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Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Telephone: +(971) (2) 414-2200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(971) (0) 2-414-2200
Fax: +(971) (2) 414-2241
abudhabiacs@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dubai

Corner of Al Seef Rd. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd
Dubai, U.A.E.
Telephone: +(971) (4) 309-4000
Emergency Telephone: +(971) (2) 414-2200
Fax: +(971) (4) 311-6213
DubaiACS@state.gov
*The normal work week in the UAE is Sunday through Thursday.

Country Description
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own ruler. The
federal government is headed by a president and council of ministers, with the president also
serving as the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the
foundation of the country's conservative customs, laws, and practices. The UAE has a modern
and generally well-developed infrastructure, and tourist facilities are widely available. Read the
Department of States Fact Sheet on the United Arab Emirates for additional information.

Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens are subject to all UAE immigration laws, which can be complex and demanding.
U.S. citizens should familiarize themselves with such laws before traveling to or residing in the
UAE. A passport valid for at least six months beyond date of entry is required to enter the UAE.
For personal travel of 30 days or fewer, U.S. citizens holding valid tourist passports may obtain
visitor visas at the port of entry for no fee. For stays longer than 30 days, all travelers must
obtain a visa before arrival in the UAE. In addition, a full medical exam is required for work or
residence permits and includes an HIV/AIDS test. Testing must be performed after arrival; a
U.S. HIV/AIDS test is not accepted. U.S. citizens have been detained and deported for testing
positive for HIV or hepatitis. Please verify this information with the Embassy of the United Arab
Emirates before you travel. It is located at 3522 International Court, NW, Washington, DC
20037, telephone (202) 243-2400. Visit the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates website for
the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens traveling to or through the United Arab Emirates on diplomatic or ofcial passports
are required to obtain a visa before travel (transit passengers only require a visa if exiting the
airport). Unlike other countries in the region that accept U.S. military ID cards as valid travel
documents, the UAE requires U.S. military personnel or Department of Defense civilians to
present a valid passport for entry/exit.
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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 35
UAE dirhams and is payable only in the local currency.

Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be
found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our
Customs Information page.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: UAE has imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on travelers; see above.
Please verify this information with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates before you travel.

Current restrictions: The U.S. Embassy strongly advises travelers, including all U.S.
government personnel and those transiting UAE airports, to avoid the transport of any arms or
items that may be considered law enforcement or military equipment without prior written
approval from the UAE Ministry of Defense. Such items include, but are not limited to, weapons,
weapon parts and tools, ammunition, body armor, handcuffs, and any other military or police
equipment. Transport of these items into or through the UAE is considered a violation of UAE
law. Persons found to be carrying such items, even in the smallest quantities, will be arrested
and face strict criminal penalties, including imprisonment, large monetary nes, forfeiture of the
items, and deportation. U.S. citizens transporting such weapons and equipment without the
express written authorization of the UAE government have been arrested and jailed, even
though airlines and U.S. authorities allowed shipment on a U.S.-originating ight.

The United Arab Emirates takes the transport of any and all types of law enforcement
equipment or military gear seriously and has demonstrated its ability to enforce its laws in this
respect. The U.S. government can neither protect, nor intervene on behalf of, individuals who
are accused of violating foreign government laws whether intentionally or by negligence. It is the
responsibility of individuals travelling abroad to be informed of all pertinent information,
particularly in relation to legal issues, regarding the countries through which they travel or
transit.

Please review the Criminal Penalties section of this document for more information on customs
restrictions, particularly in regard to the UAEs strict anti-drug laws.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates requires that all persons residing in the UAE,
including U.S. citizens, have a national identication card. U.S. citizens who are working or
living in the UAE should visit the Emirates Identity Authority website for more information on
card registration procedures and requirements

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates should exercise a high level of security awareness,
even though law enforcement units have effectively demonstrated the capacity to detect, deter,
and prevent acts of terrorism in the UAE. 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-Qaida and afliated organizations continue to plan attacks against Western
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targets; these attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations,
assassination, kidnapping, hijacking, and bombing. U.S. citizens should maintain a low prole,
vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar
sources with caution. In addition, U.S. citizens should avoid contact with any suspicious,
unfamiliar objects and report the presence of the objects to local authorities. U.S. government
personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. 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 UAE military, sensitive civilian sites or foreign diplomatic missions
including the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General may result in arrest, detention, and/or
prosecution by local authorities. In addition, engaging in mapping activities, especially mapping
that includes the use of GPS equipment, without coordination with UAE authorities, may have
the same consequences.

On several occasions in past years, small groups of expatriate recreational boaters were
detained by the Iranian Coast Guard for alleged violation of Iranian territorial waters while
shing 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 difcult and can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in
Tehran, which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited U.S. consular services.

