Losing a passport can be stressful, considering its need. It is an important document for travelling to other countries. That said, if you have lost your passport in the UAE and are clueless about what to do, first stop panicking. There is a straightforward process to report the lost or stolen passport and apply for a replacement.
Moving ahead, we will discuss all the steps to act fast and get your new passport issued in a few days. Let’s get started.
- Search Your Surroundings
- Report a Lost Passport and Get a Lost Certificate
- Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (for UAE Citizens)
- Apply for a New Passport
- How to Avoid Losing a Passport
- FAQs
Steps to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport in the UAE
A passport is a mandatory travel document and is the identity of an expat living in the UAE. Losing a passport can bring much stress, but don’t worry. There is a straightforward process to report the loss or theft and apply for a new passport. Let’s walk you through the complete process.
1. Search Your Surroundings
First things first! Calm yourself and stop panicking if you have lost your passport as this will only worsen the scenario. Before reporting any loss, try finding the passport yourself. Start searching your surroundings and last visited places such as:
- Search your surroundings including your room, car, and bags.
- Try contacting the places you last visited such as hotels and restaurants.
- If you have used transport in the UAE, say Dubai buses, contact its Lost and Found service.
2. Report a Lost Passport and Get a Lost Certificate
If you are unable to find your passport, the next step is to report it lost to local authorities. For theft cases, follow the same process and report as stolen. This is to ensure that no one misuses the document. Moreover, the authority will issue a lost certificate which is mandatory to apply for a replacement.
- Simply visit your nearest police station, inform them about the situation, and give them your passport details such as your passport number.
- The police will issue a lost report. Get it stamped by the UAE Court and other local authorities. Once you return the stamped report to the police, a lost certificate will be issued.
- Some emirates like Dubai also offer an online reporting system. Go to Dubai Police’s official website to file a report and receive the lost certificate.
Important Requirements
As an expat, here are some requirements that you need to fulfil:
- Minors: Guardians must be present to file a report.
- Employer’s Sponsorship: Expats on a UAE work visa must write a letter about the lost passport on the employer’s letterhead. Submit the letter along with the employer’s licence and establishment card.
- Family Sponsorship: Expats on a family UAE visa must submit a letter signed by the sponsor along with a copy of the sponsor’s passport.
3. Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (for UAE Citizens)
Want to travel abroad in urgency? New passport issuance can take a few days. But worry not! The Emirates issues an emergency travel document, also known as a returning document.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues this document to UAE citizens if their passport is lost, damaged, stolen or expired. Here is the complete process to apply for a return document online:
Required Documents
A copy of your lost passport is necessary to apply for an emergency travel document. Here are all the required documents:
- Copy of passport
- Lost passport report copy
- Photograph
Process
Follow these simple steps to get your e-travel document in no time:
- Go to MOFA’s official website or mobile application.
- Navigate to the ‘Issue Returning Document’ service.
- Register and then log in using the UAE Pass.
- Fill out the application form, attach the documents, and submit the form.
- Get the document at the registered email address.
- The service is free and its total time is 30 minutes.
4. Apply for a New Passport
Both citizens and expats can apply for a new passport through different authorities. These services are available online and in person to provide the utmost convenience. Let’s first go through the list of documents required:
Required Documents
Documents may vary by service, but here are the general ones that are mandatory:
- A photograph
- Lost certificate issued by police
- Copy of lost passport (not mandatory but will make replacement easy)
- Copy of CNIC (for expats)
Let’s go through each service, its application process, and fees:
a. Apply Via GDRFA (for Dubai Citizens)
If your passport is lost in Dubai, the relevant authority is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Follow this process to apply for a replacement quickly:
Online Application
- Go to the GDRFA official website or DubaiNow Android or iOS application.
- Register and log in using ‘UAE Pass or Username and Password’.
- Navigate to the relevant service.
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the required fees.
In-Person Application
- Go to the nearest GDRFA Customer Happiness Centre.
- Head to the ticket counter and get the automated ticket.
- Fill out the application form, attach the required documents, and submit it.
- Pay the required fees.
Service Fee
- Service Charges: AED 300 + 5% VAT
- Knowledge Fees: AED 10
- Innovation Fees: AED 10
Service Time
A new passport is issued in an estimated 48 working hours. However, the duration may vary depending on the case.
b. Apply Via ICA (for UAE Citizens)
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) issues a new passport to UAE nationals. Apply using the ICA website, mobile application, or through typing centres (limited to a few special cases). For in-person applications, simply visit the typing centre and submit the application and fees.
Online Application
- Go to the website or UAEICP Android or iOS application.
- Log in using the UAE Pass.
- Access the relevant service, fill out the application form, and attach the required documents.
- Submit the form.
- Pay the fees using a credit card.
Service Fee
- Service Charges: AED 300
- Electronic Service Fee: AED 50
- Delivery Charges: AED 15
Service Time
It takes an estimated 48 working hours for passport issuance electronically.
c. Apply Via Embassy or Consulate (for Expats)
Expats can apply for a new passport through their country’s consulate or embassy in the UAE. Visit the office, fill out the application form, attach the required documents, and submit it. Pay the fees to complete the application. The service fee varies by embassy; for up-to-date information, contact your embassy.
Once the passport is issued, get a residence UAE visa stamped by the local authorities. For Dubai, GDRFA issues a residence visa.
How to Avoid Losing a Passport
It is always best to take necessary preventive measures as it will save you from this fuss. Here are some tips to avoid losing your passport:
- Carry the passport in a holder to prevent losing or damaging it.
- Get a copy of your passport as it facilitates reporting and replacement in case of loss.
- Don’t carry a passport everywhere, only keep it when required.
FAQs
If you have lost your passport in the UAE, first report it to the police. Next comes the issuance of a lost certificate. Moreover, you must apply for a passport replacement via GDRFA or ICA.
A lost Emirates ID requires immediate attention. First, report it to ICA, gather the documents, and apply for an Emirates ID replacement through the ICA website or service centres.
Reporting a lost passport in the UAE is straightforward with our quick guide. Follow the process, act fast, and get a new passport issued in no time.
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