UAE Passport Renewal: Steps to Renew Your Emirati Passport

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated July 2024

If you’re planning to travel abroad and your passport is about to expire, it’s important to renew it as soon as possible. A passport is a vital travel document that allows you to enter and exit foreign countries, and it’s essential to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining when you travel.

Keep reading as Wego helps you learn how you can get your UAE passport renewed.

UAE passport renewal

In March 2024, the UAE Cabinet approved an amendment extending the validity of the Emirati passport from 5 to 10 years for individuals aged 21 and above. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, announced the decision on social media platform X following the Cabinet meeting.

 

The extended validity is accompanied by enhanced benefits, including additional facilities and comprehensive digital services to ensure greater convenience and efficiency for Emirati citizens. This updated passport validity came into effect on 8 July 2024, with the 5-year passport continuing to be issued for those under 21.

This decision underscores the UAE’s commitment to empowering its youth and enhancing citizen services. A dedicated page has been provided to outline the steps to renew your Emirati passport.

UAE passport renewal online

To renew your UAE passport online, you can utilize the ICP Smart Services system. Please follow the steps below:

• visit the ICP passport renewal portal and log in. If you’ve yet to create a UAE Pass account, please register
• select the “Issuing a passport” service
• choose the family member whose passport is to be renewed
• select “passport renewal” as the reason for issuing the passport
• verify the date and update it if required
• pay the service fee (if any)

You’ll then receive a confirmation email concerning your passport renewal request. Once your application has been completed, you will receive your renewed passport through an approved delivery company.

Please make sure that the data you enter is accurate to avoid any delay in the application.

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UAE passport renewal through an appointment

In special cases only, applications for a passport renewal are accepted at ICP’s Customer Happiness Centres. Unlike electronic services, appointments for an offline passport renewal are available only during the working hours of the particular centre. The waiting time is only 5 minutes, while the appointment takes about 7 minutes.

You can check your closest Customer Happiness Centre and its timings here. Please note that not all centers provide the passport renewal service, so make sure you check your center’s list of services offered beforehand.

UAE passport renewal through kiosks

The UAE is taking significant steps to modernize passport renewal services. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security is introducing 24/7 passport renewal kiosks. These kiosks will revolutionize the passport renewal process for UAE nationals and residents, eliminating the need for appointments at service centers.

A noteworthy feature of these kiosks is their ability to instantly print passports for UAE nationals. This means that citizens can obtain their renewed passports without the usual waiting period.

The project is currently in the trial phase and is expected to be fully implemented in 2023 or 2024. This initiative marks a significant advancement in providing an accessible and efficient means for passport renewal in the UAE.

UAE passport renewal requirements

Renewing the UAE passport requires the following documents:

• old passport
• original and a copy of the Emirates ID card
• original and a copy of the family book
• a photo meeting the latest requirements
• a letter from the sponsor (optional)

UAE passport photo requirements

The most recent update states that providing a personal photo for passport renewal is no longer required. Instead, data and photos will be sourced from existing systems, giving customers the choice to change the photo if they wish.

To update your previous photo, you need to adhere to the latest guidelines set by the Emirati government. These guidelines specify that any photographs intended for identification purposes must meet certain specifications to be compatible with smart readers, aligning with the standards outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

• image: The image itself must be a high-quality one. It must be coloured and cannot be older than six months. The dimensions of the photo must be 35mm X 40mm.
• background: The background of the image must be white
• features: Neutral, natural expressions must be maintained; they must not be exaggerated
• head position: The head must be straight, not tilted, and must be parallel to the photographic lens
• eyes: Open towards the camera and without coloured lenses
• glasses: Acceptable as long as they do not obscure the eyes and do not reflect light
• dress code: The official dress of the UAE (for citizens)
• head covering: Allowed according to national dress or religious belief
• resolution (pixels): At least 600 dpi without ink traces or shrinkage

UAE passport renewal fees

The fees for passport renewal in the UAE are as below:

• request fee: AED 10
• issue fee: AED 40
• delivery fee: AED 15

ICP has launched new smart payment methods, so in addition to the existing credit card option, you can also make payments using Apple Pay and Google Pay.

UAE passport renewal abroad

UAE nationals living in foreign countries for the purpose of education, medical treatment, or work can renew their Emirati passport through the UAE embassy in their respective countries in coordination with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Documents required

Overseas Emiratis need to submit the following to renew their UAE passport:

• old passport copy
• attach detailed information proving that the UAE national is abroad
• a personal photograph

Renewal process

To apply for UAE passport renewal abroad, follow the below steps.

• log into one of MoFAIC smart channels via UAE Pass (available on Google Play and App Store) by entering your existing UAE Pass username and password. If you haven’t used UAE Pass before, you’ll need to create a new account.
• from the “Individual Services” tab, select “Issue Passports and Return Documents”. Then choose the “Passport Renewal for UAE Nationals Abroad” service. Finally, click “Start Service” to fill out the application form
• you will soon receive an SMS notification to visit the mission to collect your renewed passport and surrender the original old passport

Renewal cost and processing time

The UAE passport renewal service through overseas embassies costs AED 60 and should take about 20 working days. This service is not available on an emergency basis, but an emergency passport can be granted instead.

UAE passport renewal processing time

The renewed passport is issued electronically after 48 hours from receipt and acceptance of the renewal request. In the case of applications through the Customer Happiness Centres, it takes only 24 hours to complete processing.