Lost your passport in the UAE? Report it to the police first, then go to your embassy or the immigration authority.
This guide walks tourists, expats, and Emirati citizens through getting an emergency document and leaving on time.
Report the Loss to Police First
Before anything else, report the loss or theft at the police station nearest to where it happened. In the UAE this is a legal step, and every later document depends on it.
You can file in person, and several emirates accept reports through their police apps or websites. Keep the reference number safe — you’ll be asked for it repeatedly.
If you’re a sponsored resident, the police also need a letter confirming the loss:
- On employer sponsorship: a letter on the company’s letterhead, in Arabic, confirming the lost passport.
- On family sponsorship: a letter signed by your sponsor plus a copy of the sponsor’s passport.
Once the report is processed, you’ll receive an official lost-passport document. That paper is your starting point for everything that follows.
If You’re a Tourist or Visitor
You don’t hold a UAE residence visa, so your goal is simple: get a travel document and a permit to leave the country legally.
Get an Emergency Travel Document
Take your police report to your country’s embassy or consulate. Most issue an emergency travel document (ETD) — a one-way paper that lets you fly home in place of a passport.
Every mission has its own forms, fees, and photo rules, so call ahead or check their website before going. Some issue the ETD the same day; others need a day or two.
Apply for an Exit Permit
An ETD alone isn’t enough to leave — you also need an exit permit (out pass) from immigration, because your entry stamp was on the lost passport.
Apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) if you’re outside Dubai, or the GDRFA if your case sits in Dubai. You’ll typically need:
- Your emergency travel document from the embassy
- The police loss report
- A copy of your onward flight ticket
- Two passport-size photos
If your visit visa expired while you sorted this out, settle any overstay fines before the permit is issued.
If You’re an Expat Resident
Your residence permit details are linked to your passport record, so you have one extra task the others don’t: getting those details amended after your new passport is issued.
Turn the Police Report Into a Lost-Passport Certificate
According to the UAE Government portal, the stamped police report must be endorsed by the relevant court, Public Prosecution, and the GDRFA in the emirate that issued your visa.
Once endorsed, return it to the police station, which issues a formal lost-passport certificate in Arabic. This certificate is what your embassy will ask for.
Get a New Passport, Then Re-Stamp Your Visa
Take the certificate to your embassy or consulate and apply for a new passport. Processing times vary widely by country, so ask about emergency options if you travel soon.
When the new passport arrives, go back to the GDRFA or ICP to amend your residence permit data with the new passport details. Check the relevant authority for current fees.
If You’re a UAE Citizen
The route depends on where you are when the passport goes missing.
Inside the UAE
Apply to the ICP for a replacement passport after filing your police report. You can do it through the ICP smart app, the website (via UAE Pass), or a Customer Happiness Centre.
You’ll need a recent personal photo, and the passport holder must be present in the country. The replacement fee is around AED 300 plus delivery or authority charges, with issuance usually within a couple of working days.
Abroad or in Transit
If you lose your passport while travelling, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFAIC) issues an electronic return document to bring you home.
It’s free, processed in about 30 minutes through UAE Pass, and valid for 7 days — enough time to fly back and then apply for a full replacement passport.
Fees and Processing Times at a Glance
Costs and timelines vary by document and by which authority handles your case. Use this as a quick reference, and confirm current figures with each authority.
| Document | Who Needs It | Issued By | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police report | Everyone | Local police | Free / nominal | Same day |
| Emergency travel document | Tourists & expats | Your embassy/consulate | Varies by country | Same day to a few days |
| Exit permit (out pass) | Tourists leaving the UAE | ICP or GDRFA (Dubai) | AED 241-300 | About 2 working days / 48 hours |
| Replacement passport | UAE citizens (in country) | ICP | ~AED 300 + delivery/authority charges | ~2 working days |
| Return document | UAE citizens abroad | MoFAIC | Free | ~30 mins, valid 7 days |
To avoid delays, keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and Emirates ID before you travel, and report the loss the same day. A clean police report and a settled fine record move your case through fastest, whether you’re flying out of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the UAE without my passport?
Yes, but only with the right paperwork. You need an emergency travel document from your embassy plus an exit permit from the ICP or GDRFA. Neither one alone is enough at the airport.
How fast can I get an emergency passport?
It depends on the issuer. Embassy emergency travel documents can be same-day; UAE exit permits take about 2 working days or 48 hours. UAE citizens abroad can get a MoFAIC return document in about 30 minutes.
What if my visa expired while I sorted this out?
You’ll usually need to clear any overstay fines before your exit permit is issued. Report the loss quickly to limit how much accrues, and ask the authority to confirm the amount due.
Do I still report it if I think I’ll find the passport?
Yes. Reporting the loss is a legal requirement in the UAE and protects you if the passport is misused. If you find it later, inform the police and your embassy.
As an expat, do I need to re-stamp my visa right away?
Yes, before you travel. Your residence permit details were tied to the old passport record, so the GDRFA or ICP must amend the data with your new passport details.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal — Lost Your Passport in the UAE
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai (GDRFA)
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Issue a Return Document
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
