By AFP
Dubai: The United States has maintained its level 2 travel advisory for the UAE, urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” when travelling to the region. This advisory, routinely reviewed and updated, has been in place since January 6 this year and is primarily due to ongoing regional tensions.
While the UAE is generally considered a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors alike, the US State Department said that regional developments have heightened the risk of attacks targeting US citizens and interests.
Despite the advisory, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai remain fully operational, indicating no change in their security posture.
For American travellers planning a trip to the UAE, the Level 2 advisory means being aware of heightened risks and taking proactive measures. It is not a “do not travel” warning but a recommendation to be more vigilant.
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Key action for travellers
Review official advisories: Always consult the Department of State’s travel.state.gov website for the latest Travel Advisory and security messages specifically for US citizens in the UAE.
Maintain situational awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile, especially in public areas.
Monitor local information: Stay informed by monitoring local media and diligently follow all instructions from UAE authorities.
Exercise caution at US-associated locations: Be particularly vigilant at places publicly associated with the United States.
Prepare for emergencies: Develop a clear emergency plan and review the Traveler’s Checklist provided by the Department of State.
Contact your airline: In case of disrupted flight plans, contact your airline directly for updates and assistance.
Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information and alerts from the US Embassy or Consulate, and to facilitate locating you in an emergency.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for US air carriers and commercial operators flying in the Middle East, including the UAE. Travellers have been advised to check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices for more information.
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By staying informed and exercising increased caution, travellers can continue to experience the generally safe and secure environment of the UAE. Global airlines are grappling with continued disruptions to Middle East flight routes as the conflict in the region intensifies, with the US attacking key Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran vowing retaliation.
The airspace stretching from Iran to the Mediterranean, typically a bustling corridor, has been largely quiet for 10 days since Israel began strikes on Iran on June 13, leading to widespread diversions, cancellations, and delays. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump also enacted a travel ban on 12 countries and imposed restrictions on seven others. No previously issued visas have been revoked. Instead, the US banned issuing new visas to citizens of the 12 countries.
That ban included Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Heightened visa restrictions will apply to citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
What are US travel advisories?
The US Department of State issues travel advisories for every country worldwide to inform American citizens about safety and security risks when traveling abroad. These advisories are regularly updated and reflect the US government’s assessment of potential threats.
There are four levels of travel advisories, indicating increasing levels of risk:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. This is the lowest level, acknowledging that some risk is inherent in all international travel
Level 2: Exercise increased caution. This level indicates heightened risks to safety and security, and specific reasons for the caution are provided
Level 3: Reconsider travel. This advises travellers to avoid non-essential travel due to serious risks
Level 4: Do not travel. This is the highest advisory level, reserved for situations with a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks, where the U.S. government may have very limited ability to assist
