UAE and Middle East: Travel and Immigration Advice

Vivek Radhakrishnan, Senior Immigration Manager, Middle East Operations.

This page provides travel and immigration updates related to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. It is designed as an evolving resource to help travelers, mobility managers, and global businesses navigate changing entry requirements, visa policies, and regional advisories.

Content is continuously monitored and updated by the CIBT Newland Chase global team of experts as new information becomes available from official government sources. Updates will be timestamped to ensure reliable, up-to-date guidance.

Updated March 6, 2026

Recent developments indicate a gradual resumption of air travel operations across the UAE, although some regional airspace restrictions remain in place.

Qatar Airways Flight Suspension

Qatar Airways has confirmed the continued temporary suspension of its flights, as the closure of Qatari airspace remains in effect. Passengers are advised to monitor airline announcements for updates regarding the resumption of services.

UAE Airports Gradually Resuming Operations

Airports across the UAE, including Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and Fujairah International Airport, are gradually resuming flight operations following recent regional disruptions. While a limited number of flights have restarted, authorities and airlines are advising passengers to travel only if they have confirmed bookings. Airport access is currently restricted to confirmed travellers only, as part of ongoing safety and operational measures.

Passenger Guidance

  • Confirm your departure time directly with your airline.
  • Verify the terminal from which your flight will depart.
  • Regularly check your airline’s website or mobile application for the latest updates before travelling to the airport.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to rely on official airline communications and airport announcements for real-time updates. With strict safety protocols in place, UAE airports are gradually restoring services while prioritising the safety of passengers and staff.

UAE Residents Returning

Following the partial reopening of airline services, some UAE residents who were stranded abroad have begun successfully returning to the country.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Operations

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has confirmed that all hotels, attractions, and tourism experiences across the emirate are operating normally and continue to welcome visitors.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and travellers are advised to stay informed through official government, airline, and airport channels for the latest developments.

Our Global Crisis Response Team has developed a comprehensive set of FAQs to assist employers affected by the travel disruption and border closures: Read here.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

Updated March 5, 2026

Authorities in the UAE and regional stakeholders have announced several developments affecting travel, immigration processing, and consular services. Please see the latest updates below:

Overstay Fines Waived for Affected Travellers

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has announced that travellers who were unable to depart the UAE due to airspace closures will be exempt from overstay fines. This exemption applies to both visitors and residents whose departures were delayed due to the ongoing disruptions. The waiver is effective from February 28, 2026. Airport teams across the UAE continue to assist passengers impacted by the situation.

Spring Break Announced for Schools and Universities in UAE

Educational institutions across the UAE have announced Spring Break from March 9 to March 22, with classes scheduled to resume on March 23.

Travel Updates: Return Routes via Oman

Some UAE residents who were stranded abroad have begun returning through alternative routes, including transit via Oman and special charter flights. Fujairah International Airport, in partnership with SalamAir, operated special charter flights on March 4-5, connecting travellers to destinations including India, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Consular Visa Application Centers: Limited Operations

Several consular visa application centers for Schengen and other countries in the UAE have announced temporary closures or limited operations until further notice. Under the current arrangements, new visa applications are not being accepted for certain high-volume destinations.

The following visa application centers have issued notifications regarding suspension of application submissions:

  • Italy Visa Application Center
  • Spain Visa Application Center
  • France Visa Application Center
  • South Africa Visa Application Center
  • Luxembourg Visa Application Center

For other countries where no official notification has been issued, visa applications will continue to be processed as per normal procedures. However, acceptance of submissions remains subject to the discretion of the respective visa application centers, and applications may be postponed due to operational limitations and the current regional situation.

We continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as additional information becomes available. For case-specific guidance, please contact our team.

Our Global Crisis Response Team has developed a comprehensive set of FAQs to assist employers affected by the travel disruption and border closures: Read here.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

Updated March 4, 2026

In light of the ongoing regional security situation, several diplomatic missions, airports, and airlines have announced temporary service changes and operational disruptions. Please see the latest confirmed updates below:

U.S. Mission in the UAE – Temporary Closure

The United States Embassy Abu Dhabi and the United States Consulate General Dubai are closed until further notice. All routine visa and U.S. Citizen Services appointments scheduled from Monday, March 2, through Wednesday, March 4, have been postponed.

