Here’s how you can check your UAE travel ban status

• Reasons to Check UAE Travel Ban
• How to Check UAE Travel Ban in Dubai
• How to Check UAE Travel Ban in Abu Dhabi
• FAQs

Disclaimer: In its latest advisory, the UAE’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) stated that the UAE travel ban would be lifted automatically once the pending dues are settled. The initiative is part of the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy programme. Please get in touch with the official authorities at MOJ for more information.

While the diversity of the expat population significantly contributes to the UAE’s economic growth, it also presents the risk of non-citizens fleeing the country to avoid legal issues. To mitigate this, the UAE government imposes travel bans on some residents under specific circumstances. If you’re concerned about potential travel restrictions, here’s how you can check your UAE travel ban status in Dubai and other emirates.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE A UAE TRAVEL BAN?

The UAE immigration travel ban restricts you from crossing the country’s borders – whether by entering, re-entering or exiting – via any means of transport until certain requirements have been met to lift the ban. Simply put, you cannot enter or leave the country unless the ban is lifted. This is what a travel ban in the UAE means.

Therefore, if you suspect a travel ban may be imposed on you, you should check your UAE immigration status to avoid any unfavourable situations at the airport.

REASONS FOR THE TRAVEL BAN IN THE UAE

There are several grounds on which a travel ban may be imposed. The most common ones include:

• An ongoing criminal investigation
• Violation of immigration laws
• Unpaid debt
• Rent disputes
• Employment without a valid work permit
• Overstaying on the visa
• Leaving the country without notifying your employer and cancelling the work permit
• A global outbreak of a disease
• An individual who has been deported previously by a competent authority
• An individual who has faced a travel ban from GCC countries;
• An individual who is involved in the activity reported by Interpol

TYPES OF TRAVEL BANS IN THE UAE

Here are the different types of travel bans.

IMMIGRATION BAN

This ban means that you will be denied entry into the country. This ban is usually enforced in case of a criminal offence.

PERMANENT RESIDENCY BAN

A Permanent Residency ban is enforced in case of a serious labour offence.

FINANCIAL BAN

If you have outstanding debts, loans, or financial obligations in the UAE, you could face a ban on travelling.

CRIMINAL BAN

Individuals who have committed illegal acts, especially where the nation’s security and stability are threatened, are subject to criminal bans.

HOW TO CHECK THE TRAVEL BAN IN THE UAE?

THE MOST COMMON METHODS TO CHECK THE TRAVEL BAN STATUS IN DUBAI

Wondering, “How to check the travel ban status in the UAE?” Residents can choose the following options to check for the UAE immigration travel ban.

THROUGH DUBAI POLICE 

VIA STATION

• Residents can visit a police station to inquire in-person if any criminal complaint has been filed against them in financial cases. 
• Dubai Police stations are open from 07:30 am – 10:00 pm.

VIA WEBSITE OR APP

You can check your travel ban status online through the official website of the Dubai Police. The method is given below:

1. Go to Dubai Police’s website or download the Dubai Police app available from iTunes and Google Play.
2. Go to the “Services” section and select “Reports Services.”
3. Click “Criminal Status of Financial Cases.” 
4. Click the “Access Service” option in the top-left corner.
5. Enter your name and Emirates ID card number.

Please note:

• If there is a travel ban, you will be alerted and advised to head to any Dubai Police station along with your Emirates ID, passport copy and an “authority letter”.
• You can also download the Dubai Police smart app, available for Android and iOS users, to check the UAE travel ban status online.
• There is no service fee for checking the travel ban status online through the Dubai Police website and app.
• For further enquiries regarding the travel ban, call the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department at 901 or contact them at the given email address on their website. 
• Smart Police stations are open 24/7.

THROUGH A LAWYER

• You can also hire a lawyer to conduct a thorough check on your behalf if you are facing a possible travel ban. 
• This is the best option if there is a likelihood of an arrest warrant being imposed on you.

HOW TO CHECK IMMIGRATION BAN STATUS IN ABU DHABI

Residents of Abu Dhabi can use the Estafser e-service to check if they have any claims filed against them in public prosecution. 

