UAE extends passport renewal window to one year before expiry

The move will ease travel planning and reduce last-minute delays

Last updated: August 14, 2025 | 14:30

1 MIN READ

UAE extends passport renewal window to one year before expiry

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Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a new policy allowing Emirati citizens to renew their passports up to one year before their expiry date, effective August 18. Previously, passport renewals were permitted only within six months of the document’s expiration.

Also Read: GDRFA Dubai issued 139,000 passports with 24/7 airport renewal service since 2008

The extended renewal window aims to provide greater flexibility and convenience for citizens, reducing last-minute travel disruptions and administrative pressures. ICP officials urged residents to take advantage of the new timeframe to ensure uninterrupted travel and avoid potential delays.

The move reflects the authority’s ongoing efforts to streamline services and enhance the overall efficiency of issuance of Emirati passports.

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

Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the authority, noted that the UAE passport ranks at the forefront globally in terms of strength, reliability, and international recognition, highlighting that the decision represents a significant boost to further strengthening the passport’s global standing. It also supports making the UAE’s passport issuance and renewal system a leading and inspiring model for other countries in the region and around the world.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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