To stay connected:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important
safety and security announcements.
Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings
and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Follow the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Twitter and visit the Embassys website.
In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States
and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for
traveling safely abroad.
Crime: Most travelers to the UAE are not affected 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.
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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. Please see the Special Circumstances section
for additional information on rape and sexual relations outside marriage.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are these
goods illegal in the United States, purchasing them is a violation of local law.

Individuals have been arrested and criminally convicted for posting information on Twitter and
YouTube that local authorities determined was disturbing to the order of the UAE. Users of
social media should be cautious about posting information that might be deemed to insult or
challenge the local government.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you
should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

Replace a stolen passport.

Help you nd appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault
or rape.
Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can
contact family members or friends.
Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys,
although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and
prosecuting the crime.
The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in the United Arab Emirates is 999.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation
programs in the United States. Further information for victims of crime in the UAE can be found
on the U.S. Embassy website.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in the UAE, you are subject to its laws even if
you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In
some places you may be taken in for questioning if you dont have your passport with you. In
some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving after even
one drink could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to
country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in
the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in
sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is
a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the UAE, your U.S.
passport wont help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Its very important to know whats legal and
whats not wherever you go.

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,
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arrested, imprisoned, or prevented from traveling and their passport held by local authorities for
extended periods of time. U.S. citizens have been arrested in the past for obscene hand
gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language with a police ofcial, and for public displays of
affection, such as kissing. Penalties for possession, use, or trafcking in illegal drugs in the
United Arab Emirates are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy
nes, and deportation. It is possible to be convicted for drug possession based on the result of a
drug test even if no other evidence exists, regardless of when or where the consumption
originally occurred.

Alcohol and drugs: Consuming or possessing alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit
is illegal and could result in arrest and/or nes 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. Public drunkenness (no matter where the drinking occurred)
and driving under the inuence, regardless of ones blood alcohol content level, are considered
very serious offenses. Persons arrested on alcohol-related offenses are regularly detained for
many days as they await a court hearing. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences, substantial
nes and, for Muslims (even those holding U.S. citizenship), lashings.

Note: Alcohol is permitted in six of the seven emirates, but is prohibited in the emirate of
Sharjah.

Legislation enacted in January 1996 imposes the death sentence for convicted drug trafckers.
Since January 2006, possession of even trace amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in lengthy
prison sentences 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 classied 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
banned medicines (especially those containing codeine and similar narcotic-like ingredients)
comes to the attention of local authorities. Possession or consumption of marijuana is illegal in
the UAE, even if a doctors medical card is presented. More information about medications can
be found on the website of the UAE Ministry of Health. Most medications available in the United
States are also available by doctors prescription through hospitals and pharmacies in the UAE.

The UAE's tough anti-narcotics program also includes poppy seeds, widely used in other
cultures, including the United States, for culinary purposes, on its list of controlled substances.
The importation and possession of poppy seeds in any and all forms, including as dried
decorative plants, are 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. Persons may be charged and convicted even if
the controlled substances were ingested outside of the UAE as long as traces are still present in
the bloodstream upon arrival in the UAE.

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
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under the inuence of drugs or alcohol, individuals may be required to submit to blood and/or
urine tests and may be subject to prosecution.

Fraud: 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 nes. A personal
check written as a guarantee for the payment of a personal or business debt may be submitted
to a local bank for collection at any time for the full amount of the check. If the account holder
does not have sufcient funds, they may be charged with passing a bad check. Bail generally is
not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Debtors
can be held in prison until their debts are paid or until an agreement is reached between the
parties.

There has been an increase in the amount of email scams seemingly originating from the UAE.
U.S. citizens have received emails from police, hospitals, or acquaintances in the UAE stating
that a friend or relative needs nancial assistance to receive medical attention or to avoid jail
time. Recipients of such emails should ask the friend or relative to contact the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate as soon as possible. The Embassy or Consulate may be able to help such individuals
in need or such a suggestion may deter further pleas if they are not genuine. For information on
protecting yourself from scam artists, visit our International Financial Scams website.

Religious proselytizing: While individuals are free to worship as they choose, and facilities are
available for that purpose, personal religious proselytizing is not permitted in the UAE. Persons
violating this law, even unknowingly, may be imprisoned or deported.

Consular notication: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always
be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the
police and prison ofcials notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as you are
arrested or detained overseas.

If arrested, U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate will provide information on the local judicial system and a list
of local attorneys.

Dual Nationality: 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 conscated 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 information on dual nationality.

Codes of Behavior and Dress: Codes of behavior and dress in the UAE reect the country's
Islamic traditions and are much 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. Public decency and morality
laws throughout the UAE are much stricter than in the United States. Penalties for public
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displays of affection or immodesty can be severe. Travelers have been sentenced to lengthy jail
terms for kissing in public. Sexual relations outside marriage and adultery are illegal in the UAE
and convicted individuals have been punished by lengthy jail sentences. There have been well
publicized cases of alleged rape, where the victim of the alleged rape was charged for sexual
relations outside of marriage. This is especially true where additional risk factors are present,
such as drinking.

