Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

Crime

 

Over a million visitors travel to the UAE every year and more than 100,000 foreign nationals are resident there. The vast majority of visits are trouble-free, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Don’t accept lifts from strangers. Use only licensed taxis or other recognized forms of public transport.

 

Personal attacks including sexual assault and rape are rare, but do happen. On 1 December, a US citizen was fatally attacked at a shopping mall on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.

 

Female visitors should take care when walking or travelling alone. Use a reputable taxi company, particularly at night. Drink spiking can occur. Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.

 

Beach Safety

 

Rip currents can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Always comply with warning signs, especially red flags, and only swim from approved beaches.

 

Road Travel

 

If you’re visiting the UAE, you can drive a rental car using your EU driving licence. If you intend to drive a private vehicle as a visitor, you should check that you’re covered under the vehicle’s insurance.

 

If you’re applying for residence in the UAE, you can use your EU licence until your residence permit is issued, after which you’ll need to get a UAE driving licence from the traffic department.

 

Driving standards in the UAE are not always as disciplined as in other countries and there is a high rate of traffic accidents. The World Health Organisation has reported that UAE road users are almost 7 times more likely to be killed than their UK counterparts and that the UAE has one of the highest rates of road deaths. Speeding is common.

 

It is a criminal offence in the UAE to drink and drive, no matter how small the amount. Your insurance is also likely to be invalidated in the event of an accident. Offensive gestures and bad language used at other drivers can lead to fines, a jail sentence, and possibly deportation. Flashing your lights in the UAE can mean a driver is coming through, rather than giving way.

 

If you have an accident you should follow the rules of the Emirate in which you are travelling. In Abu Dhabi, if no one has been hurt and vehicle damage is minor, drivers should move vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic; otherwise, the vehicles should not be moved. In Dubai, you should only move your vehicle if it is causing an obstruction to other motorists. In the other Emirates, you may only move your car if the accident is minor and both parties agree on who is responsible for it. In all cases, call the police. It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident before the police have arrived.

 

Excursions to the desert can be dangerous unless you’re in a properly equipped 4 x 4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone, and leave a copy of your travel plans with friends or relatives.

 

Pedestrians should take great care. Only cross roads using designated pedestrian crossings. Vehicles often don’t stop at zebra crossings marked on the roads.

 

Sea Travel

 

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters.

 

You should consider how regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.

 

Be careful when travelling by tourist boat. The safety of these vessels may not be up to EU standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.

 

Political Situation

 

Events in the Middle East, including Iraq and the Middle East Peace Process, can impact on local public opinion. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.

 

Local laws and customs

UAE laws and customs are very different to those in the West. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in your home country. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with, and respect local laws and customs.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

Importing goods

 

Importing pork products and pornography into the UAE is illegal. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

 

Drugs

 

There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty and possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum 4-year jail sentence. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession. You should take care over the import of prescription drugs, some over-the-counter drugs and certain substances known as herbal highs, such as Spice or Space, which can include synthetic cannabinoids.

 

Many people stop off in UAE airports on their way to other destinations. UAE airports have excellent technology and security, so transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs are arrested.

 

Alcohol

 

Non-Muslim residents can get a liquor licence to drink alcohol at home. These licences are valid only in the Emirate that issued the licence. Residents must also get a permit to be able to drink in licensed venues.

 

Alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs, but it is a punishable offence to drink, or to be under the influence of alcohol, in public. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi (although a Ministry of Tourism by-law allows hotels to serve alcohol only to those over 21), and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (except Sharjah, where drinking alcohol is illegal).

 

Passengers in transit through the UAE under the influence of alcohol may also be arrested.

 

Electronic cigarettes

 

Electronic cigarettes are illegal in the UAE and are likely to be confiscated at the border.

 

Dress code

 

Women should dress modestly when in public areas like shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. Swimming attire should be worn only on beaches or at swimming pools.

 

Hotels

 

It is normal practice for hotels to take a photocopy of your passport or other ID. You can’t stay in a hotel if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.  

 

Offensive behaviour

 

Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials.

