UAE Lifts Lebanon Travel Ban for Emirati Nationals
UAE lifts Lebanon travel ban for Emiratis after peace talks and mandatory Twajudi registration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lifted travel restrictions for Emirati citizens visiting Lebanon on Monday, allowing residents to resume trips to the country following a temporary ban imposed due to regional developments.
As a condition for the resumption of travel, citizens must register on Twajudi, the UAE's emergency response registration service. The ministry warned that individuals will not be permitted to depart through the country's ports of exit until registration is complete. Failure to comply carries significant risks, including the suspension of travel procedures and potential legal accountability.
Recent Restrictions and History
The latest directive follows a ban initiated on April 30, when the state restricted travel to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon citing current security conditions. At the time, Emiratis already residing in these nations were advised to expedite their immediate return and contact the ministry by phone.
This marks the second major travel restriction placed on Lebanon within a few years. The UAE previously banned its citizens from traveling to the Levant nation between 2021 and 2025. That prohibition was lifted last May, allowing for renewed movement before the recent imposition of restrictions earlier this month.
Diplomatic Repercussions
The decision follows high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two nations over the weekend. During a telephone conversation on Saturday, President Sheikh Mohamed and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed efforts to bolster Lebanon's security and stability. Both leaders highlighted the importance of supporting regional peace initiatives and explored methods to further strengthen bilateral ties.
These talks occurred a day after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework peace agreement in Washington. On the same Saturday, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, welcoming the roadmap to peace and praising the roles played by the Lebanese and Israeli governments alongside the United States in sponsoring the accord.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Salam thanked President Sheikh Mohamed for rescinding the ban on social media, stating it underscored the robust relationship between the two countries. He remarked that lifting the restrictions would once again permit Emiratis to visit Lebanon, describing it as a "second homeland."
Salam added that the decision demonstrates renewed confidence from the UAE in Lebanon and commits both sides to deepening cooperation, ultimately aiming for the prosperity of their respective peoples. The move comes amidst broader calls for regional de-escalation, reflecting a strategic pivot toward normalization and stability in the Mediterranean region.