UAE Passport Service 2026: Fast Renewal, Urgent Travel & Expat Solutions

UAE Passport Renewal in 2026: What Changed?

It’s never been easier—or harder—to renew a UAE passport. Online applications, app-based forms, and 24-hour express lanes sound great. But here’s the truth:

• All citizens must use the ICA or UAE Pass system for renewal—no more paper forms for most cases.
• Photos must be high-resolution and recent; old, blurry, or mismatched photos cause instant rejection.
• Name or ID changes require extra documents (marriage, divorce, new ID card, etc.).
• Payment is digital-only; credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or UAE e-Dirham.
• Busy season delays—right before summer, Eid, and New Year, expect slower approvals.

“I thought my selfie was fine, but the app rejected it three times. Used a passport photo booth and got approved within hours.”
– Hana, Dubai

Urgent & Express: How Fast Is Possible?

Need your passport now? UAE offers real urgent and express options, but you must act fast and have every document ready:

• Express Renewal (24–72 hours): Through official government apps and some passport offices, urgent service is real—but only if you provide a valid reason (work, medical, family emergency).
• Fees: Express/urgent fees are usually AED 300–500 extra ($80–$140).
• Proof required: Flight tickets, employer letters, or medical documents may be needed to justify the speed.
• Locations: Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and main city offices, are fastest for urgent processing.

“Had a funeral in Cairo. Showed my ticket, paid the express fee, and picked up my passport the next day.”
– Nour, UAE/Egypt

Pro tip: Never trust any non-official website or agent promising “instant” UAE passports—there are scams everywhere.

Lost or Stolen Passport: What To Do

Lost your UAE passport? Don’t panic. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Report the loss immediately via ICA app, website, or the nearest UAE embassy/consulate.
2. File a police report if abroad (some embassies require this before issuing a replacement).
3. Bring all available ID and old passport copies to your appointment—digital scans help.
4. Emergency passports are available for citizens needing to return home or travel urgently, but may be single-use only.

“Lost my passport in Saudi. UAE consulate in Riyadh issued an emergency document in one day—digital copies saved me.”
– Karim, UAE/Saudi Arabia

UAE Passport Service for Expats & Overseas

UAE nationals living abroad, or expats in the Emirates needing help with home-country passports, face extra steps:

• UAE citizens: Use embassies/consulates for renewal, bring all ID, and allow courier time for delivery.
• Expats (residents): Check your home country’s embassy for fast-track options—UAE doesn’t issue foreign passports, but you can often get emergency travel documents with help from your own embassy.
• Digital copies and translated documents are often required—scan everything before your appointment.
• Busy times (Eid, school breaks) can double waiting periods, especially in consulates.

“Had to renew from Germany—embassy in Berlin was strict but professional. Having every doc ready made the difference.”
– Aisha, UAE/Germany

FAQs: UAE Passport Service 2026