Gulf travel: latest announcements – Tuesday 3 March

In the wake of Iranian strikes on GCC countries, travel to and from the region is restricted. Widespread airspace closures are in place across the region, causing flight disruptions at key hubs, including Dubai and Doha. For the latest flight news, click here.

 

In response to the ongoing threats, authorities have issued travel advisories, warning visitors and residents in the GCC to exercise caution. Here are some of the latest updates as of 3 March 2026:

 

UAE: While flights in the country are currently operating at a limited capacity, two Oman-based airlines – SalamAir and Oman Air – have issued temporary bus services between Sharjah and Muscat International Airport (MCT), offering those in the UAE an alternative route to fly internationally via Oman. For those remaining in the country, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority has directed residents to seek shelter when notified and avoid contact with any fallen debris from strikes. 

 

UK: The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, with guidelines for Saudi Arabia to avoid "all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen" and "all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen". Like many embassies, the UK Foreign Office has asked all citizens to register their presence with their local British embassies to receive further updates via email and remain indoors, away from external walls and windows when instructed by local authorities.

 

Canada: Canada has advised against travel to Oman and Saudi Arabia other than for essential purposes and has cautioned against all travel to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Its statement reads: “Avoid all travel to the United Arab Emirates due to the ongoing military activities. Make sure your travel documents and those of your spouse and children are up to date and secure at all times. You should leave the United Arab Emirates by commercial flight as soon as you can secure an option.”

 

US: The US Department of State has issued travel advisories for the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait asking nationals to reconsider travel to these countries. Those traveling to Oman and Saudi Arabia are asked to exercise increased caution. On 2 March 2026, the Department of State instructed non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave the United Arab Emirates due to “the threat of armed conflict”.

 

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Australia: Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is advising against all travel to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, and suggests travel to Saudi Arabia and Oman be reconsidered. The embassy stated: “Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in the United Arab Emirates, we’ve raised our level of advice for the UAE to: do not travel. The UAE airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran. Military conflict in the region may result in widespread movement restrictions, and other travel disruptions.”

 

Ireland: Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned against non-essential travel to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. A high degree of caution is advised for Oman. The embassy advised: “In light of the current security situation in the Middle East and Gulf region, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly advises Irish citizens against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates until further notice. Irish citizens in the UAE should register with the Department via the Citizens Registration facility if they have not already done so.”

 

Taiwan: Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised: “Nationals who stay in the UAE, Qatar and other Middle Eastern nations must be alert, patiently wait for the airspace to reopen and follow safety guidelines issued by local governments to keep themselves safe. At the same time, please take the initiative to keep in touch with our foreign missions so that the relevant offices can provide follow-up assistance in due time.” 

 

Singapore: Singapore’s Ministry fo Foreign Affairs issued a statement, reading: “Due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East, Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to the region. Singaporeans who are currently in the Middle East are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at eregister.mfa.gov.sg so they can contacted if the need arises.