This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in the UAE set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you contact the UAE Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter the UAE, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nIf you have a residence permit, your passport’s expiry date must be at least 3 months after the date you arrive in the UAE.
\n\nIf you’re travelling through the UAE and not passing through immigration, your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date you will transit.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can get a visitor or tourist visa issued free of charge when you arrive in the UAE. You do not need to apply in advance of travel. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you go through immigration. It will be valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period, which will begin from the date of first entry into the UAE. The stay can either be continuous or divided across multiple visits, provided the total duration does not exceed 90 days within the 180-day timeframe.
\n\nYou could face fines for exceeding your authorised stay which may accumulate for each day of overstay. If you want to extend your stay, contact:
\n\nfor Dubai: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
\nfor the rest of the UAE: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
\nIf you entered Dubai on a visit visa and want to work, you must get a probationary work permit valid for up to 3 months from the Ministry of Labour. If you are caught working on a visit visa, you could get a fine or a prison sentence, and you risk deportation.
\n\nYou risk arrest if you have lived or worked in the UAE and return when:
\n\nIf you have any doubt about your status, get advice before returning from a local lawyer.
\n\nIf you have questions about your visa’s validity or expiration date, or about how to work or stay in the UAE, contact UAE Immigration directly:
\n\nIf you apply for a residence visa, you will have to take a blood test. If you test positive for any communicable diseases like HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis, you may be detained and then deported, without appeal. Check the health and fitness requirements on the UAE government portal.
\n\nWhen applying for a UAE residence visa, it is common practice for your sponsor’s representative to give their details as the contact information on your application. When your residence visa is issued, update these details using ICP Smart System services. The UAE authorities use these details when they contact you.
\n\nIf you have a valid or expired Israeli visa or stamp in your passport, you should not face difficulties entering the UAE as long as you do not plan to work. If you plan to work, further checks may be needed and there is a risk you may be refused entry.
\n\nIf you are a British-Israeli dual national and have any concerns about entering the UAE, contact the UAE Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf 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 UAE.
\n\nTo enter the UAE, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s UAE guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of UAE. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nIt is illegal to bring pork products or pornography into the UAE. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored.
\n\nYou must have permission from UAE customs and the UAE Ministry of Defence to bring weapons and related equipment into the UAE, or to travel through the UAE with them, no matter how small the quantity or the purpose. This includes items such as ammunition, body protection items, cleaning kits and gun belts. If you intend to bring restricted items to the UAE, read the UAE customs clearance portal.
\n\nThere are strict rules about what medications you can bring into the UAE. You will need approval from the UAE authorities to bring in medication that the UAE classes as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled.
\n\nYou must get approval in advance from the UAE Ministry of Health to bring medication. Apply online to bring medication to the UAE. The UAE authorities advise that applications are normally processed within 5 working days.
\n\nIf you arrive in the UAE without evidence of prior approval, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE, and you may be prosecuted. For information on controlled medicines or the process for obtaining permission, contact the UAE Ministry of Health. Email info@moh.gov.ae or telephone +971 800 11111.
\n\nIn all cases, there are limits on the amount of medication you can bring into the UAE legally. You can bring up to 3 months’ supply of medication as a visitor, reduced to one month’s supply if the medication is included in the list requiring approval.
\n\nYou do not need to complete this approval process if you are only changing planes in a UAE airport and not passing through UAE immigration.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
\n\nTerrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including against UK citizens. Due to increasing regional tensions, Israeli and Jewish linked sites could be targets for terrorists in the UAE.
\n\nTargets may include:
\n\nMaintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.
\n\nTake sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
\n\nTake care when walking or travelling alone or at night, particularly if you are a woman. Use a reputable taxi company and do not accept lifts from strangers.
\n\nSexual assault and rape are relatively rare but do happen. A man who is convicted of raping a woman will be given life imprisonment, and in some cases prosecutors may request the death penalty. However, UAE law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the alleged attacker was known to the victim. If the sexual relations are determined to have been consensual, either party may still face prosecution for the offence of sex outside marriage.
\n\nDo not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. Criminals can spike drinks and assault or rob you.
\n\nIf you want to buy property in the UAE, get appropriate professional advice as you would in the UK. FCDO has a list of lawyers for Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
\n\nThe UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.
\n\nUAE employers may ask foreign employees to deposit their passports with the company as part of their terms and conditions of employment. This is illegal under UAE labour law.
\n\nIt is normal practice for hotels to take a photocopy of your passport or Emirates ID.
\n\nYou cannot stay in a hotel if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.
\n\nOnly cross roads using designated pedestrian crossings. It is illegal to cross in other places and you may face a fine or even imprisonment. Take care when crossing, as vehicles often do not stop at zebra crossings marked on the roads.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, it may cause offence if you:
\n\nFind out how Ramadan is observed in the UAE or get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nDress modestly in public areas like shopping malls:
\n\nSome venues, events or buildings may have specific dress codes.
\n\nIt is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including online, as they are considered obscene acts. You could be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.
\n\nShowing affection in public is frowned upon. You can be arrested for kissing in public.
\n\nConsensual sexual relationships between a man and woman outside marriage are generally legal if both are aged 18 or over. This includes extra-marital sexual relationships. However, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship can get a prison sentence of 6 months or longer.
\n\nIf a person aged 18 or over has a sexual relationship with a person aged 17 or under, they will be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. If both people are aged 17 or under, they will both be prosecuted but punishment is likely to be limited to a caution, parental supervision, judicial supervision, professional training or psychiatric treatment.
