New Zealand has lowered its official travel advisory for the UAE, removing guidance against non-essential travel to the country. The change, effective September 22, moves the UAE from Level 3 to Level 2 on the SafeTravel advisory scale, which advises increased caution rather than discouraging travel altogether.
The revision allows New Zealanders to travel to or transit through the UAE without nationwide government advice against non-essential journeys. Richard Kay, New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE, welcomed the update on social media, stating that travelers can once again use the UAE as a destination or transit point.
Understanding New Zealand’s Travel Levels
New Zealand’s travel advisory system includes four levels. Level 1 indicates normal safety precautions, Level 2 advises increased caution, Level 3 recommends against non-essential travel, and Level 4 advises against all travel. The UAE’s nationwide guidance now falls under Level 2, reflecting broader regional security conditions rather than specific threats to the country.
SafeTravel maintains separate Level 4 guidance for the Strait of Hormuz and other sensitive maritime areas, which remains in effect despite the national advisory downgrade. The UAE’s crime rate is noted as low, with petty crime described as rare. Travelers receive advice on local laws, extreme temperatures, and the importance of travel insurance, particularly as policy coverage can be affected by government travel warnings.
Dubai Tourism Recovery Gains Momentum
Dubai’s tourism sector continues to rebound, with August 2025 seeing 869,000 international overnight visitors—the highest monthly figure since February. Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism shows consistent double-digit growth in international arrivals from March onward, reaching 6.97 million visitors during the first eight months of the year.
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Hotel occupancy in Dubai rose to 66% in August, representing 89% of the level recorded in August 2025 and a significant jump from 36% in March. The city generated 21.61 million occupied room nights between January and August, with hotel inventory approaching 149,000 rooms by the end of the period.
Dubai entered 2026 after attracting a record 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, a 5% annual increase. December 2025 marked the first time a single month exceeded two million international visitors, indicating sustained recovery momentum.
Travel Links and Trade Expansion
Emirates facilitates travel between New Zealand and the UAE through direct flights connecting Dubai with Auckland and Christchurch. The airline operates Airbus A380 services on the Auckland route and continues to offer Christchurch connections via its global network through 2026 and 2027.
The advisory revision removes a logistical constraint for travelers using Dubai as a transit hub, particularly relevant for New Zealand visitors traveling through Middle Eastern routes. The country’s SafeTravel guidance specifically covers New Zealanders travelling through the Middle East, making the Level 2 classification relevant to passengers using Dubai as an international connection point.
Trade relations between New Zealand and the UAE have expanded following the Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force on August 28, 2025. The agreement provides immediate duty-free access for 98.5% of New Zealand exports, with full coverage expected to reach 99%. Key exports include dairy, industrial goods, meat, horticultural products, and travel services, reflecting deepening economic ties beyond tourism.
