public, infrastructure, or military activity; violations can lead to arrest, fines, or an exit ban.