Emiratis asked to renew passports six months before expiry

Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and foreign Affairs (GDRFA) has called on Emiratis to renew their passports well before the expiry date if they plan to travel outside the country.

Colonel Ahmad Al Muhairi, Assistant Director for Citizenship Affairs at the General Directorate of Residency and foreign Affairs (GDRFA), has requested Emiratis to check the expiry dates on their passports before planning their trips because the majority of countries refuse entry to tourists with passports close to their expiry date.

“Emiratis should pay attention to the expiry date on their passport and renew them six months before they are due to expire,” he said, adding that some only get to know their passports have expired at the airport while others figure out that their passports are missing or damaged when preparing to travel.

He said the Department of Citizenship at the GDRFA uses the best technologies to make it easier for Emiratis to renew their passports, such as the smart app called GDRFA Dubai.

“The app can be downloaded and used to request passport renewal. Users can log on to the services of the department and request what they need by filling the required information, mobile number, address, and the way they want to receive their renewed passport. They can then proceed for payment.”

He said users are guaranteed to receive their passport in one working day to the location they want, whether in Dubai or other emirates.

“Those requesting passport renewal do not need to visit any of the department’s offices. The passport is sent to them through the department’s delivery service called Sa’ee in one working day.”

Col Al Muhairi said passports can also be renewed or new family book issued by visiting the department’s offices in Al Jafliya, Al Manara, Al Twar, or service centre in Terminal three at Dubai International Airport or in Hatta.

Colonel Ali Shaban, director of Travel Documents and Family Books in the Department of Citizenship, said there should be awareness on how to keep passports from getting damaged and keeping them away from the sun or any place that could cause them damage.

“Citizens should also make sure they keep their passports in a safe place. Some come to replace their damaged passports or request passport replacement a day or hours before traveling. ”

He added that such procedures in particular take some time and that the request should be sent earlier since other documents are needed from different government departments.

He also called on Emiratis to act quickly in registering their newborn for citizenship to avoid any delays in addition to issuing their identity cards.