Documents needed to apply for a passport

When applying for a passport, Emiratis are required to submit a recent personal photo, sized 5.5cm x 4.5cm against a white background. Conditions for the photograph:

1. it must conform to the specifications of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
2. hands should not appear above the shoulders
3. eyes must be open
4. it should be without a frame
5. its width should be 35-40 millimetres.

If a recent personal photo of the applicant is available in the electronic systems of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), it will be shown to the applicant. Applicant can opt to have that used or submit a new one.

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:

1. eServices of ICP
2. the UAEICP app on Google Play and App Store
3. Customer Happiness centres across the emirates (for special cases)
4. airports at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah (the service is available 24/7, but on an emergency basis).

Citizens whose passports have expired, been lost, or 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 as early as a year before its expiry date.

Contact ICP through any of their 19 communication channels, for more information.