Plan Ahead – Scheduling Delays for Passport Renewal Services – U.S. Mission UAE The U.S. Mission to the United Arab Emirates (U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai) is experiencing significant demand for passport renewal services. At this time, the earliest available appointments for passport renewal services are mid-April at both U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai.  (An additional 2-4 weeks …

(January 26, 2021) The Consular Sections in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will accept and mail ballots for U.S. citizens registered in Louisiana’s 2nd and 5th Congressional Districts which are conducting special primary elections on March 20, 2021, to fill vacancies.  Information regarding special primary elections, including registration and voting deadlines, can be found at FVAP.gov . …

Health Alert – Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs (January 24, 2021) Location: Worldwide: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director has signed an order requiring all airline passengers traveling to the United States, including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test or recovery from COVID-19. Event: Effective January 26, all …

Location:  Countrywide Event:  During this holiday season, the U.S. Mission wishes to remind U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates of the need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to keep up their security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned about the global threat of terrorism and the possibility …

The Consular Sections in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will accept and mail ballots for US citizens registered in districts holding runoff elections, including the January 5, 2021, Georgia runoff elections for two U.S. Senate seats.  Information regarding runoff elections, including registration and voting deadlines, can be found at FVAP.gov . As we cannot guarantee that ballots …

The U.S. Mission wishes to remind U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates of the need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to keep up their security awareness, even though local law enforcement units have effectively demonstrated the capacity to detect, deter, and prevent acts of terrorism in the UAE. …

Overseas Voting Reminder: If you have not already done so, we recommend that you drop off your ballot by tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, to account for delivery times.  The Consular Sections in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will continue to accept and mail ballots until Election Day, November 3, but we cannot guarantee that they will …

If you plan to vote in the November 2020 election it is important to ACT NOW!  Don’t wait, return your completed ballot right away! Remember U.S. embassies and consulates are not polling places; same-day in-person voting is not available outside the United States – but you can get assistance in requesting and returning your absentee ballot.  Many states require completed ballots to …

(September 24, 2020) All seven Emirates open to travelers: Media  report  tourists can now enter into Abu Dhabi and all other emirates. In Abu Dhabi, all arrivals must quarantine in their homes or a hotel room for 14 days. Last week, the authorities said travelers can expect to be fitted with an electronic tag on arrival …

(September 18, 2020) GPS Tracking wristbands for travelers arriving to Abu Dhabi:   Media  reports   announced travelers arriving into Abu Dhabi are required to wear a GPS wristband during the mandatory 14-day quarantine.  The wristband will be applied at Abu Dhabi International Airport upon arrival, or at the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border if arriving from Dubai International Airport. As …

(September 16, 2020) Resumption of Limited Routine Notary Appointments: The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai are now offering limited appointments for routine notary services. To schedule an appointment, please use the online appointment system for  Embassy Abu Dhabi  or  Consulate Dubai . The Embassy and Consulate continue to offer appointments for other routine services …

Renew U.S. Adult Passports By Mail: The U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai have launched a passport renewal service for eligible adults through Emirates Post. Visit our website for details on eligibility and requirements. If eligible, applicants can contact Emirates Post at 600599999 or visit their  website  to arrange for the shipment of the passport, documents, and …

Resumption of Limited Routine Appointments:  The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General in Dubai are now offering limited appointments for some routine services including minor passport renewal, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs), and first-time adult passport applications. To schedule an appointment, please use the online appointment system for U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi  or  U.S. Consulate General Dubai . Routine notary services …

United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to COVID-19. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a level 3 Travel Health Notice for the United Arab Emirates due to COVID-19. The United Arab Emirates has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations and …

Travel Advisory: U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai (August 9, 2020) United Arab Emirates – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to COVID-19. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for the United Arab Emirates due …

U.S. Citizen Alert: U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai (August 5, 2020) Alerts are released on Sundays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts.   The UAE government  announces  travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test result before flying to the country: The National Crisis and Emergency and Management …

U.S. Citizen Alert: U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai (July 13, 2020)   Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts.   UAE government announces changes to residency visa rules: The UAE cabinet  announced  the extension of validity for residency visas and entry permits through the end of this year will …

Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts. Foreign Travel for UAE Residents: The UAE government has reportedly relaxed its requirements for international travel from the UAE with the intent to return. Residents may now travel outside of the UAE for “general reasons” provided they adhere to …

Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts. Completion of National Sterilization Program: The UAE National Sterilization Program is complete, ending nationwide curfews. Residents may now travel outside of their homes at any point and children under the age of 12 may now enter shopping malls and …

U.S. Citizen Alert: U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai (June 22, 2020)   Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts.   Abu Dhabi movement ban extended another week.  Restrictions on entering Abu Dhabi from other Emirates are being extended for another week but …

Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts. National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) steps up effort to bring back UAE residents:  NCEMA announced  UAE residents with valid visas who have been staying outside the UAE due to COVID-19 must first request approval to return at  smartservices.ica.gov.ae  before booking flight tickets to return to …

Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Alerts.   Emirates Airline announces additional flights:  Emirates Airline will recommence passenger flights to an additional 16 cities, starting June 15. In addition to the existing flight between Dubai and Chicago, new destinations will be between DXB and New York JFK, Bahrain, Manchester, Zurich, Vienna, …

Health Alerts are released on Mondays. Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Health Alerts.   Events: Movement between regions within Abu Dhabi banned: The Abu Dhabi Emergency and Crisis Committee for the COVID-19 pandemic announced  a ban on the movement entering and exiting the emirate and between its regions (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain & Al Dhafra) …

Health Alerts are released on Mondays.  Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Health Alerts. Events Schedule of movement restriction revised in Dubai: Media report beginning May 27 there will be no restrictions on movement between 6 am and 11 pm in Dubai. In addition, business activities will gradually reopen with social distancing …

Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai (May 19, 2020)   Health Alerts are released on Mondays.  Any urgent updates may be released in addition to regularly scheduled Health Alerts.    Events:   New sterilization hours for UAE announced: There are media reports that beginning May 20, the nation-wide sterilization hours will be from 8 …

Emirates airlines  announces  limited scheduled flights: Beginning May 21, Emirates airlines will begin operating scheduled services to nine global destinations including Chicago. Book online at www.emirates.com . Etihad and Emirates announce limited inbound flights to the UAE: Etihad Airways and Emirates will operate limited one-way flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to enable UAE residents to return to the UAE from different …

Waiver of fines for expired residency and entry permits: Media  report  the UAE will waive all fines for residency visas, entry permits, and Emirates IDs which expired before March 1, 2020. UAE residents and visitors have a three-month grace period to depart the UAE starting May 18 and may contact the  Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship  for more information.  Emirates airlines  announces  limited …

May 11, 2020 Events: Abu Dhabi implements movement permit system: There are media reports the  Abu Dhabi police will provide move permits for residents to leave their homes to buy essential items or visit a hospital or pharmacy during the National Disinfection Program, which runs from 10 pm to 6 am. Abu Dhabi residents may request a …

U.S. Citizen Message: U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai (May 7, 2020) Events: Potential scam using U.S. Embassy information: Be advised of unauthorized entities using U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi’s name, logo, or phone number. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the Embassy without a “ @state.gov ” email address, …

Warning Be advised of unauthorized entities using U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi’s name, logo, or phone number.  WARNING – The U.S. Embassy has been made aware of a potential scam involving individuals purporting to represent the Embassy by soliciting purchase orders for solar generators.  This appears to be an attempt to target businesses for payments of …

May 4, 2020 Events: Sterilization Program Continues. The nation-wide sterilization program  remains  in effect from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Limited flight options to the U.S. via Europe and Asia: Emirates and Etihad airlines continue to operate a limited number of departing passenger flights. Contact the airlines directly to make your reservation. The U.S. government has no plans to organize repatriation flights from the UAE to the United States. For additional information on …

Events: Consular services limited to emergency or urgent cases. We will resume routine consular operations when possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. U.S. citizens, including those with newborn children without passports, who have travel plans within two weeks, should contact  AbuDhabiACS@state.gov   or  DubaiACS@state.gov  for an appointment to apply for an emergency passport which …

Events: Movement restrictions in Dubai’s al-Ras and Naif neighborhoods eased. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management  announced  that beginning April 27 the movement restrictions in al-Ras and Naif will be eased, but the curfew in both neighborhoods will continue between 10 pm and 6 am as the rest of Dubai. Consular Services limited to emergency or urgent …

Events: Sterilization Program Hours Reduced During Ramadan. The nation-wide sterilization program will be in effect from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am during Ramadan, which began April 24. Dubai movement restrictions partially lifted. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management  announced  that beginning April 24 there will be a partial easing of restrictions on movement in Dubai. Individuals …

