Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in the UAE?
For UAE citizens travelling abroad, a passport is an essential international travel document. Whether you are applying for a UAE passport for the first time, renewing an existing passport, or replacing a lost or damaged passport, the process is largely available through digital government services.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) provides UAE passport services. Eligible UAE citizens can use the ICP website or smart application to apply for different passport services. Some services are also available through designated service centres and UAE diplomatic missions abroad.
This step-by-step guide explains how to apply for a passport in the UAE, who is eligible, what documents may be required, how much a UAE passport costs, how long it is valid, when to renew it, and what to do if a passport is lost or damaged.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a UAE Passport?
A UAE passport is issued to UAE nationals. The ICP provides different passport services depending on the applicant’s situation, including:
- First-time UAE passport issuance
- UAE passport renewal
- Passport replacement
- Damaged passport replacement
- Passport renewal for UAE citizens living abroad
The first-time passport service is available to UAE nationals, and applicants must be registered in the family records before applying.
For passport renewal, UAE citizens can apply when their passport has expired or has less than one year remaining before its expiry.
Important Information for UAE Residents
If you are a foreign resident living in the UAE, you cannot apply for a UAE passport simply because you live or work in the country. You must apply for or renew the passport issued by your country of nationality through its embassy or relevant authority.
How to Apply for a Passport in the UAE Step by Step?
The UAE passport application process is designed to be completed mainly through digital government channels. The exact process can vary depending on whether you are applying for a new passport, renewing an existing passport, or replacing one.
Step 1: Find Out Which UAE Passport Service You Need
Before starting your application, identify the correct passport service.
You may need one of the following:
- Issue a New Passport: For a first-time UAE passport application.
- Renew Passport: If your passport has expired or has less than one year remaining.
- Replace Passport: If you need a replacement under the applicable replacement conditions.
- Replace a Damaged Passport: If your existing passport has been damaged.
- Renew Passport Abroad: For UAE citizens outside the country whose passport has expired or has less than one year remaining.
Choosing the correct service is important because selecting the wrong service may cause delays or require you to submit a new application.
Step 2: Check and Update Your Personal Information
Before you apply for a UAE passport, make sure your information held by the UAE authorities is accurate.
For a first-time passport application, ICP requires the applicant to be registered in the family records. Other passport services may also depend on government records and family information.
Check the following details:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Family information
- Emirates ID information
- Contact details
If any information needs to be corrected or updated, complete the relevant government service before submitting your passport application.
Step 3: Prepare Your UAE Passport Photo
A personal photograph is one of the important requirements when applying for a UAE passport.
The passport photograph must comply with the required International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and applicable ICP requirements.
Generally, your passport photo should:
- Be recent
- Have a white background
- Clearly show your face
- Clearly show your eyes
- Avoid shadows and reflections
- Show a neutral facial expression
- Not include sunglasses
- Avoid hats or head coverings unless specifically permitted
- Meet the required technical quality standards
A photograph that does not meet the required specifications may result in the application being returned for correction.
Step 4: Sign In to the ICP Digital Service
Once your documents and photograph are ready, access the official ICP digital service.
UAE passport services are available through approved government channels, including:
- ICP Smart Services website
- ICP Smart App
- Approved service centres, where applicable
For certain services, applicants may need to log in using UAE Pass. Passport renewal services, for example, require the applicant to authenticate through the relevant digital process.
Make sure you use the official ICP platform when submitting your application.
Step 5: Select the UAE Passport Application Service
After signing in, choose the passport service you need.
If you are applying for the first time, select the service for issuing a new passport.
If you already have a UAE passport, select the appropriate renewal or replacement service.
Read the service information before continuing. Passport issuance, renewal, replacement and damaged-passport services can have different requirements.
Selecting the correct service at this stage can help make the UAE passport application process smoother.
Step 6: Review Your UAE Passport Application Details
The digital application may display information connected to your government records.
Review all the details carefully before submitting the application.
Check:
- Name spelling
- Date of birth
- Personal information
- Contact information
- Existing passport details, where applicable
- Delivery information
Correct any errors before continuing.
Taking a few minutes to review your information can help prevent unnecessary delays in your UAE passport application.
Step 7: Upload the Required Documents
The next step is to upload any documents required for your selected passport service.
For a first-time UAE passport application, a personal photograph is among the listed requirements. Other passport services may require additional documents depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
For example, UAE nationals renewing their passports while outside the UAE may need:
- A recent personal photograph
- A letter from the UAE embassy explaining the reason for being outside the UAE
The previous passport may also need to be presented when the new passport is received, depending on the applicable process.
