The Foreign Office has lifted its advisory against non-essential travel to several Gulf states after the United States and Iran reached an agreement to end hostilities. Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a 'stand by' warning, indicating that airlines will be eager to promote summer holidays to the region.
Travel Insurance Now Valid Again
Speaking outside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Simon Calder confirmed that travel insurance is 'once again valid' following the deal signed by the Iranian and American presidents. The FCDO, however, cautioned that the 'situation remains unpredictable' due to ongoing regional tensions.
Lifted Warnings for Key Destinations
Mr Calder stated that those wishing to visit the region could now do so 'with some confidence'. The no-go warning has been lifted for the entire UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. He noted that 1.4 million British travellers visited Dubai last year alone.
He said: 'As from now, the no-go warning which prevailed for the whole of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as to the countries of Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has been lifted. The Foreign Office still warns that you need to be ready for trouble to resume at any time, but it means that travel insurance is once again valid and anybody planning a trip to the UAE or Qatar or elsewhere in the region can do so with some confidence.'
Impact on Airlines and Tourism
The immediate effect, according to Mr Calder, will be a major marketing push by major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. They will aim to attract passengers for both connecting flights and summer holidays, though he warned of extreme heat with average daily highs around 40°C.
The tourism industry suffered a severe blow when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, as millions of holidaymakers visit Gulf states or use them as stopovers for longer journeys. The FCDO decision allows tourists to return without risking their travel insurance.
Flight Resumption Delays
Despite the lifted warnings, flights may not restart immediately. Virgin Atlantic halted flights until winter 2027 after the conflict began, and a spokesperson confirmed this remains the case. British Airways announced in June that it would not restart flights to the UAE until October 2026. Emirates, however, maintained flights throughout the hostilities.
Mr Calder added: 'It means that anybody who's planning to travel perhaps to Asia or to Australia now will be able to travel with confidence through one of the Gulf hubs. In addition, I imagine that airfares will fall because the Asian carriers will not be able to command such a premium.'
He concluded: 'Stand by for some really good holiday offers, but I personally won't be seeing you on the beach in Dubai until about November.'
