The Kingdom of Belgium has lifted its recommendation against travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), easing its travel advice following a de-escalation of the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The updated advice, published by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 2 July, brings Belgium into line with countries including the Netherlands, which relaxed its travel advisory on 25 June.
While travel to the UAE is no longer discouraged, the Belgian authorities continue to urge travellers to exercise a high degree of caution, warning that the regional security situation remains unpredictable and that further attacks cannot be ruled out.
The revised advice follows weeks of heightened tensions in the Middle East. According to Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE was targeted by missile and drone attacks for several weeks after military action by the United States and Israel against Iran at the end of February. On 17 June, however, Washington, D.C. and Tehran announced that they had reached an agreement over the conflict, prompting Belgium to remove its previous recommendation against travel to destinations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Despite the improved outlook, the ministry stresses that the situation remains highly volatile. It warns that new targeted attacks are still possible and that sudden airspace closures could occur at any time. In such a scenario, travellers could find themselves stranded in the Emirates for an indefinite period.
For that reason, Belgian travellers are advised to ensure they have sufficient emergency funds, take out comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover and repatriation, and closely follow instructions from local authorities. Those with questions about flights are encouraged to contact their airline or travel agent directly.
The ministry also recommends registering trips through the Belgian Travellers Online platform before departure so that the Belgian embassy can contact travellers more quickly in the event of an emergency.
Security concerns remain
The updated travel advice describes the UAE as being located in a “particularly volatile region”, where developments in neighbouring countries can quickly affect domestic security.
Travellers are advised to stay informed through reliable news sources, the UAE’s official crisis management authorities and the Belgian travel advice website. They are also urged to avoid military installations, American and Israeli facilities, as well as critical energy infrastructure such as oil, gas and nuclear installations.
Belgians already residing in the UAE are encouraged to remain vigilant, prepare for possible emergencies and strictly follow official guidance.
The ministry additionally reminds travellers that photographing or filming incidents related to the country’s security situation is a criminal offence in the UAE and may lead to prosecution.
Practical advice before departure
Belgium’s travel advice also highlights several practical issues for visitors.
Travellers should ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months after arrival and check in advance whether any prescription medication they carry is permitted. The UAE imposes strict controls on certain medicines.
The ministry also reiterates the country’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Severe penalties apply not only to illegal narcotics but also to cannabis-derived products such as CBD oil, which may be present in some e-cigarettes or medicinal products.
Local laws can differ significantly from Belgium
Belgium also reminds travellers that they are subject to UAE law while in the country, and that even behaviour considered acceptable in Belgium may constitute a criminal offence.
The ministry warns that legal complaints can result in exit bans preventing visitors from leaving the country until investigations or court proceedings have concluded, a process that can take months. The Belgian embassy cannot intervene to overturn arrests, convictions or travel bans imposed by local authorities.
Visitors are advised to respect local customs and Islamic traditions, particularly during Ramadan. Modest clothing is recommended in public, especially outside Dubai, where dress codes are generally more relaxed. Swimwear should only be worn at beaches and swimming pools, while religious sites often require stricter dress standards.
Public displays of aggression, including swearing, may lead to immediate arrest.
LGBTQ+ travellers urged to be aware of legal risks
The Belgian authorities also remind travellers that local legislation differs substantially from Belgian law in matters relating to sexuality.
According to the travel advice, consensual sexual relations between adults of the opposite sex are generally permitted, including outside marriage, although complaints from a spouse, parent or guardian may still lead to prosecution in some circumstances.
However, the ministry explicitly warns that same-sex sexual acts remain illegal in the UAE and are punishable under the country’s laws. It notes that severe prison sentences remain possible. Prostitution is also prohibited.
Strict rules on alcohol, photography and social media
While alcohol is available in most emirates under regulated conditions, it remains prohibited in Sharjah. Public intoxication and drinking alcohol in public places are criminal offences.
The ministry also cautions travellers that online activity is subject to strict regulation. UAE media laws prohibit criticism or ridicule of the country, its religion, government institutions, companies or individuals on social media. Violations can result in fines of up to AED 1 million and, in some cases, prison sentences. These restrictions also apply to sharing or “liking” prohibited content.
Photography is another area where visitors should exercise caution. Travellers are advised not to photograph government buildings, embassies, airports, aircraft, military sites or critical infrastructure, and to avoid photographing people without their permission. Authorities may detain individuals who breach these rules, and visitors are strongly advised to comply immediately if instructed to delete photographs.
UAE 2014
On the effects on the Strait of Hormuz conflict
- Lufthansa Group confident in summer jet fuel supply.
- 2026 | Security and geopolitical tensions influence Belgians’ holiday plans.
- Antwerp diamond trade rebounds amid reforms and geopolitical shifts.
- Global condom and lube prices set to surge as Iran war disrupts supply chains.
- STRAIT OF HORMUZ | Lufthansa Group cuts summer flights to save fuel amid rising costs.
- Taiwan tourism rebounds, Belgian market recovers, but cost pressures and geopolitical risks shape outlook.
- European aviation braces for jet fuel shortage amid worldwide geopolitical crisis.
- Brussels Airport summer 2026 flight schedule: 180 non-stop destinations served by 70 airlines, 8 new routes and 5 new airlines.
- Flemish travellers shift to southern Europe and Africa amid Middle East conflict.
- TUI: Middle East conflict boosts Belgian travel interest in western and southern Europe.
- “We should be more mindful of our travel destinations and the risks they entail”.
