UK Foreign Office Travel Warnings: Updates for UAE and Portugal
“Caring for our customers and ensuring their safety is our priority,” stated a spokesperson from Hays Travel, reflecting the heightened concerns surrounding travel advisories.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has recently advised against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, urging travelers to avoid areas near security or military facilities. This warning comes in light of the ongoing US-Israeli conflict involving Iran, which has raised security concerns in the region.
In contrast, the FCDO has updated its travel advice for British nationals visiting Portugal. British passport holders can visit Portugal without requiring a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe.
However, travelers planning to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days must apply for an extension under exceptional circumstances. The FCDO emphasizes that if a British traveler overstays the 90-day visa-free limit, they may face a ban from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
Starting from 10 April 2026, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System will be operational, requiring biometric information upon entry to the Schengen zone. This new regulation is crucial for travelers to be aware of as it could impact future travel plans.
“If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form,” noted an official source.
For those traveling to other Schengen countries, it is essential to ensure that the entire visit remains within the 90-day visa-free limit. Hays Travel reiterated, “If your holiday is not affected by this advice, normal booking terms and conditions apply.”
The FCDO continuously refreshes its travel guidance to keep British nationals informed of alerts and entry requirements, ensuring that travelers have the most current information at their disposal.
As the situation evolves, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and heed the advice provided by the UK Foreign Office to ensure their safety and compliance with visa regulations.