The United Arab Emirates will lift its travel ban on Lebanon starting Tuesday, May 7, the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday.
In a statement posted on its website, the Ministry said, “In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and as part of efforts to strengthen fraternal ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the lifting of the travel ban for UAE citizens traveling to the Republic of Lebanon.”
The announcement follows a high-level meeting that took place in Abu Dhabi between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed on April 30 and May 1. The meeting ended with a joint statement by both heads of state on May 1, in which Emirati authorities said the decision reflects a broader effort to normalize relations and explore avenues for economic cooperation and investment in Lebanon.
Timeline of Travel Restrictions
The UAE had imposed the travel ban due to a series of regional and domestic developments in Lebanon. Restrictions were first introduced in February 2016, when the UAE advised its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon, echoing Saudi Arabia’s reaction to Beirut’s refusal to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.
Tensions escalated further in October 2021 when the UAE withdrew its diplomats from Lebanon and imposed a full travel ban. The move came after then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi criticized the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, sparking a diplomatic crisis with Gulf states.
In August 2023, the UAE implemented a full travel ban on its citizens heading to Lebanon following deadly clashes at the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. The conflict, involving armed factions and resulting in casualties, raised serious concerns about the country’s security situation, leading the UAE to further restrict travel.
The May 2025 decision not only lifts the travel ban for Emirati citizens but also includes the easing of visa restrictions for Lebanese nationals traveling to the UAE. This policy shift is seen as part of a broader regional recalibration and comes amid mounting Lebanese efforts to attract Gulf investment and re-engage with Arab partners.
The development signals a potential thaw in what has been a cautious relationship in recent years and could pave the way for increased tourism, trade and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Lebanon Welcomes UAE Travel Ban Lift
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam hailed the United Arab Emirates’ decision to lift its travel ban on Lebanon, calling it a testament to the “deep fraternal ties” between the two countries.
“The people of Lebanon eagerly await the return of their Emirati brothers, as well as visitors from across the Gulf and the wider Arab world,” the prime minister added.
Minister of Tourism, Laura Lahoud, welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ decision to lift its travel ban on Lebanon, allowing Emirati citizens to visit the country starting May 7.
In a statement, Minister Lahoud described the decision as a sign of renewed confidence in Lebanon after years of travel restrictions. “This comes in support of the measures taken by the Lebanese government, security agencies, and vital institutions to provide the best possible tourism services and ensure the safety and comfort of visitors,” she said.
Lahoud added that the UAE’s move “reaffirms trust in Lebanon and paves the way for strengthening the historic ties between the two countries.” She also expressed hope that other Gulf Cooperation Council countries would follow suit, “so that Lebanon may once again become a destination for its Arab brothers and a hub for tourism and cultural activity in the region.”
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