• Go to Estafser
• Enter your UID/Unified number
• Click “Search”
• Proceed to the completion of the process

Those living in other emirates can visit our guide for the UAE visa verification.

FAQS ABOUT HOW TO CHECK UAE TRAVEL BAN AND MORE

HOW TO CHECK TRAVEL BAN IN DUBAI?

• Visit a Dubai Police station
• Call Amer Centre
• Hire a lawyer to check your status on your behalf
• Via the Dubai Police’s website or mobile app

CAN I INITIATE THE TRAVEL BAN CHECK ONLINE IN THE UAE?

Yes, you can. However, the method varies depending on the emirate. For Dubai, you must visit Dubai Police’s website or app, whereas, for Abu Dhabi, the process requires you to use the Estafser e-service.

HOW TO CHECK TRAVEL BAN IN THE UAE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NORTHERN EMIRATES?

The answer to the question of how to check the immigration ban in the UAE for people who have been or were based in emirates other than Dubai or Abu Dhabi is slightly different. The UAE travel ban check process for people living in other emirates is to contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) or hire a lawyer.

DO I NEED TO PAY ANY FEE FOR THE UAE TRAVEL BAN CHECK?

No, unless you hire the services of a lawyer, the travel ban checking service is free of cost.

HOW DO YOU CHECK THE UAE BAN STATUS WITH PASSPORT NUMBER?

Wondering how to check the UAE travel ban status with a passport number? You can do so by visiting the police station in the emirate or calling the police helpline.

The answer is the same if you are wondering how to check the UAE visa ban status with your passport number.

HOW TO CHECK DEPORTATION STATUS IN THE UAE?

As discussed, there are multiple ways, online and offline, to check deportation status in the UAE.

DOES A TRAVEL BAN ALSO LEAD TO ARREST?

This entirely depends on the individual case. Arrest warrants can be issued for an individual who has committed a criminal offence by the relevant authorities under Article 45-46 of the Federal Law Number 3 of 1987.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF A UAE TRAVEL BAN?

The duration of a UAE travel ban varies on a case-to-case basis. Sometimes, there can be a permanent ban, while others may face a ban of a year. It all depends on the level of the offence.

HOW TO APPEAL TO OVERTURN A TRAVEL BAN?

You can request to overturn a travel ban via the Ministry of Justice website. There is the option to use a lawyer to fight your case, too. Read our guide about requesting cancellation of a travel ban in the UAE to learn more.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO LIFT A TRAVEL BAN?

As per the orders of the UAE’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in August 2024, the UAE travel ban would be lifted automatically once the pending dues are settled.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMOVE A TRAVEL BAN?

You will need to pay any financial penalties incurred. This can vary from case to case.

WHAT THINGS ARE BANNED AT DUBAI AIRPORT?

Dubai airports prohibit passengers from carrying certain things, ranging from sharp objects to medicines. Whether you have attained a Dubai tourist visa or any other category visa, ensure you do not hold any prohibited items in checked baggage to avoid unnecessary hassle during travel. You should also know the rules for bringing medicine to the UAE.

That ends our guide on how to check the travel ban in the UAE. Now you know the answer to the question, ‘How do you check if you have a travel ban in the UAE?’ You can follow the process for the UAE immigration ban check online.

Whether you want to check the travel ban online in the UAE or do it in person, the process is simple. The legal system in the UAE is designed to ensure fair administration and foster integrity.

WHICH POPULAR HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS CAN I TRAVEL TO FROM THE UAE?

Here’s a list of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the UAE. If you are unsure, you can always seek expert help from any of the top travel agencies in Dubai.

HOW TO CHECK EMIRATES ID STATUS?

Read our guide on how to check Emirates ID status.

You can also book flights with budget airlines in the UAE to save money. Another way to save money is to use credit card air miles when booking flights from Dubai.

The government has invested heavily in developing public transport to make travelling to Dubai from Abu Dhabi convenient. Stay tuned to MyBayut to learn more about life in the UAE.