Check if you have a travel ban
You may have a travel ban if you have a pending legal case in the UAE. Check if you have a travel ban or any claim that prohibits you from travelling.
You can also use the Dubai Police app available on iTunes and Google Play or visit the smart police stations.
You can also enquire about cases through the UAE's Public Prosecution.
Before planning your travel, it is advisable to check and/or solve any issues that might stop you at the immigration counters. If necessary, you may seek the assistance of a lawyer or contact the nearest immigration office/police station.
Check the validity of passport
Ensure that your passport is valid and is machine-readable. Many countries do not accept travellers who do not have a machine-readable passport.
Useful links:
- The Emirati ePassport - UAE Government portal
- Applying for a UAE passport - UAE Government portal
Check visa requirements
Citizens and residents wishing to travel abroad are advised to contact the foreign mission of the destination country in the UAE to check about visa regulations, application procedures and related information.
Many countries have outsourced the task of accepting visa applications to a private company called VFS Global.
Check travel advisories
Refer to travel advisories on the website of the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure you are travelling to a country that is safe.
Learn about local laws
Learn about the laws and the customs of the destination country before you travel. Remember that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and that you would be liable to legal action if you commit an offence.
Useful links:
Updated on:
11 Feb 2026
