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United Arab Emirates
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June 09, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates, each with its own ruler. The federal government
is a constitutional republic, headed by a president and council of ministers. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative
foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. The UAE is a modern, developed country, and tourist facilities are
widely available. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the United Arab Emirates for additional information.
REGISTRATION: Americans living or traveling in the United Arab Emirates are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the United Arab Emirates. Americans without Internet
access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier
for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. For stays of 30 days or fewer, U.S. citizens holding valid passports may obtain visitor visas at
the port of entry for no fee. For a longer stay, a traveler must obtain a visa before arrival in the UAE. In addition, an
HIV/AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. HIV/AIDS test is
not accepted. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, 3522 International
Court, NW, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 243-2400. Visit the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates web site for the most current visa information.
The Government of the United Arab Emirates requires that all persons residing in the UAE, including U.S. citizens, have a national identification card. Americans who are working or living in the UAE should visit the Emirates Identity Authority web site for more information
on card registration procedures and requirements.
Unlike other countries in the region that accept U.S. military ID cards as valid travel documents, the UAE requires U.S. military
personnel to present a valid passport for entry/exit.
UAE authorities will confiscate any weapons, weapon parts, ammunition, body armor, handcuffs, and/or other military/police
equipment transported to or through a civilian airport. Americans have been arrested and jailed for transporting such weapons
and equipment without the express written authorization of the UAE government, even though airline and U.S. authorities allowed
shipment on a U.S.-originating flight.
Please review the Criminal Penalties section of this document for more information on customs restrictions, particularly in
regard to the UAE’s strict anti-drug laws.
U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries that are not members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) who depart the UAE
via land are required to pay a departure fee. This fee is 20 UAE dirhams and is payable only in the local currency.
The United Arab Emirates has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on persons applying for a work or residence visa. An HIV/AIDS
test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. HIV/AIDS test is not accepted.
Please inquire directly with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates before you travel.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Americans in the United Arab Emirates should exercise a high level of security awareness. The Department of State remains
concerned about the global threat of terrorism, including the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests
in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. Both historical and current information suggest that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations
continue to plan attacks against Western targets; these attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations,
assassination, kidnapping, hijacking and bombing. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required
travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with caution. In addition, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact
with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. U.S. Government
personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. In addition, U.S. Government facilities may temporarily
close or suspend public services from time to time as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.
Taking photographs of potentially-sensitive UAE military and civilian sites or foreign diplomatic missions – including the
U.S. Embassy – may result in arrest, detention and/or prosecution by local authorities. In addition, engaging in mapping
activities, especially mapping which includes the use of GPS equipment, without coordination with UAE authorities, may have
the same consequences.
On several occasions in recent years, small groups of expatriate recreational boaters were detained by the Iranian Coast Guard
for alleged violation of Iranian territorial waters while fishing near the island of Abu Musa, approximately 20 miles from
Dubai. The UAE and Iran have had a long-standing dispute concerning jurisdiction of Abu Musa. Fishing or sailing in these
waters may result in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran. Obtaining consular assistance in Iran
is difficult and can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited
U.S. consular services.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States
and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s information on A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Most travelers to the UAE are not impacted by crime. Violent crimes and crimes against property are rare, but do occur.
The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to take the same security precautions in the UAE that one would practice in the
United States or any large city abroad. Although vehicle break-ins are not common, U.S. citizens are encouraged to ensure
that unattended vehicles are locked and that valuables are not left in plain sight.
Incidents of verbal and physical harassment as well as isolated cases involving assault of expatriate women have occurred,
including some incidents of harassment by taxi drivers. On more than one occasion, expatriate females have been sexually assaulted
while walking alone through underground pedestrian walkways near the Abu Dhabi corniche. Female travelers should keep in
mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions
may invite unwanted attention. Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab and should be sensitive
that “small talk” can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by some taxi drivers. Victims
of harassment are encouraged to report such incidents to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the
local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in the United Arab Emirates is 999.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. As each Emirate
has its own independent judicial system, legal procedures and penalties vary throughout the country. Penalties for breaking
the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Emirati laws, even unknowingly,
may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the United Arab
Emirates are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with
children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
Legislation enacted in January 1996 imposes the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. Since January 2006, possession
of even trace amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in sentences of four years imprisonment for foreign citizens transiting
the UAE. Some drugs normally taken under a doctor's supervision in the United States, and even some over-the-counter U.S.
