Travel to the UAE is facing new restrictions for Iranian nationals, as tensions in the Gulf continue to rise. Airlines have updated their visa systems to reflect the new rules.
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Emirates airline
On Wednesday, the Dubai-based airline Emirates Airline announced on its website that Iranian nationals are not allowed to enter or transit through the United Arab Emirates.
Golden visa holders exempt
Similarly, another UAE carrier, flydubai, confirmed the same restriction, but Iranian nationals holding a UAE Golden Visa are exempt and can still enter or transit through the country.
No official UAE statement has been made, but the restrictions appear in the airlines’ visa systems only.
Rising tensions following attacks on the UAE
The move comes as tensions escalate between Iran and Gulf states after recent Iranian strikes on the UAE. On 31 March 2026, UAE air defences engaged 8 ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles, and 36 UAVs launched from Iran.
Since the start of these attacks, UAE air defences have intercepted 433 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 1,977 UAVs.
The attacks led to the martyrdom of 2 UAE Armed Forces members and a Moroccan civilian contractor, along with 8 other fatalities including Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, and Indian nationals.
A total of 188 people were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. The injured include nationals from the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden, and Tunisia.
UAE air defences engaged 8 Ballistic missiles and 4 Cruise missiles and 36 UAV’s.
The UAE air defences on 31th March 2026 engaged 8 Ballistic missiles, 4 Cruise missiles and 36 UAV’s launched from Iran.
Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have… pic.twitter.com/kSolj166Kq
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 31, 2026
Travellers urged to check latest airline updates
As the situation continues to develop, travellers are advised to check directly with airlines for the latest updates, as policies may change quickly.
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The post Emirates Airline Announces Entry And Transit Restriction For Iranian Nationals Amid Regional Tensions appeared first on Lovin Dubai.