Events: Sterilization Program Hours Reduced During Ramadan. The nation-wide sterilization program will be in effect from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am during Ramadan, which began April 24. Dubai movement restrictions partially lifted. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management  announced  that beginning April 24 there will be a partial easing of restrictions on movement in Dubai. Individuals …

Events: Sterilization Program Hours Reduced During Ramadan. The nation-wide sterilization program will be in effect from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am during Ramadan, which started on April 24. Dubai movement restrictions partially lifted. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management  announced  that beginning April 24 there will be a partial easing of restrictions on movement in Dubai. …

Events: Additional U.S.-Bound Flight: Etihad will operate a nonstop flight, EY 151, to Chicago on April 25. U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents intending to return to the United States, especially tourists and other non-UAE residents, are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the current flight option. The U.S. government has no plans to organize …

Events: Additional U.S.-Bound Flight: Etihad will operate a non-stop flight, EY 151, to Chicago on April 25. U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents intending to return to the United States, especially tourists and other non-UAE residents, are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the current flight option. The U.S. government has no plans to organize …

Events: Dubai extends 24/7 sterilization program until April 25. Dubai residents and visitors may apply for a movement permit once every three days to buy groceries or visit pharmacies, and once every five days for cash withdrawal. To request a permit, visit  https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home . Visa and Residency Extensions. The  UAE confirmed  that validity for residency visas, entry permits, and Emirates IDs …

Events: Dubai extends 24/7 lockdown for another week. The 24/7 sterilization program is extended to April 25. Dubai residents and visitors may apply for a movement permit once every three days to buy groceries or visit pharmacies, and once every five days for cash withdrawal. To request a permit, visit  https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home . Visa and Residency Extensions. The  UAE confirmed  that …

Events: Dubai extends 24/7 lockdown for another week.  The 24/7 sterilization program is extended to April 25. Dubai residents and visitors may apply for a movement permit once every three days to buy groceries or visit pharmacies, and once every five days for cash withdrawal. To request a permit, visit  https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home . Visas and Residency Extensions.  The UAE confirmed that residency visas, entry permits and Emirates IDs expiring …

Events: Dubai Police update movement permit rules.  Dubai residents may apply for a movement permit once every three days to buy groceries or visit pharmacies, and once every five days for cash withdrawal, according to Dubai authorities. To request a permit, please visit  https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home . Visas and Residency Extensions.  he UAE confirmed that residency visas, entry permits and Emirates IDs expiring after March 1, 2020 will have …

April 16, 2020 Events:  The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship confirmed that all UAE residency visas, entry permits and Emirates ID cards expiring after March 1, 2020 will have the validity automatically extended until the end of December. Emirates ID cards that expired on or after March 1 will continue to be valid for bank and government services, and other official transactions up to the end …

Events:  The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship confirmed that all UAE residency visas, entry permits and Emirates ID cards expiring after March 1, 2020 will be valid until the end of December. NEW APRIL 18 FLIGHT OPTION FROM DUBAI TO CHICAGO: Emirates Airline will fly a non-stop flight from Dubai to Chicago on Saturday, April 18. The flight is EK235 and is scheduled to depart …

Events:  The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship confirmed that all UAE residency visas, entry permits and Emirates ID cards expiring after March 1, 2020 will be valid until the end of December. NEW APRIL 18 FLIGHT OPTION FROM DUBAI TO CHICAGO: Emirates Airline will fly a non-stop flight from Dubai to Chicago on Saturday, April 18. The flight is EK235 and is scheduled to depart …

Events:  Limited flight options to the U.S. via Europe and Asia ending soon.  For detailed information on flight options from the UAE to the United States, click  here . Emirates and Etihad airlines are flying a limited number of flights on to destinations including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Manila, and Seoul. Emirates reports outbound flights to Paris will cease operating on April 12. Flights to London and Frankfurt are scheduled to cease …

Events:  Limited flight options to the U.S. via Europe and Asia ending soon.  For detailed information on flight options from the UAE to the United States, click   here .  Emirates and Etihad airlines began flying a limited number of flights on April 6 to destinations including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Zurich, Manila, and Seoul. Emirates announced that some outbound …

Message for U.S. Citizens: Commercial Flight Options from the UAE to the United States April 10, 2020 Commercial flight options for U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) to travel from the UAE to the United States via Europe and Asia are ending soon.  The U.S. government has no plans to organize repatriation flights from the UAE to …

