Lost your passport overseas? UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry can get you home in 30 minutes

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MOFA has introduced streamlined services to assist citizens who lose their passport while travelling abroad/Representative Image

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has introduced streamlined guidelines and services to assist citizens who lose, damage, or have an expired passport while travelling abroad.

Through an efficient online process, UAE nationals can now apply for an electronic Return Document in just three steps and receive it within 30 minutes via email, enabling safe and quick return to the country. Travellers are also strongly advised to keep copies of identification documents and follow essential safety tips when abroad.TL;DR:

UAE citizens can apply online via MOFA’s website or app to receive a Return Document within 30 minutes for loss, damage, or expiry of their passport.
Applications require a copy of the lost, damaged or expired passport, a police report (for loss), and a personal photo; additional documents apply for newborns.
MOFA urges travellers to register in the 'Twajudi' service, keep copies of IDs, monitor security updates, and avoid risky areas to ensure a safe trip abroad.

Service details: How to obtain a return document

UAE nationals facing passport issues abroad can submit an application electronically through MOFA’s official website or the UAE MOFA mobile app. This process leverages UAE Pass for secure login and auto-fills personal information to simplify submissions. The steps are:

Registration and login: Using UAE Pass credentials via MOFA portals.
Document submission: Upload copies of the passport (lost/damaged/expired), the police report (required for lost passports), and a recent personal photograph. For damaged passports, a written explanation or the damaged document copy is needed. Newborn applications require attested birth certificates and parents’ passport copies.
Receive return document: MOFA processes the request, and the Return Document is emailed to the applicant within 30 minutes free of charge, allowing them to return legally to the UAE.

The Return Document serves as a temporary travel document specifically for return purposes and is not a substitute for regular passports.

Essential travel safety guidelines from MOFA

MOFA emphasizes several key practices for UAE citizens when travelling to minimize risks and ensure smooth travel, including:

Register in "Twajudi": Register travel plans with MOFA to receive assistance during emergencies or crises abroad.
Keep document copies: Always carry both physical and digital copies of your passport, Emirates ID, visas, and travel bookings to expedite procedures if your passport is lost or damaged.
Check security updates: Monitor the latest travel advisories for your destination and avoid regions with unrest or conflict.
Carry valid visas and insurance: Ensure all travel documents and insurance policies are current and sufficient for medical emergencies abroad.
Avoid fraud and stay vigilant: Exercise care in unfamiliar settings, especially to prevent scams or theft.
Know emergency contacts: Save contact details of UAE embassies, consulates, and MOFA emergency hotlines such as 0097180024.

Following these measures can greatly reduce travel disruptions and facilitate quick assistance from UAE authorities if problems arise.The MOFA’s new streamlined Return Document service significantly eases the travel challenges UAE citizens face when losing or damaging their passports abroad. Combined with comprehensive travel safety guidelines and the convenience of digital applications, UAE travellers are better supported to resolve emergencies swiftly and return home safely. Keeping identification copies, registering travel plans, and staying informed about security conditions remain crucial parts of responsible and secure international travel.

FAQ

1. What should I do if I lose my UAE passport while travelling abroad?
Immediately file a police report in the country where you lost your passport, then apply online for a Return Document through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or mobile app.
2. How quickly can I get a Return Document?
Once the application is complete with all required documents, the Return Document is typically issued within 30 minutes and sent via email.
3. What documents do I need to apply for the Return Document?
You need to upload a copy of the lost, damaged, or expired passport, a police report (for loss), a recent personal photo, and, if applicable, additional documents such as birth certificates for newborns.
4. Is there a fee associated with obtaining the Return Document?
No, the Return Document service is provided free of charge to UAE citizens.
5. Can the Return Document be used as a regular passport?
No, it is a temporary travel document meant only to facilitate your return to the UAE and cannot be used as a substitute for a standard passport for other travel purposes.