The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued revised travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, including the popular holiday destination Dubai, following escalating civil unrest in neighbouring Iran. The update, published on Wednesday 14 January 2026, warns British nationals of a 'heightened risk of regional tension' which could lead to travel disruption.
What Does the New FCDO Advice Say?
The government's new guidance states that escalation in the region 'could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts'. It advises British nationals to take sensible precautions based on their individual circumstances. Recommended measures include reading the official crisis information page, signing up for FCDO travel alerts, and monitoring local and international media closely.
The FCDO also specifically advises travellers to stay away from security or military facilities in the region. This updated advice is not exclusive to the UAE; identical warnings have been issued for British nationals in Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Libya, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus, and Bahrain.
Impact on Flights and Travel to Dubai
Despite the updated advice and the temporary closure of Iranian airspace on Wednesday night, flights to and from Dubai have continued to operate normally. The UK has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn staff from Iran and a military base in Qatar, but this has not directly affected UAE air travel.
Should flights be cancelled, passengers' rights are protected under UK law if they are departing from a UK airport on any airline, arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, or arriving in the EU on a UK airline. Airlines are obligated to provide care, including food, drink, accommodation, and transport, and must offer a choice between an alternative flight or a full refund.
Compensation for cancellations is only likely if the airline is at fault. Circumstances such as political unrest or regional tension, often classified as 'extraordinary circumstances', typically do not qualify.
Can I Cancel My Dubai Holiday for a Refund?
As the FCDO has not advised against all but essential travel to the UAE, the situation does not automatically trigger special cancellation rights for holidaymakers. There is no obligation for tour operators or airlines to provide refunds if travellers choose to cancel due to concerns.
Most standard travel insurance policies will not cover cancellation for 'disinclination to travel' unless the FCDO advice escalates to a warning against travel. Travellers are urged to contact their holiday provider directly to discuss options and to scrutinise their insurance policy for any relevant cover, such as natural disaster clauses that might apply.
The backdrop to this updated advice is significant unrest in Iran. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Wednesday 14 January that it had confirmed more than 2,600 deaths and 18,470 arrests during the protests, though information remains limited due to an internet blackout.