Always check the requirements for the specific passport service before submitting your application.
Step 8: Pay the UAE Passport Fees
After reviewing your information and uploading the required documents, you will need to pay the applicable UAE passport fees.
The current ICP service information lists the following standard fees for passport issuance:
| Passport Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 10 |
| Five-year passport issuance | AED 40 |
| Ten-year passport issuance | AED 90 |
| Delivery | AED 15 |
The passport renewal service also follows the applicable fee structure listed by ICP.
Because government fees and service conditions can change, applicants should check the latest ICP information before making payment.
Step 9: Submit Your UAE Passport Application
Before submitting your application, review everything one final time.
Use this quick checklist:
- Is the passport photo correct?
- Are your personal details accurate?
- Are all required documents attached?
- Did you choose the correct passport service?
- Is your delivery information correct?
- Have you paid the applicable fees?
Once everything is correct, submit the application.
Keep your application or request number after submission. You may need it to track the progress of your passport application.
Step 10: Track Your UAE Passport Application
After submitting your UAE passport application, you can follow its progress through the available ICP channels.
The ICP provides application-status services that allow applicants to check the progress of their applications using the relevant application information.
If the authority requests additional information, documents or corrections, follow the instructions provided and complete the required action as soon as possible.
Step 11: Receive Your UAE Passport
After the application is approved and the passport is issued, it will be delivered through the designated delivery service.
The passport is sent to the address provided by the applicant. Where applicable, the previous passport may need to be presented to the delivery agent when receiving a renewed passport.
Check your new UAE passport immediately after receiving it.
Make sure:
- Your name is correct
- Your photograph is correct
- Your date of birth is accurate
- Your passport number is correct
- Your expiry date is correct
If you notice an error, contact the relevant authority promptly.
What Is the UAE Passport Validity Period?
The UAE passport validity depends on the age of the UAE citizen.
Generally:
- UAE citizens aged 21 and above: 10-year passport validity
- UAE citizens under 21: 5-year passport validity
The validity period is therefore linked to the applicant’s age when the passport is issued.
When Should You Renew a UAE Passport?
UAE citizens can renew their passport when it has expired or when less than one year remains before its expiry.
It is also important to check passport validity well before international travel because some countries require travellers to have a specific amount of passport validity remaining.
If you have upcoming international travel, follow these steps:
- Check your passport expiry date.
- Check the passport-validity requirements of your destination.
- Apply for renewal when you become eligible.
- Allow sufficient time for processing and delivery.
- Check your new passport before travelling.
Avoid waiting until immediately before your trip to discover that your passport needs renewal.
What Should You Do If Your UAE Passport Is Lost or Stolen?
If your UAE passport is lost or stolen, report the situation and follow the official passport replacement process.
The ICP provides passport replacement services for UAE nationals in applicable cases involving lost or damaged passports.
The exact requirements can depend on the circumstances.
If you are outside the UAE when your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate and follow its instructions for assistance.
UAE diplomatic missions abroad can also provide passport-related services and assistance to eligible UAE citizens.
What Should You Do If Your UAE Passport Is Damaged?
If your UAE passport is physically damaged, check whether it is still acceptable for international travel before making travel plans.
The ICP provides a dedicated service for replacing damaged passports.
Do not assume that an airline or foreign border authority will accept a severely damaged travel document. If your passport is damaged, follow the official replacement procedure and check the applicable requirements.
Can UAE Citizens Renew Their Passport From Outside the UAE?
Yes. UAE citizens who are outside the country can use the applicable passport renewal service for citizens abroad.
This service is intended for UAE nationals outside the UAE whose passport has expired or has less than one year remaining before expiry.
Applicants may need to provide:
- A recent personal photograph
- An embassy letter explaining their situation abroad
- Their existing passport where required
UAE citizens abroad can also contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate for passport-related assistance.
How to Get a UAE Passport for a Child?
Parents or authorised representatives may complete passport-related services for eligible children according to the applicable government procedures.
For a first-time passport application, the child must meet the applicable eligibility conditions and be registered in the family records.
Parents should check the specific passport service requirements before submitting an application because requirements can vary depending on the child’s circumstances and family records.
UAE passports issued to citizens under 21 are generally valid for five years.
What Is the Difference Between an Emirates ID and a UAE Passport?
