Emirates says Iranian nationals barred from entering or transiting UAE

DUBAI - Dubai-based airline Emirates' website said on Wednesday that Iranian nationals were not allowed to enter or transit the United Arab Emirates.

The restriction, which took immediate effect, was also announced by two other major UAE carriers — low-cost airline Flydubai and long-haul carrier Etihad Airways — marking a coordinated policy shift by the country’s flagship airlines.

Flydubai’s notice explicitly states that the ban applies to all Iranian passport holders, including those holding valid UAE residency visas, tourist visas or visit visas. However, it carves out a key exemption: Iranian nationals with a UAE “Golden Visa” (the 10-year residency permit) are still permitted to enter and transit the country.

Additional exemptions listed by Emirates and other carriers include spouses of UAE nationals, children of Emirati mothers and certain professionals such as doctors, engineers, investors, athletes, bank executives, senior professionals and traders.

The move comes amid sharply heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states following recent Iranian strikes on Arab Gulf infrastructure and the broader regional conflict. No official explanation or government statement has been issued by UAE authorities so far, but the restrictions appear on the airlines’ visa and passport information pages.

The policy affects Iranian nationals both inside and outside the UAE. Those currently abroad — including long-term residents — are being denied re-entry, according to multiple reports and traveller accounts.

The restrictions have sparked concern among the Iranian expatriate community in the UAE, which has deep business and family ties with the country.

This is the latest in a series of security-related measures by Gulf states in response to the ongoing crisis. Earlier reports had already highlighted visa cancellations and travel difficulties for some Iranian residents.

Emirates has not commented publicly beyond the website notice. The airline continues to operate a reduced schedule due to the regional situation, as stated in its separate travel updates page.

Travellers holding Iranian passports are advised to check the latest requirements directly on the airlines’ websites or contact their embassies before any planned journeys involving the UAE. The policy remains in force until further notice.