How to Check Travel Bans in UAE: Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Before traveling to the UAE, it’s crucial to check if you have a travel ban. Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi impose bans for legal, financial, or immigration reasons. This guide explains how to check your status and resolve issues.
Reasons for a Travel Ban in UAE
The UAE government may impose a travel ban for several reasons:
- Unpaid debts or loans (banks can request bans)
- Outstanding fines (traffic, utility bills, or government fees)
- Legal cases or criminal investigations
- Violation of employment laws (absconding cases)
- Overstaying a visa
- COVID-19 restrictions (if applicable)
For official details, visit UAE Government Portal.
How to Check Travel Ban in Dubai
Dubai Police Website or App
- Visit Dubai Police’s official website.
- Go to “Criminal Status of Financial Cases” under “Services.”
- Enter your Emirates ID or passport number.
- Pay a small fee (around AED 50) for the report.
Alternatively, use the Dubai Police App (available on iOS & Android).
Dubai Courts Website
- Visit Dubai Courts.
- Check under “Case Search” for any legal cases.
Amer Center (For Visa-Related Bans)
- Visit an Amer Center in Dubai or call 800 5111.
How to Check Travel Ban in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
- Visit ADJD’s website.
- You can check court cases and travel bans related to Abu Dhabi using the ADJD portal:
- Visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department portal
- Go to “Inquire about Cases”
- Enter your Unified ID number (UID) or Emirates ID
- Review any legal or travel restrictions under your name
- You can also download the ADJD app for quicker access to your status.
TAMM Abu Dhabi Government Services
TAMM is Abu Dhabi’s unified government services platform. You can check your legal and immigration status through:
- Go to TAMM’s website.
- Search for “Public Prosecution Services” to check bans.
- TAMM Abu Dhabi portal
- Use the “Legal Services” or “Judiciary” category
- Login with UAE Pass and check your records
- This method is useful if you don’t have direct access to your ADJD case number but want to know about any restrictions.
Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICA)
Check Travel Ban through Immigration Authorities
For visa-related bans or immigration issues (like overstays, blacklist status, etc.), it’s best to check directly with GDRFA or ICP:
1. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai
- Visit GDRFA Dubai
- Use the “Visa Status” or “Ban Inquiry” services
- You may need a residency visa number, passport number, and Emirates ID
2. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
If you are checking a federal-level ban (non-Dubai emirates), use the ICP Smart Services portal.
- Go to “File Validity” or “Application Tracking”
- Enter your UID or passport number
- This helps detect issues like blacklist status or residency-related bans
Visit a Typing Center or Legal Consultant
If online methods are unclear or you’re not tech-savvy, you can always approach a registered typing center in your emirate.
- They can check your status through official immigration systems
- Typing centers often charge a small fee for this service
Alternatively, if you suspect serious legal complications, it’s best to consult a licensed lawyer in the UAE. They can:
- Access your case file
- Contact authorities on your behalf
- Provide official legal representation to lift the ban
How to Resolve a Travel Ban in UAE
If you discover you are under a travel ban, don’t panic. Here are steps to handle it:
Paying Outstanding Debts or Fines
- Clear any bank loans, traffic fines, or utility bills.
- Check fines on Dubai Police Fines Portal.
Settling Legal Cases
- If involved in a court case, hire a lawyer to resolve it.
- Check case status on Dubai Courts.
Visa Overstay or Employment Issues
- Contact PRO services or your employer for visa clearance.
- Visit GDRFA Dubai for immigration-related bans.
- Settle outstanding fines or debts as soon as possible
- Hire a legal advisor to appeal or negotiate with the court
- Contact your embassy for diplomatic support (especially in civil matters)
- If the ban is due to a case you didn’t know about, request a case file review through the court system
Once the issue is resolved, request the ban removal confirmation in writing. Some bans may take 24–72 hours to update across systems.
FAQs
Can I leave the UAE if I have a travel ban?
Can You Leave or Enter UAE with a Travel Ban?
Generally, no. If you’re under a travel ban:
- You cannot exit the UAE through any airport, seaport, or land border
- You may be detained at the airport or prevented from boarding
- If you are outside the UAE, you cannot re-enter until the ban is lifted
That’s why it’s essential to check in advance—especially if you’re planning to visit family, take a job abroad, or go on vacation.
How long does a UAE travel ban last?
- Financial bans: Until debts are cleared.
- Legal bans: Until the case is resolved (could be years).
Can I check a travel ban with just my passport number?
Yes, Dubai Police and ICA allow checks via passport number.
Do COVID-19 travel bans still apply in UAE?
As of 2024, most COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, but check ICA updates.
Important Links for Check Travel Ban UAE
- Dubai Police Official Portal
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
- TAMM Abu Dhabi Services
- ICP Smart Services
Conclusion
Before traveling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, always verify if you have a travel ban. Use official portals like Dubai Police, ADJD, or ICA to check your status. If banned, resolve financial, legal, or visa issues before booking flights.
For more UAE visa and travel guides, visit our website’s UAE section.