An Emirates ID and UAE passport serve different purposes.
The Emirates ID is an identity document used for identification and access to many government and private-sector services in the UAE.
A UAE passport is an international travel document issued to UAE nationals.
Both passport and identity-related government services are handled through the relevant UAE authorities, including ICP services.
Having an Emirates ID does not mean that a person has a UAE passport. UAE passports are issued to UAE citizens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UAE Passport
Although the UAE passport application process is increasingly digital, applicants should avoid common mistakes that can cause delays.
1. Using the Wrong Photograph
Make sure your photograph meets the applicable ICAO and ICP requirements.
2. Choosing the Wrong Passport Service
Select the correct service based on whether you need a new passport, renewal or replacement.
3. Providing Incorrect Personal Information
Check your name, date of birth and other personal information carefully.
4. Forgetting Supporting Documents
Review the document requirements for your specific passport service before submitting the application.
5. Applying at the Last Minute
If you have international travel planned, check your passport validity well in advance.
6. Entering Incorrect Delivery Information
Make sure your delivery address and contact information are accurate.
7. Ignoring Application Updates
Track your application and respond quickly if ICP requests additional information or corrections.
UAE Passport Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, use this quick UAE passport application checklist:
- Confirm that you are eligible.
- Select the correct passport service.
- Check your personal information.
- Prepare a recent passport photograph.
- Make sure the photograph meets the required standards.
- Log in through an approved ICP channel.
- Use UAE Pass where required.
- Upload supporting documents if requested.
- Review the application carefully.
- Pay the applicable UAE passport fees.
- Submit the application.
- Save your application or reference number.
- Track your application status.
- Receive and check your passport.
FAQs
How can I apply for a UAE passport?
UAE citizens can apply for a new passport through the ICP Smart Services website or ICP Smart App. The process generally involves selecting the appropriate passport service, checking personal information, providing required documents, paying the applicable fees and receiving the passport through the approved delivery process.
Who can apply for a UAE passport?
A UAE passport is issued to UAE nationals. For a first-time passport application, the applicant must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and be registered in the family records.
Can expats living in the UAE get a UAE passport?
No. A foreign resident does not receive a UAE passport simply by living or working in the UAE. Expats normally use the passport issued by their country of nationality.
How much does a UAE passport cost?
The current ICP-listed fees for passport issuance include an AED 10 application fee, AED 40 for a five-year passport, AED 90 for a ten-year passport and AED 15 for delivery.
How long is a UAE passport valid?
A UAE passport is generally valid for 10 years for UAE citizens aged 21 and above and five years for citizens under 21.
Can I renew my UAE passport online?
Yes. Eligible UAE citizens can use the ICP Smart Services website or smart application for passport renewal. The applicable digital authentication process, including UAE Pass, may be required.
When can I renew my UAE passport?
UAE citizens can renew their passport when it has expired or when less than one year remains before its expiry.
What are the UAE passport photo requirements?
The passport photograph must meet the applicable ICAO and ICP requirements. It should be recent, have the required background, clearly show the applicant’s face and avoid shadows, reflections and other issues that affect image quality.
Can I apply for a UAE passport from outside the UAE?
UAE citizens living abroad can use the applicable passport renewal service for citizens outside the UAE. They can also contact UAE embassies or consulates for passport-related assistance.
What should I do if my UAE passport is damaged?
UAE nationals with damaged passports can use the applicable passport replacement service provided by ICP. Applicants should follow the current requirements for their specific situation.
What should I do if my UAE passport is lost?
Report the loss as required and follow the official passport replacement procedure. If you are outside the UAE, contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate for assistance.
Is an Emirates ID the same as a UAE passport?
No. An Emirates ID is an identity document, while a UAE passport is an international travel document issued to UAE nationals.
Final Answer
Applying for a UAE passport is mainly a digital process for eligible UAE nationals. The basic steps are to select the correct passport service, verify your personal information, prepare an ICAO-compliant photograph, access the ICP digital service, provide the required documents, pay the applicable UAE passport fees, submit the application and track its progress.
For first-time applicants, eligibility requirements and family-record registration must be met. Existing passport holders can apply for renewal when their passport has expired or has less than one year remaining. UAE citizens living abroad have a separate route for passport renewal through the applicable ICP service and UAE diplomatic missions.
The most important thing is to check the latest ICP requirements, fees, documents and service conditions before submitting your UAE passport application, as government procedures and fees can change.
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