Applying for UAE passport
Documents needed to apply for a passport
When applying for a passport, Emiratis are required to submit a recent personal photo, sized 5.5cm x 4.5cm against a white background. Conditions for the photograph:
- it must conform to the specifications of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
- hands should not appear above the shoulders
- eyes must be open
- it should be without a frame
- its width should be 35-40 millimetres.
If a recent personal photo of the applicant is available in the electronic systems of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), it will be shown to the applicant. Applicant can opt to have that used or submit a new one.
Passports for newborn Emiratis
Newborn Emiratis are issued passports as part of the ‘Mabrouk Ma Yak’ integrated service, which facilitates the issuance of all identification documents including, a birth certificate, a passport and an Emirates ID card.
Channels for getting passport services
UAE nationals can get passport-related services through the following channels:
- eServicesof ICP
- the UAEICP app onGoogle PlayandApp Store
- Customer Happiness centresacross the emirates (for special cases)
- airports at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah (the service is available 24/7, but on an emergency basis).
Citizens whose passports have expired, been lost, or damaged while they are abroad, can submit a request to renew their passports from outside the country through the UAEICP app and digital channels. They must specify the delivery location to be the UAE embassy or consulate in the country where they are residing.
Read more about the service for renewing passports of citizens residing abroad.
Validity of Emirati passports
The validity of the passport of UAE citizens aged 21 years and above, is 10 years from the date of issuance, or until all its pages are fully used, whichever happens earlier.
For those under 21 years of age, validity is 5 years.
A UAE-issued passport can be renewed, six months before its expiry date.
Contact ICP through any of their 19 communication channels, for more information.
One of the best passports in the world
According to Arton Capital's Passport Index, the UAE passport holds the 1st position globally as of July 2024. A holder of the UAE’s passport could travel to 179 countries; 134 destinations offer visa-free travel, 45 offer eVisa or visa on arrival at the airport, and only 19 countries need the citizens to apply for a visa.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had launched the UAE Passport Force initiative, with the view to place the country's passport on the list of the five most important passports in the world upon the directives of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The ranking was mainly boosted from its Schengen visa waiver obtained in 2015. The UAE is the first Arab nation whose citizens enjoy a visa waiver to the 26 Schengen countries, which make up most of Europe.
Related links
- Global passport index
- Travel requirements by destination – MoFA website
The Emirati ePassport
ICP has started issuing machine-readable or ePassports to citizens in accordance with the technical and security requirements issued by International Civil Aviation Organisation. The ePassport has a microchip in the last page that contains encrypted biometric data to prevent forgery. The photograph, signature and fingerprints are printed and cannot be modified. The first page contains a watercolour outline of the outer frame of Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the last page contains a drawing of the actual mosque with domes and columns.
Read about the UAE passport's history on the ICP's website.
Evolution of the Emirati passport
All UAE nationals hold the UAE passport, which reflects the spirit of the union of the seven emirates. This is as per Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 Concerning Nationality and Passports.
The UAE's passport has undergone many changes since its first launch. Al Dana Museum at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai is one such house of history. It has a good collection of important documents, which young Emiratis must see to understand their country's past.
Read about the UAE's passport history and the new generation of the Emirati passport-Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
