UK Foreign Office sends passport warning to tourists flying to Dubai

Brits risk being denied the right to board their flight if they fail to double-check their passport's expiry date. The Foreign Office has posted an update advising UK nationals travelling to Dubai that their passports must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended arrival date in the country.

However, there are exceptions where a shorter validity period is acceptable. For instance, if you'rejourneying to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)with a residence permit or transiting without passing through immigration, your passport only needs to be valid for three months beyond your arrival date in the UAE.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?

Yes, if you're heading to Dubai, you'll require a visitor or tourist visa. However, there's no need to purchase or apply for this visa before entering the country.

Instead, you'll receive the visa free of charge upon passing through immigration, and officers should stamp it directly into your passport. This visa will be valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

So, if you're frequently jetting back and forth from Dubai, you can divide the eligible days of the visa, provided it doesn't exceed 90 days within that timeframe.

How to check if your passport is eligible to get you into Dubai

If you're worried that your passport might not meet the eligibility criteria for entry into Dubai or any other part of the UAE, you can verify this directly with the UAE Embassy in the UK. They are the only official body capable of providing definitive advice, as it's the UAE authorities who establish and enforce entry rules into their country.

Moreover, the Foreign Office provides information based on the UK government's understanding of the UAE's entry rules. There are numerous ways to get in touch with the UAE embassy.

READ MORE: Anyone going to Greece given two day 'heat dome' alert

READ MORE: Spain hit by poisoning outbreak as 162 fall ill

For example, you can dial 020 7581 1281 or email them at LondonEmb.Info@mofaic.gov. Otherwise, you can try and contact them directly through the embassy's official website here.

Further details on the Foreign Office's advice for travelling to the UAE can be found here.