April 9, 2020 Events:  Limited flight options to the  U.S. via Europe and Asia ending soon. Emirates and Etihad Airlines began flying on April 6 to a limited number of flights to destinations including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Zurich, Manila, and Seoul. Emirates announced that some outbound flights will cease operating on April 12 while flights to London and Frankfurt are scheduled to cease …

April 8, 2020           Events:   U.S. passport processing centers have limited passport operations due to COVID-19. If you previously applied for a passport or citizenship service, expect significant delays. Citizens with expired U.S. passports who wish to return to the U.S., or families with newborn U.S. citizens without passports, should contact  AbuDhabiACS@state.gov  or  DubaiACS@state.gov  to apply for an emergency passport. If all requirements are …

April 7, 2020              Events:   U.S. Department of State passport processing centers in the United States are currently unable to process new full-validity passport applications. U.S. citizens with expired U.S. passports who wish to return to the U.S., or families with newborn U.S. citizens without passports, should continue to contact  abudhabiacs@state.gov to apply for an emergency passport. If all requirements …

April 6, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions. Event:  Flight options to the United States via Europe and Asia now available.  Beginning April 6 Emirates and Etihad Airlines will fly a …

April 5, 2020        Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions.           Event:  Flight options to the United States via Europe now available.  According to media reports, beginning April 6 Emirates and …

April 4, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions.         Event:  According to media reports, beginning April 6 Emirates and Etihad Airlines will fly a limited number of outbound-only passenger …

April 3, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions.        Event:  UAE authorities on April 2 suspended entry for valid visa holders outside the UAE, including resident visas, for two additional weeks.  This …

April 3, 2020 Country-Specific Information: The Government of the UAE has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including enhanced screening and quarantine measures.  Schools and universities are closed for the remainder of the academic year.  Sporting events, festivals, and large gatherings have been banned.  Religious services have also been suspended for four weeks.  …

April 2, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions. Event:   Local media reported on April 1 that visitors to the UAE are exempt from overstay fines for three months. UAE …

April 1, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions. Event:   The Ministry of Health and Prevention on March 28 extended the UAE initiative to disinfect public facilities, including …

March 31, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions.     Event:  Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced on March 30 that due to intensified sterilization procedures, only …

March 30, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates The U.S. Mission to the UAE is sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the UAE have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions. Event:  The UAE government on March 28 opened a mobile COVID-19 testing facility at Zayed Sports City in Abu …

March 29, 2020 Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates U.S. citizens looking for options to return to the United States can call the U.S. Department of State Repatriation Task Force at 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas.  Event:  The Ministry of Health and Prevention on March 28 extended the UAE initiative to …

Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates  U.S. citizens in an emergency can call 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas.   Event:  The UAE Attorney General on March 27 issued the following after a Cabinet decision regarding containing the spread of COVID-19: individuals failing to follow social distancing protocols or neglecting to wear medical masks indoors, and …

Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates U.S. citizens in an emergency can call 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas.  Event:  Passenger air travel to, from, or transiting the UAE is suspended.  Public spaces, shopping malls, and most retail stores are closed.  Grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations remain open. The UAE General …

Effective March 29, 2020, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate Dubai will accept only emergency passport applications (renewing passports that have expired or have less than six months validity), processing Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and other compelling emergency cases.   Emergency appointments will be handled between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon, Mondays and …

Location: Throughout the United Arab Emirates Advice: Please enroll in the STEP program at  https://step.state.gov/  to receive alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.  U.S. Citizens in an emergency can call 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas.  Consider encouraging other U.S. Citizens to enroll in the STEP program.  U.S. …

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. …

March 19, 2020 On March 19, the U.S. Department of State advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared …

Event: As of March 19, 2020 the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced 113 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UAE. The Government of the UAE has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including enhanced screening and quarantine measures. Schools and universities are closed until at least April 5. Sporting events, festivals, …

Location: United Arab Emirates, countrywide     Event:  The U.S. Embassy/Consulate General in the UAE advises all U.S. citizens of heightened tensions in the region.  U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness.  For additional information, please read the most recent Worldwide Caution message dated January 15, …

  Location: United Arab Emirates, countrywide   Event:  New Year’s celebrations will take place throughout the UAE over the coming weeks.  Road closures throughout the emirates will restrict movements, particularly in areas where large crowds are expected.  U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when attending large, public holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places …

At this time, scheduled passport and visa services at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate General Dubai will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits. We will not update this website until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information.