drugs and medications, are classified as narcotics in the UAE and are illegal to possess. A doctor's prescription should
be carried along with any medication that is brought into the country. A person may be subject to arrest and prosecution
if possession of prescribed medicines (especially those containing codeine and similar narcotic-like ingredients) comes to
the attention of local authorities. The U.S. Embassy’s web site includes an unofficial list of such medicines, obtained from
the UAE Ministry of Health. Most medications available in the U.S. are also available by doctors’ prescription through hospitals
and pharmacies in the UAE.
In addition, the UAE's tough anti-narcotics program also includes poppy seeds, widely used in other cultures, including the U.S., for culinary purposes, on its list of controlled substances. The importation and possession of poppy seeds in any and all forms is strictly prohibited. Persons found to possess even very small quantities of controlled substances listed by the UAE are subject to prosecution by the authorities and may be given lengthy prison terms of up to 15 years. Travelers with questions regarding the items on the list of controlled substances should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. If suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, individuals may be required to submit to blood and/or urine tests and may be subject to prosecution.
Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment and/or fines. Bail generally is not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud.
Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and/or
fines and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels but is intended for guests of the hotel. Persons
who are not guests of the hotel, and who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars, technically are required to have their
own personal liquor licenses. Liquor licenses are issued only to non-Muslim persons who possess UAE residency permits. Drinking
and driving is considered a serious offense. Persons arrested on alcohol-related offenses are often jailed for many days
as they await a court hearing. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences and fines and, for Muslims (even those holding U.S.
citizenship), lashings.
While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are available for that purpose, religious proselytizing
is not permitted in the UAE. Persons violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported.
If arrested, U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance. The U.S. Consul will provide
information on the local judicial system and a list of local attorneys. In Dubai, the U.S. Consul can also arrange for U.S.
citizen detainees to meet with an ombudsman from the Human Rights Department of the Dubai police headquarters, if the detainee
believes he or she is not being treated fairly.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Government of the United Arab Emirates does not recognize dual nationality. Children of UAE fathers automatically
acquire UAE citizenship at birth and must enter the UAE on UAE passports. UAE authorities have confiscated U.S. passports
of UAE/U.S. dual nationals in the past. This act does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship, but should be reported to the
U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. In addition to being subject to all UAE laws, U.S. citizens
who also hold UAE citizenship may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of the UAE. For
additional information, please refer to our Dual Nationality flyer.
U.S. citizens have at times become involved in disputes of a commercial nature that have prompted local firms or courts to
take possession of the U.S. citizen's passport. Travel bans may also be enforced against U.S. citizens involved in financial
disputes with a local sponsor or firm. Such travel bans, which are rigidly enforced, effectively prevent the individual from
leaving the UAE for any reason until the dispute is resolved. Although it is customary for a local sponsor to hold an employee's
passport, it is illegal to do so under UAE law. Most contractual/labor disputes can be avoided by clearly establishing all
terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of any employment. Should a dispute
arise, the UAE Ministry of Labor has established a special department to review and arbitrate labor claims. A list of local
attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the Consular and Commercial sections of the
U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.
Codes of behavior and dress in the UAE reflect the country's Islamic traditions and are more conservative than those of the
United States. Visitors to the UAE should be respectful of this conservative heritage, especially in the Emirate of Sharjah
where rules of decency and public conduct are strictly enforced. Female travelers should keep in mind the cultural differences
among the many people who coexist in the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions may invite unwanted attention
to them. Isolated incidents of verbal and physical harassment of Western women have occurred. Victims of harassment are
encouraged to report such incidents to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.
