UAE lifts war-related travel ban on Lebanon

The United Arab Emirates has announced the lifting of a travel ban for its citizens to Lebanon, effective Monday, June 29, 2026. This decision reverses a restriction that had been in place for several weeks due to the ongoing Middle East war and concerns over Iran's regional influence.

The UAE's foreign ministry stated that citizens are now allowed to travel to the "sisterly Lebanese Republic." However, the ministry advised travelers to register with its consular services platform before their departure, ensuring a point of contact for assistance during their stay.

The travel ban was initially implemented in April, alongside similar restrictions for travel to Iraq and Iran. These measures were framed as responses to escalating regional tensions, particularly Iran's retaliatory aerial campaign against Gulf states following U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic earlier in the year. While flights between Tehran and Dubai have resumed, the ban on Emirati travel to Iran remains in effect.

The lifting of the ban on travel to Lebanon signals a potential shift in the UAE's assessment of regional security or a move to facilitate closer ties, despite the broader context of conflict and influence struggles in the Middle East.