MoFA issues new guidelines for UAE citizens travelling abroad in case of passport loss

Dubai: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has instructed UAE citizens who lose, damage, or have an expired passport while abroad to apply for a 'Return Document' in just three steps and receive it within 30 minutes via email. The ministry advised travellers to always keep a copy of their identification documents to facilitate procedures.

Through its official account on X, the ministry stated that the Return Document service can be requested at any time via its website or smart application.

MoFA clarified that the documents required in the event of a lost passport include a copy of the lost passport, a police report for the loss, and a personal photograph with a white background. In the case of a damaged passport, a written statement explaining the reason for the damage must be submitted. For newborns, the required documents include: a copy of the birth certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of residence and the UAE mission abroad; a copy of the marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of residence and the UAE mission abroad; and copies of both parents’ passports.

 Important guidelines before travelling abroad

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a range of essential tips and guidelines to ensure citizens’ safety and comfort while abroad. These include registering in the 'Twajudi' service, keeping track of the latest security updates for travel destinations, carrying important documents and copies of them, checking visa validity and health insurance coverage, avoiding travel to areas with conflicts or security unrest, being cautious against fraud and scams, and keeping emergency contact numbers for UAE embassies and consulates abroad.

Key recommendations include:

      1.    Register in the 'Twajudi' service

Allows travelers to register their details with MOFA to facilitate communication in case of emergencies.

      2.    Review the latest security updates

Travelers should check MOFA’s security updates for their destinations and ensure there are no travel advisories or security alerts.

      3.    Carry important documents

Bring your passport and copies, Emirates ID and copies, entry visas, health insurance documents, flight tickets, and hotel reservations.

      4.    Verify visa validity

Ensure that all required visas and permits for the destination are valid to avoid legal issues.

      5.    Have health insurance

Confirm that your health insurance covers medical expenses abroad, including emergencies.

      6.    Avoid conflict zones

Refrain from traveling to regions experiencing conflicts or security instability.

      7.    Beware of fraud and scams

Exercise caution in dealings abroad and verify the identity of anyone you interact with.

      8.    Keep emergency contacts

Save MOFA’s emergency numbers as well as those of UAE embassies and consulates in your destination.

      9.    Know your rights and obligations as an employee

If traveling to the UAE for work, be aware of your rights and duties under local laws and regulations.

      10.   Prepare for employment in the UAE

Ensure you have all required documents such as your passport, entry permit, medical test results, and attested academic certificates.

 Additional tips

      •     Choose safe accommodation: Ensure that your accommodation has adequate security measures and avoid unsafe areas.

      •     Do not leave children unattended: Never leave children alone abroad or in public places.

      •     Avoid displaying valuables: Refrain from showing flashy possessions that might attract theft or scams.

Benefits of registering in “Twajudi”

 MOFA encourages UAE citizens traveling abroad to register in the “Twajudi” service through its website or the UAE MOFA smart app, available on Android and iOS. This enables the ministry and UAE missions abroad to communicate with travelers during emergencies or crises, provide assistance, and coordinate their return to the UAE.

Issuing a return document

MOFA provides the Return Document service through its website or the UAE MOFA smart app for UAE citizens abroad in the following cases:

      •     Loss of a regular passport

      •     Expiration of a regular passport

      •     Damage to a regular passport

      •     For newborns

 Emergency reporting for UAE travellers abroad

 MOFA has dedicated a hotline for UAE citizens abroad to report emergencies: 0097180024. The service provides round-the-clock support, with each case handled by a specialised response system under the supervision of the Citizens Affairs Department. Coordination is carried out with UAE missions abroad and relevant MOFA departments, including the Contact Center and Operations Center, ensuring the highest standards of assistance.