 

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.

 

Cross-dressing is illegal.

 

Relationships outside marriage

 

Sex outside marriage is illegal and if any offenders are brought to the attention of the UAE authorities they run the risk of prosecution, imprisonment and/or a fine and deportation. Same sex marriages are not recognised.

 

Problems will be encountered if an unmarried woman gives birth in the UAE. These problems can range from a refusal to issue a birth certificate to arrest and imprisonment. To get a birth certificate from the UAE authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. The registration authorities may compare the date of the marriage against the date of birth.

 

It is against the law to live together or to share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you are not married or closely related.

Homosexual relationships are illegal.

 

 

Financial crime

 

Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing cheques (including post-dated and ‘security cheques’) and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine. Bank accounts and other assets can also be frozen.

Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for financial crimes. Those convicted will not generally be released from jail until the debt is paid or waived and they may even remain in jail after a debt has been paid if there is an outstanding sentence to be served.

 

Photography

 

Photography of certain government buildings and military installations is not allowed. Don’t photograph people without their permission. Men have been arrested for photographing women on beaches. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting, may be misunderstood - particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports. In February 2015, 3 British nationals were arrested while plane spotting at UAE airports. They were detained for 2 months.

 

Weapons and related equipment

 

Weapons, ammunition, body protection and related equipment (like cleaning kits, gun belts, etc), however small the quantity and whatever the purpose, all require permission before entering or transiting the UAE.

 

Technical equipment

 

Equipment like satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars, may require a licence for use in the UAE. Seek advice from the UAE Embassy in your home country.

 

Health

Healthcare facilities in the UAE are generally comparable with those in the EU, but visitors may be prevented from using them without travel insurance or without the means to settle any medical fees. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

 

Visas

 

If you’re a EU citizen, you can get a 30 day visa on arrival. You can extend this for a further 30 days  by visiting an immigration office in the UAE and paying an extension fee. Don’t outstay your visa or you will be fined. 

 

Living and working in the UAE

 

If you have entered Dubai on a visit visa and you wish to work then you should get a probationary work permit, valid for up to 3 months, from the Ministry of Labour. If you don’t get this permit and are caught working while on a visit visa, then you risk being jailed or fined and deported.

 

For further information, including on how to stay in the UAE for longer than 60 days, visit the websites of the UAE Consulate in your home country, the  Naturalisation and Residency Department – Dubai or the UAE Federal E-Government Portal.

 

If you apply for a residence visa, you will have to take a blood test. Those testing positive for HIV or hepatitis are detained and then deported. There is no appeal process.  

 

UAE employers may ask foreign employees to deposit their passports with the company as part of the terms and conditions of employment. While this is not an unusual practice, it is illegal under UAE labour law.

 

You should cancel your work visa before leaving the country permanently. If you don’t do this, you risk being reported as an absconder and could be arrested if you return to the UAE, even if you are in transit to another country. Failure to repay debts or resolve any outstanding cases against you may also result in your arrest on return to the UAE.

 

If you have any doubt about your status before returning to the country seek advice from a local lawyer.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. If you hold a residence permit, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months in order to travel into and out of the country.

 

The authorities in the UAE have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are not valid for entry into the United Arab Emirates. However, ETDs are accepted for airside transit and exit from the United Arab Emirates.

 

Medication

 

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in your home country are considered controlled substances in the UAE and can’t be brought into the country without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. If  you arrive in the UAE without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and you may be prosecuted under UAE law.

 

For further information and specific queries, contact the UAE Embassy in your home country to check whether your medication is on the controlled list.

 

Previous travel to Israel

 

UAE immigration authorities have advised that foreign nationals with valid or expired Israeli visas or stamps in their passports should not face any difficulties entering the UAE as long as they don’t intend to work. If you do intend to work then further checks may be required and there is a risk that entry may be refused. Israeli dual nationals may be refused entry to the UAE. If you have any concerns or further queries, contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in your home country.

 

Exit requirements

 

Visitors must have legal status in the UAE when they depart. If you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country.