By Micah Jonah, April 1, 2026
Dubai-based carrier Emirates has introduced new travel restrictions barring Iranian nationals from entering or transiting through the United Arab Emirates, amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
According to the airline’s official guidance, Iranian passport holders are currently not permitted entry or transit through the UAE, a move that reflects growing regional caution as the war involving Iran intensifies.
However, a separate carrier, Flydubai, clarified that certain exemptions remain in place, including for Iranian nationals holding UAE “Golden Visa” residency status, who are still allowed entry and transit.
The restrictions come at a time of heightened diplomatic strain between Iran and several Gulf states, as the wider conflict continues to disrupt regional mobility, trade routes, and aviation operations.
Aviation analysts say the new measures could significantly affect travel patterns between Iran and the Gulf, particularly through Dubai – one of the region’s busiest international transit hubs.
Authorities in the UAE have not issued a formal public policy statement beyond the airline advisories, but the move is widely seen as part of broader security and diplomatic precautions linked to the ongoing war environment.
The development adds to a growing list of regional restrictions affecting Iranian citizens as countries adjust border and transit policies in response to escalating tensions across the Middle East.
