Reasons for Getting a Travel Ban in the UAE
Travel bans in the UAE are usually triggered by unpaid debts (like loans or credit cards), ongoing criminal cases, or immigration violations like overstaying a visa. Generally, the offender is not allowed to leave the country without resolving the problem.
Category | Reasons for the Ban |
Financial | Unpaid bank loans, credit card defaults, bounced cheques, and unsettled rental disputes |
Immigration Violations | Overstaying your visa, working without a valid permit, or absconding (leaving a job without notice) |
Legal & Criminal | Ongoing police investigations, criminal offenses, or being the subject of an Interpol notice |
Personal & Family | Unresolved child custody cases or personal status law disputes |
Public Health or Safety | Global disease outbreaks or prior deportation orders from a competent authority |
How to Check UAE Travel Ban Online
There are three main ways to check if you have a travel ban in the UAE: through calling the ICP or GDRFA, through the Dubai Police app or website, or through the Estasfer service. All these methods are free to use.
1. Call ICP or GDRFA
- You can perform a UAE travel ban check by passport number by contacting the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) at 600 522 222.
- For Dubai residents, travel ban status can also be checked by calling the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at 800 511.
2. Dubai Police App or Website
For individuals with cases registered in Dubai, a Dubai Police travel ban check can be done through the official Dubai Police website or app. This is how the process works:
Search for ‘Circulars and Travel Bans’
Enter your Emirates ID number
See your active reports
3. Estafser Service
- This service is only for Abu Dhabi residents, and is available on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website.
- Just enter your UID number or Emirates ID number to check for any active travel bans.
Apart from these methods, residents can also visit a local police station in any Emirate to do an in-person check.
How to Lift a Travel Ban in the UAE
Lifting a travel ban in the UAE depends on the reason the ban was imposed. In most cases, travel bans are removed only after the underlying issue is fully resolved and officially cleared by the relevant authority.
1. Travel Ban Related to Financial Matters
If the travel ban is related to unpaid loans, credit cards, bounced cheques, or rental disputes, the ban can usually be lifted after the outstanding amount is settled or a legal agreement is reached with the concerned party.
Once payment is made, the bank or claimant must update the court or police records to initiate the removal of the travel ban. This process may take several working days, depending on the Emirate and the nature of the case.
This is particularly important for individuals holding or applying for an Investor Visa in Dubai, as unresolved financial cases can impact future business operations.
2. Travel Ban Due to Immigration Violations
Travel bans imposed for visa overstays, absconding cases, or working without a valid permit require clearance from the ICP or GDRFA.
In such cases, fines must be paid, visa status must be corrected, and employer or sponsor issues must be formally resolved before the ban can be lifted.
Maintaining a clear legal and immigration record is essential for individuals applying for the Golden Visa in UAE as compliance history plays a major role in eligibility.
3. Travel Ban Due to Criminal or Legal Cases
If the travel ban is linked to an ongoing police investigation or court case, it can only be lifted after the case is closed, a settlement is approved, or a court order is issued confirming the removal of restrictions.
Legal travel bans are handled on a case-by-case basis and may require court approvals before clearance is reflected in the system.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a UAE Travel Ban?
The timeline for lifting a travel ban varies based on the case type. Financial and immigration-related bans may be cleared within a few days after settlement, while court-related bans can take longer depending on legal procedures and documentation requirements.
Conducting a UAE travel ban check online in advance and addressing the issue early helps prevent complications.
