By Elias Al Helou

UAE travel ban: Complete guide on how to check the restrictions

A travel ban, as defined by the government, is an order that prohibits an individual from leaving or entering the country

According to UAE regulations, there are different types of travel bans, each with its own specifications and consequences.

Dreaming of exploring the UAE’s magnificent skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes? Before you start packing and booking your tickets, it is important to ensure that you won’t face any travel bans. Traveling to the UAE involves legal and financial considerations, and being on the travel blacklist can hinder your plans. Fortunately, you can check your ban status beforehand using your passport number. In this article, we’ll guide you through the different types of travel bans in the UAE and provide simple steps to check your ban status with your passport number.

What is a travel ban?

A travel ban, as defined by the government, is an order that prohibits an individual from leaving or entering the country. It is issued to all ports and is accompanied by a court or police order to protect personal interests, such as child custody, financial default, or criminal investigation. If someone is subject to a travel ban, they are not allowed to leave the country until the ban is resolved, and they may even be detained if they try to enter another country.

Reasons for UAE travel bans

Why would you be subject to a travel ban in the UAE? The government’s goal is to prevent any unfavorable situations and ensure the safety of its citizens and residents. Travel bans in the UAE can be issued for various reasons, and here are some of the most common ones:

Criminal investigation: If you are under criminal investigation in any country, a UAE travel ban will be immediately imposed.
Immigration violations: If you have violated any immigration laws, you will not be allowed to travel to the UAE.
Financial debt: If you have outstanding financial debt, you will be prevented from traveling to or entering the UAE.
Lack of legal work visa: In the UAE, if a worker or professional attempts to enter the country without a valid work permit or leaves without informing their employer, they may also be subject to a travel ban.
Rent conflicts: If you have unresolved rent conflicts, you will not be allowed to leave the country or enter the UAE.
Overstaying on visa: If you remain in the UAE after your work or travel visa has expired, you may face a travel ban.
Health issues: In the event of a disease outbreak, such as Covid-19 or cholera, a travel ban in the UAE can be issued to prevent serious health problems.

Types of UAE travel bans

According to UAE regulations, there are different types of travel bans, each with its own specifications and consequences. It is important to be aware of these bans and ensure compliance with the law to avoid being listed for the UAE travel ban. Here are the main types of travel bans:

Immigration bans: Immigration bans are one of the most significant travel bans in the UAE. If you are subject to this ban, it will severely restrict your ability to enter or remain in the country. Immigration bans can be imposed for various reasons, such as unresolved legal cases, overstay, financial debts, or criminal activities. The duration of immigration bans can vary from temporary bans (six months) to permanent bans (lifetime) depending on the severity of the circumstances.
Financial bans: Financial bans are related to outstanding debts, loans or financial obligations in your home country. Individuals with significant financial obligations may not be allowed to leave their country until their debts are settled. Therefore, if you have substantial debts, you will be unable to enter the UAE for any reason.
Employment bans: Employment bans are imposed for work-related issues. For example, breaking employment contracts, violating employment regulations, or leaving your job without informing your employer can result in an employment ban. If you are subject to an employment ban, you will be unable to work for a new employer or leave the country during the specified period.
Criminal bans: If you have committed serious crimes such as murder or kidnapping, you will be prevented from entering the UAE. Such criminal bans are in place to protect the security and stability of the UAE. Therefore, until your criminal bans are lifted, you will not be allowed to visit the UAE.

How to check UAE ban status with passport number

You can check your travel ban status online using your passport number through the official websites of the respective emirates. Here’s how to check your ban status in different emirates:

Dubai: Visit the Dubai Police website, go to the “Services” section, select “Criminal Status of Financial Cases,” and click on the “Access Service” option in the top-left corner. Enter your name and Emirates ID card number. You will receive the results within a few minutes. If there are no travel bans, congratulations, you can travel to Dubai. If there is a travel ban alert, you need to resolve the issue before traveling to Dubai.
Abu Dhabi: Use the ‘Estafser‘ service provided by the Abu Dhabi Department of Presidential Affairs. You can access the service through their official website. Enter your passport number and follow the instructions to check your ban status.
Other emirates: For other emirates, you can visit the official website of the respective General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and look for the service or section related to checking travel bans. Enter your passport number or other required information to check your ban status.

In addition to checking your ban status online, you can also inquire about your travel ban status by contacting the respective authorities directly. You can reach out to the immigration or passport offices, the embassy or consulate of the UAE in your country, or seek assistance from a legal professional who specializes in UAE immigration matters.

Remember that checking your ban status is crucial before making any travel arrangements to the UAE. If you are subject to a travel ban, it’s essential to resolve the underlying issue or obtain the necessary permissions before attempting to travel to the UAE.

FAQs

How can I check the travel ban in the UAE?

There are different ways to check if you have a travel ban in the UAE, depending on the emirate you’re living in. The process can be done online or offline.

Dubai: You can check for a travel ban through the Dubai Police website or mobile app.
Abu Dhabi: You can use the ‘Estafser’ online service provided by the Judicial Department.
Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain: In these emirates, you will need to involve a lawyer, as it is mandatory to do so to check for a travel ban.