Canada Joins USA, UK, France, Italy, and Australia in Issuing New Travel Warnings for UAE Amid Regional Threats
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news ... l-threats/
August 8, 2025
In a unified move driven by serious regional threats, Canada has joined the United States, the UK, France, Italy, and Australia in issuing new, heightened travel warnings for the UAE. These advisories stem from the twofold danger of regional conflicts spilling over into the country via cross-border missile and drone attacks, and a simultaneous, persistent threat of terrorism aimed at the very civilian areas frequented by tourists. Officials from these nations are pointing to an unpredictable security situation that could deteriorate with little notice, warning that terrorist groups have voiced intentions to attack public places like hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. The consensus is clear: the combination of these external and internal security risks has fundamentally altered the safety landscape, compelling this powerful group of nations to formally advise their citizens that any travel to the UAE now requires an exceptional level of vigilance and caution.
For decades, the United Arab Emirates has cultivated an image of dazzling modernity and impeccable safety, a global crossroads where business and leisure meet under sunny skies. But a recent and unified message from six of the world’s major nations suggests that travelers should look beyond the shimmering facade. In a rare show of consensus, Canada, the United States, the UK, France, Italy, and Australia are all urging their citizens to be exceptionally careful, painting a picture of a nation grappling with serious risks tied to its volatile neighborhood.
If you have a trip planned, understanding the nuances of these warnings is more crucial than ever. It’s not just a single country being overly cautious; it’s a collective signal that the situation on the ground requires a new level of awareness. Let’s take a deep dive into the specific guidance from each country.
Canada: A Call for “High Caution” Amid Dual Threats
The Canadian government
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates has put the UAE under a “
high degree of caution,” a significant advisory level driven by what it describes as a two-pronged threat: unpredictable regional tensions and the ongoing threat of terrorism. Ottawa emphasizes that the security landscape here is fluid and can
deteriorate significantly with little or no warning.
For a traveler, this means that your well-laid plans could be upended by sudden flight cancellations or even full airspace closures. The advice from Canada is to be vigilant, constantly monitoring both local and international news. They specifically recommend all Canadians use the
Registration of Canadians Abroad
service to receive direct updates.
On the terrorism front, the warning is stark. Terrorist groups have voiced intentions to attack the UAE, and Canada notes that Jewish and Israeli targets could be particularly at risk. The list of potential targets covers almost every aspect of public life—from government buildings and schools to the very tourist spots, restaurants, and shopping centres that define a UAE vacation. They also issue a specific warning about missile and drone strikes, advising that if you encounter debris from an interception, you should not touch it, move away immediately, and contact local authorities.
United States: “Increased Caution” with a Warning on Local Laws
The U.S. State Department
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel ... isory.html advises its citizens to “
exercise increased caution,” framing the issue around the dual risks of terrorism and missile or drone attacks. While the advisory acknowledges that the UAE is generally a secure environment, it explicitly states that ongoing regional tensions, particularly the conflict involving militant groups in Yemen, have
aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests.
This implies that Americans could be specifically targeted. The concern for air travel is serious enough that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has its own advisory out, recommending caution for U.S. air carriers in the region. Perhaps most uniquely, the U.S. warning goes into depth about a different kind of risk: the UAE’s notoriously strict local laws. It serves as a critical reminder that a misstep in social behavior, a traffic violation, or a financial dispute can escalate far beyond what a Western traveler might expect, potentially leading to arrest and, most alarmingly, an “
exit ban” that could prevent you from leaving the country indefinitely.
United Kingdom: A Focus on Regional Tensions and Specific Threats
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advic ... b-emirates hones in on the “
increasing regional tensions” as its primary concern. While it doesn’t assign a single blanket “
level,” its advice is pointed and specific. The FCDO is unambiguous in its warning that
Israeli and Jewish linked sites could be targets for terrorists in the UAE,
a reflection of the broader geopolitical climate.
The advisory underscores how quickly things can change, referencing past ceasefires and flare-ups as evidence that travelers must remain plugged into current events. The core advice for British nationals is to stay informed, be prepared for transport disruptions, and to always follow the lead of the local Emirati authorities in any situation.
Italy: A Paradox of High Security and High-Stakes Risks
The Italian government
https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/find-country/country/ARE presents a fascinating paradox. It begins by stating that
the level of security in the country is high
and the
crime rate is low,
which reflects the day-to-day experience of many.
However, it immediately pivots to the overriding reality of the Arabian Peninsula’s heightened tensions, which means hostile attacks cannot be ruled out. Italy’s most forceful warning is geographical. It designates the islands of Tonb and Abu Musa, located in the politically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, as an
Area of particular caution.
The message to Italian sailors and tourists is unequivocal: do not approach these islands, which are disputed with Iran, on private pleasure boats. Beyond that specific no-go zone, Italians are advised to behave discreetly, avoid large gatherings, and show deep respect for local customs, particularly around military zones and mosques (with the exception of the grand mosques open to visitors).
France: “Formally Not Recommended” Zones and Increased Vigilance
France echoes its European neighbors, calling for “
increased caution and vigilance”
https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/homeb due to the persistent terrorist risk in the region. The French advisory system is very clear: while the mainland UAE is under a “
normal vigilance” watch, the islands of Grande Tomb, Petite Tomb, and Abou Moussa are designated as “
formally not recommended.” This is the strongest level of warning and it comes with a chillingly specific reason: the
risk of boarding and arrest
for anyone venturing into the surrounding waters.
For its citizens, France heavily promotes the use of its “
Ariane thread” registration service, framing it as an essential tool for receiving alerts and being located in a crisis. The overarching message is that the regional situation demands constant and sustained attention from any French national in the country.
Australia: A Clear and Concise Warning
Down Under, the message is characteristically direct. The Australian government advises its citizens to
The reason given is singular and powerful:
the threat of terrorism.
While the advisory is less detailed than others, its force lies in its simplicity. By aligning with the highest caution levels issued by countries like Canada, Australia reinforces the global consensus that the risks are real and should not be underestimated. Their advisory also includes a practical note, reminding travelers that tourist visas are readily available on arrival, a small but useful piece of information for those weighing their plans.
Citing grave risks from regional missile attacks and terrorism, Canada has joined the United States, UK, France, Italy, and Australia in issuing heightened travel warnings for the United Arab Emirates. This international consensus points to an unpredictable security situation, urging travelers to exercise an exceptional degree of caution.
The Final Takeaway for Travelers
So, what does this all mean for your trip? It means that a vacation to the UAE in 2025 requires more than just a passport and a ticket. It demands a traveler who is informed, vigilant, and respectful. The consistent warnings from these six nations paint a clear picture of a country that, despite its peaceful appearance, is subject to the very real dangers of its geopolitical environment. The threats are varied—from drones in the sky and terrorists in public spaces to the unforgiving nature of local law. The unified message is not necessarily
don’t go,
but rather,
go with your eyes wide open.