UAE Now Lets Citizens Renew Their Passports A Year Before Expiry

UAE citizens will no longer have to wait until the last minute to renew their passports. Starting August 18, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security is letting people renew up to 12 months before their current passport expires. The change scraps the old rule that made citizens wait until they had six months or less left on their passports. For anyone who travels regularly, this removes a major headache from trip planning.

UAE Citizens Can Now Renew Passports A Full Year Early

ICP Chairman Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi says citizens can handle the whole thing online now. “This step allows Emiratis to plan travel ahead, complete official transactions efficiently, and expand the use of digital identity services,” he told reporters.

The timing couldn’t be better for the summer travel season. Instead of scrambling to renew passports at the last second, families can get it sorted well in advance.

Everything Goes Through the App

The new system works through ICP’s existing digital platform. Anyone with 12 months or less left on their passport can log in and start the process from home. So now you can skip visiting government offices. Business travellers will probably see the biggest benefit. Companies often book international trips months in advance, and passport validity was always something that had to be factored into the planning.

Also Read: UAE Passport Is The 8th Most Powerful In The World With Visa-Free Access To 184 Destinations! 

Part Of Bigger Digital Push

The passport update is part of the UAE’s bigger push toward digital government services. Over the past few years, most federal agencies have been moving routine transactions online, making life a lot simpler for residents and citizens alike.

The new system goes live this Sunday across all emirates. Emiratis living abroad can also take advantage of the service—though they’ll still need to arrange document pickup via UAE consulates.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Bradai Abderrahmen from Getty Images