American citizens intending to reside and work in the UAE may have to present personal documents authenticated by the Department
of State's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. before traveling to the UAE. This can be a complex process involving
local, state and federal offices and requiring several weeks to complete. For procedural information, the Office of Authentications may be contacted by telephone from within the United States at 800-688-9889 or 202-647-5002, by fax at 202-663-3636. In order to meet UAE
government requirements for school registrations and residency sponsorship for family members, Americans intending to bring
their families to reside with them in the UAE will need to have their marriage certificate and children's birth certificates,
or custody/adoption decrees, if appropriate, authenticated by the Department of State in Washington, DC. The U.S. Embassy
and Consulate General cannot authenticate U.S. local- and state-issued personal, academic or professional documents; they
will only be able to authenticate the final authentication document from the Department of State. The Embassy and Consulate
General will also not authenticate the academic documents of institutions of higher education in the United States that are
not accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, even if the documents have been authenticated by the Department of State.
Additional information on authentication of documents can be found on the State Department web site. In terms of employment, a recent change to UAE labor law requires local sponsors
to have employees' diplomas, academic and/or occupational/professional certificates validated through a “Degree Verification”
process established in the UAE. Prospective employees will be required to submit photocopies of such documents for verification
to a firm under contract to the Ministry of Labor.
In addition, persons in the education and health professions reportedly have to meet two requirements for validation of their
educational credentials at this time – the formal “chain” authentication of academic/professional credentials in the U.S.
and the “Degree Verification” process in the UAE. Different UAE Ministries have different requirements in this regard. Determining
these requirements with one’s prospective employer is strongly recommended before arrival in the UAE.
Please see our Customs Information.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in outlying
areas.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web site. Further health information for travelers is available from the WHO.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning the United Arab Emirates is provided for general reference only, and may not be
totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
The police emergency number and ambulance number is 999. Mobile phones are widely used throughout the UAE, so passers-by
usually request emergency police and medical services quickly. Response time by emergency services is adequate. However,
medical personnel emphasize transport of the injured to the hospital rather than treatment on site. Traffic accidents are
a leading cause of death in the UAE because drivers often drive at high speeds. Unsafe driving practices are common, especially
on inter-city highways. On highways, unmarked speed bumps and drifting sand create additional hazards.
Country-wide traffic laws impose stringent penalties for certain violations, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol. In the UAE, there is zero tolerance for driving after consumption of alcohol. Persons arrested for drinking and driving are often jailed for many days as they await a court hearing. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences and fines and, for Muslims (even those holding U.S. citizenship), lashings. Persons involved in an accident in which another party is injured automatically go to jail, until the injured person is released from the hospital. Should a person die in a traffic accident, the driver of the other vehicle is liable for payment of compensation for the death (known as "dhiyya"), usually the equivalent of 55,000 U.S. dollars. Even relatively minor accidents may result in lengthy proceedings, during which both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country.
In order to drive, UAE residents must obtain a UAE driver's license. Foreign driver's licenses are not recognized. However,
American non-resident visitors to the UAE can drive using a valid driver’s license issued by his or her state. An international
driver’s license is no longer required. The UAE recognizes driver's licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
states only if the bearer is driving a vehicle registered to the same GCC state. Under no circumstances should anyone drive
without a valid license.
If you are in an accident, UAE law mandates that you remain at the scene until authorities arrive. The use of front seat belts
is mandatory in the UAE. Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are posted. Making a right turn on a red light
is not permitted unless there is a special lane to do so with a yield sign. Parking is not allowed where the curb is painted
black and yellow. Digital cameras for registering traffic violations, including speeding, are used extensively on Emirati
roads.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the United Arab Emirates’ Civil Aviation Authority
as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the
United Arab Emirates’ air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's website.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
EMBASSY LOCATION:
The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2)
414-2200, and the consular section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. You may email the American Citizens Services section with inquiries, including passport questions. The after-hours telephone number is (971) (2) 414-2500.
The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971) (4) 311-6000 (for
after-hours emergencies, contact the Embassy at (971) (2) 414-2200 for the Dubai Duty Officer, and the consular section fax
number is (971) (4) 311-6213. You may email the American Citizens Services section with inquiries.
The workweek for both the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai is Sunday through Thursday.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for the United Arab Emirates dated April 13, 2009 to update the section on
Registration, Entry/Exit Requirements, and Crime.