Travelers should keep in mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist in
the UAE and should be cognizant that unwitting actions, including clothing choices, may invite
unwanted attention. 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.

If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in the UAE. Penalties
may include nes and imprisonment. Under interpretations of sharia, the punishment could
include the death penalty. Although the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General are not
aware of any recent arrests or prosecutions for such activities, they remain illegal. Cross-
dressing is also a punishable offense and there were reports that the government took action
against cross-dressing individuals. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in UAE,
you may review the State Departments Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012.
For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read
our LGBT Travel Information page.

Employment in the UAE: Although it is customary for a local sponsor to hold an employee's
passport, it is illegal to do so under UAE law. Many 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. Please review your
employment contract before coming to the UAE and make sure that you understand it. The
U.S. Embassy and Consulate General do not intercede in employment disputes.

U.S. citizens have at times become involved in disputes of a commercial nature that have
prompted local rms or courts to take possession of the U.S. citizen's passport, effectively
preventing the individual from leaving the UAE until the dispute is resolved. In addition, local
rms have been known to leverage the UAE criminal justice system in an attempt to coerce and/
or strengthen their negotiation stance during commercial disputes by ling criminal complaints,
which may lead not only to travel restrictions but possible criminal penalties, including jail time. A
list of local attorneys capable of representing U.S. citizens 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.

Document Authentications: U.S. citizens intending to reside and work in the UAE are
generally required by the UAE government to present authenticated personal documents such
as marriage and birth certicates, adoption and custody decrees, and educational documents to
include diplomas and certicates. The authentication of U.S. documents is done completely in
the U.S. and can be a complex process involving local, state, and federal ofces and requiring
several weeks to complete. For procedural information, the Ofce of Authentications may be
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contacted by telephone from within the United States at 800-688-9889 or 202-647-5002, by fax
at 202-663-3636. The websites of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate
General in Dubai also contain information about the authentication process. Determining the
exact requirements with ones prospective employer is strongly recommended before arrival in
the UAE.

In order to meet UAE government requirements for school registrations and residency
sponsorship for family members, U.S. citizens intending to bring their families to reside with
them in the UAE will need to have their marriage certicate and children's birth certicates, or
custody/adoption decrees, if applicable, authenticated by the state in which the document was
issued, by the Department of State in Washington, DC, and by the UAE Embassy in
Washington, DC. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General cannot authenticate U.S.
local- and state-issued personal, academic, or professional documents, even if those
documents have already been authenticated by the U.S. Department of States Ofce of
Authentications. Additional information on authentication of documents can be found on the
State Departments website and on the Embassy or Consulate General websites.

Accessibility: While in the UAE, individuals with disabilities may nd accessibility and
accommodation very different from what you nd in the United States. Although the UAE has
several modern cities, the level of service, especially outside of newly constructed areas is not
comparable to the United States. This includes the availability of public transportation attuned to
the needs of those with disabilities, well-designed sidewalks and road crossings, and accessible
businesses.

Health

Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but
not necessarily in outlying areas.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC
website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World
Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health
information for travelers, including detailed, country-specic health information.

Travel & Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may
encounter road conditions that differ signicantly from those in the United States. The
information below concerning the UAE 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 will usually request emergency police and medical services
quickly if they see that you need help. Response time by emergency services is adequate.
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However, medical personnel emphasize transport of the injured to the hospital rather than
treatment on site.

Road Conditions and Hazards: Trafc accidents are a leading cause of death in the UAE.
According to the World Health Organization, the UAE has the highest rate of road fatalities in
the Middle East and one of the highest rates in the world. 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. Pedestrians should also
use great care on the roads of the UAE over 25 percent of road fatalities are pedestrians.

Local Laws and Practices: Country-wide trafc laws impose stringent penalties for certain
violations, particularly driving under the inuence 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,
nes, 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 trafc 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 for residents of the UAE. However, U.S. citizen visitors who are not UAE
residents can drive using a valid drivers license issued by his or her state. An international
drivers license may be required in some emirates. 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.

There is no Good Samaritan law in the UAE. If you see an accident with injuries call 999 but
exercise caution in trying to directly assist unless you are medically trained. Generally under
UAE law, only individuals currently certied may provide CPR.

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 and a new law mandating the use of
child seats is under consideration with the Ministry of the Interior. 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 are used extensively on Emirati roads for registering trafc
violations, including speeding. Fines can be substantial. Passengers with outstanding trafc
nes may be detained at airport immigration.

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. Further information may be found
on the FAAs safety assessment page.
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