The Emirati Passport
The UAE’s passport is ranked as the most powerful passport in the world. Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issues electronic passports to its citizens in accordance with the international technical and security requirements. Read how Emirati citizens can apply for the passport.
Applying for UAE passport
UAE nationals need to apply to Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to obtain a new passport for the first time.
Other passport-related services provided by ICP include: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:
- eServices of ICP
- the UAEICP app on Google Play and App Store
- Customer Happiness centres across 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, are lost or got 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 September 2025. A holder of the UAE’s passport could travel easily to 179 countries; 133 destinations offer visa-free travel, 46 countries offer visa on arrival at the airport, and 19 countries offer electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
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 5 most important passports in the world upon the directives of H. H. 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 34 EU countries.
Related links
- Global passport index
- Travel requirements by destination – MoFA website
The Emirati ePassport
In 2011, Ministry of the Interior began to issue machine-readable passports or electronic passports to UAE nationals in accordance with the technical and security requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The electronic passport is characterised by high technical and security features. The last page contains a remote-readable electronic chip that stores the personal and biometric data of the passport holder. This chip is encrypted to prevent counterfeiting. The image, signature and fingerprints are printed and cannot be modified.
The first page of the passport contains a watermark of the outer frame of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, while its last page is adorned with the actual painting of the mosque with domes and columns.
Source: The New Generation of Emirati Passport.
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 history of the UAE passport and the new generation of the Emirati passport.Updated on:
13 Feb 2026