\n\nIf you are unmarried and give birth to a child in the UAE, you will only be able to get a UAE birth certificate if:
\n\nIf you become pregnant outside of marriage, your medical insurance may not cover you. Consult your medical insurance provider before getting pregnant, or giving birth in the UAE.
\n\nFinancial crimes, including fraud and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in a prison sentence, a fine, or both. You could also have your bank accounts and other assets frozen.
\n\nIf you are arrested for a financial crime and are not resident in the UAE, it is likely you will not be allowed bail. If you are convicted, you may have to stay in prison until the debt is paid or waived, and you’ve served your full sentence.
\n\nDrinking or possessing alcohol is illegal in the Emirate of Sharjah, 30km north of Dubai.
\n\nIt is illegal to drink or be under the influence of alcohol in a public place anywhere in the UAE. British nationals have been arrested and charged under this law, often in cases where they have come to the attention of the police for a related offence, such as disorderly or offensive behaviour.
\n\nThe legal age for purchasing and drinking alcohol is 21 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and in all Northern Emirates except Sharjah, where drinking and having alcohol in your possession is illegal.
\n\nIf you are resident in Dubai and want to buy alcohol to drink at home, you must get a liquor licence. Liquor licences are no longer required for residents in the other Emirates excluding Sharjah.
\n\nLiquor licences are not required in Dubai to purchase and consume alcohol in licenced venues like hotel bars, restaurants, and pubs. However, a liquor licence is required for consuming alcohol in private places like homes or private parties. While this requirement might not be strictly enforced in private settings, it remains a legal requirement.
\n\nOutside licensed venues, you can only buy alcohol with a liquor licence from the 2 official liquor distributors in Dubai, MMI and African & Eastern. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence which is valid for one month, from either supplier. This licence is only for use in Dubai.
\n\nLiquor licences are not required for non-residents in the other Emirates where alcohol is available. You can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs.
\n\nThere is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences.
\n\nThe penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can lead to a minimum 3-month prison term or a fine of between 20,000 UAE dirham and 100,000 UAE dirham. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession.
\n\nSome ‘herbal highs’ and products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are illegal in the UAE.
\n\nPossessing, concealing or making transactions with money from drugs-related offences is illegal. You could get a prison sentence and a fine.
\n\nUAE airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. You can be arrested for carrying drugs, even residual amounts.
\n\nSome skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil. If you are found in possession of such products, they will be confiscated and you could face criminal charges. A list of narcotic, psychotropic and controlled drugs where this rule applies, allowed quantities and documents to be presented can be found on the UAE Ministry of Health website.
\n\nFundraising and acts of charity are heavily regulated in the UAE. This includes online and social media activity. Check whether any of the activities you are planning to do in the UAE, or while travelling through the UAE, is illegal. Get legal advice if necessary.
\n\nIt is illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood, particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.
\n\nDo not photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches.
\n\nYou may need a licence to use equipment like satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars. Get advice from the UAE Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYou must apply for the appropriate permissions to carry out media activity, including the production, transmission or distribution of printed, digital, audio, video or visual information. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment and a substantial fine.
\n\nInformation about media activity and how to obtain the necessary permits can be accessed by registering on the National Media Council website.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE, and same-sex marriages are not recognised.
\n\nThe UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected. However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has caused offence. This applies both to foreign national residents and tourists.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nRip currents can occur at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Check for warning signs, especially red flags which mean that swimming is dangerous. Only swim from approved beaches where there are lifeguards and flags indicating it is safe to swim .
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nUse only licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport, which includes apps like ‘Careem’, ‘Uber’ and Abu Dhabi Taxi. In Dubai authorised taxis are painted cream with different coloured roofs – taxis with pink roofs have female drivers. In Abu Dhabi taxis are painted silver/grey.
\n\nThere are special taxis for women and children, which can be hailed from the roadside or can be booked in advance.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the UAE, see information on driving abroad and check the UAE traffic portal.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nIf you’re applying for residence in the UAE, you can use your UK licence until your residence permit is issued, after which you’ll need to get a UAE driving licence from the traffic department.
\n\nDriving standards are not always as disciplined as in the UK and there is a high rate of traffic accidents. Speeding is common, despite clearly signposted legal limits and widespread use of speed cameras.
\n\nIt is illegal to drink and drive, no matter how small the amount, and your insurance is likely to be invalidated in the event of an accident.
\n\nPolice in the UAE have the power to impound your car for traffic violations that may be considered minor in the UK. They will charge a fee of 50,000 UAE dirham plus a traffic violation fine to release your car.
\n\nOffensive gestures and bad language directed at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence, and possibly deportation.
\n\nFlashing headlights can mean a driver is coming through, rather than giving way to you.
\n\nAll drivers involved in an incident must stop as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are involved in a crash, follow the rules of the emirate in which you are travelling:
\n\nExcursions to the desert can be dangerous unless you’re in a properly equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Always travel with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone. Leave a copy of your travel plans with relatives, friends or where you are staying.
\n\nIf you join a tour for driving in the desert or quad-biking, make sure you go with a reputable company with adequate health and safety procedures.
\n\nAlways check that such activities are covered by your insurance.
\n\nBe careful when travelling by tourist boat. The safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.
\n\nMany areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. The authorities have detained and inspected vessels entering these areas. Mariners should make careful enquiries with relevant local authorities before entering these waters.
\n\nYou should consider how regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nHeavy rain in the UAE can cause flooding. Check weather forecasts from the National Centre of Meteorology, and follow advice from the local authorities. Sources for up-to-date information include local radio and online media outlets The National and The Khaleej Times.
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