Each month, and especially at the end of the year, the U.S. State Department reviews and updates its travel advisories for the 195 countries and nation-states recognized by the United Nations. The advisory system is based on a four-tier ranking: the “exercise normal precautions” level (the lowest) indicates a country is just as safe or safer than home, while the highest level, “do not travel,” is typically assigned to countries in active conflict or under authoritarian rule.
Changes to travel advisory levels are made both in response to shifts in on-the-ground conditions and sometimes as part of political agreements with foreign governments. For example, when China expanded its visa-free transit policy, making it easier for Americans to visit, the U.S. lowered China’s travel advisory from level three to level two.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a popular destination for both tourists and wealthy individuals seeking to benefit from the country’s zero-income-tax policy and residency options for ultra-wealthy investors. As of early 2024, 48 billionaires were reported as having Dubai as their primary residence, with their combined wealth estimated at over $210 billion. In 2024, Dubai attracted over 16.79 million international tourists, while Abu Dhabi welcomed nearly five million visitors.