Applicants are instructed not to attend scheduled appointments. Affected individuals will be contacted directly to reschedule once routine services resume. Further updates will be published on the Embassy’s official website.

Special Charter Flights – Fujairah

Fujairah International Airport has partnered with SalamAir to operate special charter flights on March 4 and 5, 2026, with a transit stop in Muscat.

Onward destinations include:

  • Calicut
  • Hyderabad
  • Lucknow
  • Istanbul
  • Karachi

Passengers may book tickets via SalamAir’s official website or authorised travel agents. Affected passengers will be contacted directly by the airline.

For assistance, SalamAir can be contacted at +968 2427 2222 or via email at [email protected].

Pakistan Embassy – In-Person Services Suspended

The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has temporarily suspended all in-person consular services until further notice.

VFS Application Centers

Some VFS Global application centers in the UAE have resumed partial operations. Individuals who have submitted passports to a diplomatic mission or VFS center are strongly encouraged to retrieve their passports where possible to ensure travel flexibility should an urgent departure become necessary.

Oman – Citizen Assistance

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman is facilitating the return of Omani citizens.

Flight Suspensions

Qatar Airways continues to temporarily suspend flights. Operations will resume once the Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the airspace is safe to reopen.

Saudi eVisa System Delays

Due to a significant increase in Saudi eVisa applications, technical issues and website delays are currently being experienced.

UAE Residence Services – Operational with Delays

Current processes for UAE residence permit renewals, cancellations, and in-country visa applications continue to be processed and offered as normal by the relevant UAE authorities.

However, processing delays and extended timelines are being observed due to the current situation. Applicants and sponsors are advised to plan accordingly and allow additional time for approvals.

Our Global Crisis Response Team has developed a comprehensive set of FAQs to assist employers affected by the travel disruption and border closures: Read here.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

Updated March 3, 2026

UAE Partial Services & Evacuation Notice

In light of the ongoing regional security situation, the following advisories have been issued by various embassies and missions. All nationals are strongly advised to follow the guidance issued by their respective authorities.

India

The Government of India has arranged multiple evacuation flights for Indian nationals stranded in the Middle East region. Affected Indian nationals (including those with expired visas, tourist visas, or emergency situations) are advised to:

  • Contact the Indian Embassy / Consulate
  • Register with the nearest available airline for evacuation scheduling

Several evacuation flights landed in India yesterday. Additional flights will continue operating until the situation normalizes.

Current evacuation flights are primarily intended for stranded individuals, including:

  • Expired visa holders
  • Tourist visa holders
  • Emergency cases

Residence permit holders are advised to:

  • Remain in a safe location
  • Coordinate directly with airlines
  • Travel only after receiving formal confirmation from the airline

Indian nationals may seek government assistance in the following ways:

Airline Customer Service Numbers:

  • Emirates +971 600 555 555
  • Etihad +971 600 555 666
  • Fly Dubai +971 600 544 445
  • Air Arabia +971 600 508 001
  • Spice Jet +91 124 498 3410 / +91 124 710 1600
  • Air India Express, WhatsApp +91 636 001 2345
  • Air India, WhatsApp +91 966 703 4444
  • Air India 24/7 Customer Care +91 116 932 9333 / +91 116 932 9999
  • Indigo +91 124-4973838 / 124-6173838

United States of America

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai have issued the following alert:

UAE Security Alert – Shelter-In-Place Continued

U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff have been instructed to continue to shelter-in-place (take cover).

All U.S. citizens in the UAE are strongly recommended to do the same until further notice.

