The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai have temporarily suspended all consular appointments from July 13 to July 15, citing the evolving regional security situation amid rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The announcement affects both American citizens seeking consular assistance and visa applicants, with officials advising anyone holding appointments during this period not to visit either diplomatic mission.
Consular Services Put on Hold
In a security alert issued on July 13, the US Mission to the UAE confirmed that all scheduled consular appointments during the three-day period have been cancelled. The embassy said affected applicants will be contacted directly with new appointment details once services resume.
The mission also confirmed that both diplomatic facilities remain under ordered-departure status, with non-emergency US government personnel having already left the UAE. Because of this, only limited emergency consular services are currently being provided.
US citizens requiring urgent passport or consular assistance have been advised to use the US Citizen Services Navigator on the embassy’s official website. Embassy officials said applicants will receive further guidance by email after submitting their requests.
Routine visa services for foreign nationals also remain suspended, continuing disruptions that have affected applicants since regional hostilities escalated earlier this year.
Security Situation Continues to Evolve
The temporary suspension comes as regional tensions continue to intensify across the Middle East. According to UAE authorities, missiles launched overnight did not enter Emirati airspace, although the incident highlighted the fragile security environment in the Gulf.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis Authority (NCEMA) confirmed there was no direct impact on the country, but diplomatic missions continue to monitor developments closely.
US diplomatic operations in the UAE have faced repeated interruptions since fighting involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensified in February 2026. During previous periods of heightened tensions, airspace restrictions, flight disruptions and temporary embassy closures affected both travellers and consular services.
Advice for US Citizens and Visa Applicants
The US Mission has urged American citizens and visa applicants to avoid visiting the embassy or consulate unless specifically instructed to do so.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor the embassy’s official website for updates regarding rescheduled appointments and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security alerts.
Officials also recommend keeping passports and travel documents up to date and using the US Citizen Services Navigator for urgent passport requests rather than visiting the missions in person.
Emergency assistance remains available through the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai, while the US State Department’s Consular Affairs call centre continues to assist citizens requiring urgent support.
Travel Advisory Remains at Level 3
The US State Department continues to maintain a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for the UAE, reflecting ongoing security concerns linked to the wider regional situation.
Authorities have urged travellers to stay informed through official channels and follow updates issued by the US Mission as the security situation develops.
