Beginning August 18, 2025, UAE residents will likely be allowed to resume their passports as much as one yr earlier than the expiry date, a change from the sooner six-month window. The brand new rule, issued by the ICP, is a part of a broader initiative to reinforce journey flexibility, streamline official procedures, and strengthen the UAE passport’s international standing.
New timeline for passport renewals
The Federal Authority for Id, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Safety (ICP) has revised the coverage governing passport renewals for UAE residents. As per the most recent resolution by Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the ICP, Emiratis will now be permitted to resume their passports as soon as the remaining validity is one yr or much less. It is a shift from the earlier rule that allowed renewals solely when six months or fewer have been left earlier than expiration. The change will likely be efficient Monday, August 18, 2025, and is relevant to all UAE nationals with eligible passports. The intention is to permit for higher advance planning, particularly for worldwide journey, whereas decreasing disruptions in official transactions and offering prolonged use of digital documentation. ICP famous that the brand new timeline can even assist seamless transitions for UAE residents who journey steadily or are concerned in long-term visa procedures overseas.
Digital-first, accessible renewal course of
The ICP has confirmed that the renewal course of will stay environment friendly and broadly accessible, persevering with to deal with digital companies to facilitate ease of entry. Residents can full all the renewal course of on-line by the ICP good companies platform, accessible by way of each the official web site and cellular software. The web course of permits candidates to:
- Fill out the appliance type
- Add essential documentation
- Make funds digitally
For many who choose or require in-person help, buyer happiness facilities inside the UAE will stay out there. Moreover, UAE nationals residing overseas can submit their functions by UAE embassies and consulates, they usually even have the choice to provoke the method on-line and accumulate the renewed passport from a diplomatic mission.
UAE passport power and international rating
This replace comes at a time when the UAE passport continues to see a major rise in its international rating and journey privileges. As of 2025, the UAE passport:
- Is ranked eighth globally based on the Henley Passport Index
- Grants holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 185 international locations
It is a marked enchancment over earlier years:
- 2022 & 2023: Ranked fifteenth
- 2024: Superior to eleventh
- 2025: Entered the Prime 10, securing eighth place
For the reason that Henley Passport Index’s inception in 2006, the UAE passport has added 152 international locations to its visa-free or visa-on-arrival checklist, reflecting the UAE’s rising diplomatic ties and worldwide mobility for its residents. Chairman Al Shamsi highlighted that the UAE passport continues to rank because the world’s strongest, trusted, and broadly recognised journey doc. The brand new resolution, he added, is a powerful enhance to its international standing and additional establishes the UAE’s passport issuance and renewal system as a number one mannequin for the area and past.By way of operations, the Normal Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai has processed 7,425 passport renewals through the first half of 2025 alone. For the reason that opening of its middle in 2008, over 139,000 passports have been issued to Emiratis by that facility.