Actions to Take:

  • Remain inside a secure location (home or safe building)
  • Keep sufficient supplies:
    • Food & water
    • Medications
    • Essential items
  • Keep mobile phones charged
  • Maintain communication with family
  • Monitor local media updates
  • Be prepared to adjust plans quickly
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Emergency Assistance:

  • UAE Emergency Services: Dial 999
  • U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi:
  • U.S. Consulate General Dubai:
  • From U.S. & Canada: +1-888-407-4747
  • From Overseas: +1-202-501-4444

United Kingdom

Communication with the British High Commission, New Delhi, indicates the following guidance:

British nationals are advised to remain where they are. If further assistance is required, individuals should contact the British Embassy in their country of residence in the Middle East.

General Advisory for All Nationals

  • Remain calm and avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Stay indoors unless movement is absolutely essential.
  • Follow official updates from your embassy.
  • Do not rely on unverified social media information.
  • Travel only after receiving formal confirmation from airlines or relevant authorities.

The UK Government is mounting a large-scale support operation for at least 200,000 British nationals currently in the Gulf region, as regional tensions escalate due to continued Iranian strikes in response to ongoing military activity involving Israel and the United States.

More than 94,000 British nationals have registered their location and contact details with the UK authorities. The majority are:

  • Holidaymakers in the United Arab Emirates
  • Travellers in transit at major regional hub airports

Airspace disruptions and closures remain a possibility depending on developments. The UK response is being coordinated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in coordination with diplomatic missions across the region.

Additional Updates

Saudia Airlines has confirmed that flights to and from Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow, and Peshawar will remain cancelled amid ongoing regional developments. The airline said the suspension has been extended until 4 March at 23:59 GMT.

Further updates will be communicated as new information becomes available.

Our Global Crisis Response Team has developed a comprehensive set of FAQs to assist employers affected by the travel disruption and border closures: Read here.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

Updated March 2, 2026

Due to the ongoing conflict in the region, significant travel disruptions are impacting airspace and airport operations across the Middle East, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Travellers may be stranded at airports due to cancelled, delayed, or rerouted flights.

Current Travel Disruption Overview

Major airlines operating to and from Dubai and other regional hubs have temporarily suspended or rerouted flights due to airspace closures and safety restrictions until further notice. Airports across the UAE are currently experiencing operational suspensions and severe limitations due to elevated risk conditions.

Hundreds of flights across the Middle East have been cancelled or rerouted, creating widespread delays and uncertainty. Travellers are strongly advised not to proceed to the airport unless they have received confirmation from their airline that their flight will operate. Travelers are advised to monitor their airline’s official channels for the latest status.

Impact on Visa & Immigration Services

Processing timelines for visas, consular appointments, and immigration-related services may be delayed due to restricted mobility and limited staffing. Clients with pending applications should expect slower-than-normal response times from relevant authorities and service partners. It is recommended to maintain flexibility in start dates or travel dates.

Following guidance from the UAE’s Ministry of Defence, both public and private sector entities have been advised to work remotely, which may further affect appointment scheduling and application lodgements. Authorities are operating at reduced capacity under crisis management protocols, and delays in immigration processing are expected.

We anticipate that authorities may grant temporary exceptions for:

  • Individuals overstaying in the UAE due to travel disruptions
  • Individuals whose visas are due to expire
  • Individuals currently outside the UAE who are unable to return before visa expiry

We are awaiting official confirmation on these measures and are closely monitoring developments.

CIBTvisas Customer Service & Support

Our team remains fully committed to assisting our clients. However, response times may be longer than usual as we coordinate with airlines, embassies, and government agencies. Priority will be given to urgent and time-sensitive cases. We appreciate your patience during this period.

Recommended Actions for Travellers

  • Monitor your travel status directly with your airline for real-time updates.
  • Ensure your contact details are up to date to receive notifications regarding flight changes.
  • Avoid travelling to the airport without confirmed flight status from the airline.
  • For travel involving Dubai or other Middle East transit hubs, consider flexible rebooking or deferring travel until conditions stabilize.
  • Contact your Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are stranded for immediate consular assistance.
  • For concerns regarding expiring visas or travel to locations requiring visas, please contact your CIBTvisas representative directly.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates as more information becomes available.

This update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to CIBTvisas for any case- or company-specific assessments.
 

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