Dubai has become a global hub for visitors from all across the world. This milestone is a testament to its inclusive economic revitalization, cultural dynamism, and majestic landscapes. Simultaneously, the UAE has stringent rules for the entry and exit of expatriates.
The travel ban is a crucial component of these regulations. It arises as a result of financial constraints, legal disputes, or a number of other reasons.This can ultimately ramify your travel plan to Dubai. So, it is of utmost importance to check your status beforehand.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to check travel ban in UAE using different resources. You need to go through all these steps to make sure you have a hassle-free trip.
Understanding Travel Bans in UAE
1. What is a Travel Ban?
A Travel Ban is the prohibition of an individual's entry or exit from a country. In the UAE, local authorities are responsible for imposing travel bans for a number of reasons. A travel ban restricts a person's freedom to leave a country or their ability to enter or re-enter it.
2. What if You Have a Travel Ban?
Travel ban basically hinders a person with his/her right to cross a country's border. This can either be entering a country or leaving it. The restriction is not relieved until you comply with all the legal proceedings to repeal the Ban.
Simply, it means you are not allowed to enter or leave the borders of the UAE until the constraint is ended. Thus, if you consider yourself to be subject to a travel ban in the UAE, it is preferable to check your immigration status beforehand. This step is necessary to avoid any hassle at the airport.
3. Common Reasons for Travel Bans
The following issues can lead to a travel ban in UAE:
- Ongoing investigations of criminal charges
- Overdue financial loans
- Tenancy conflicts
- Working in UAE without a legal work permit
- Leaving the country without notifying the employer and discontinuing the work agreement
- Pandemic
- Staying after the visa expires
- Breaching immigration laws
Understanding the root cause is important for effectively resolving a travel ban. A different approach is needed for each respective type of Ban.
4. Types of Travel Ban in UAE
There is a spectrum of possibilities for the imposition of a travel ban in the UAE. Each type has its own ramifications and complications. You need to understand each of them in case you face any restrictions.
The frequently encountered bans by individuals in the UAE are;
a) Immigration Bans
These restrictions refrain you from entering or staying in a country. They can be due to unresolved legal issues, financial constraints, criminal activities, records, staying past the visa limit, and many others.
These bans can either be temporary for a period of 6 months or can extend up to a lifetime following a serious matter.
b) Labor Bans
Labor bans most frequently involve work-related issues. These can include a violation of an employment agreement, leaving a job without prior notice, or noncompliance with employment statutes.
This can range from six months to one year. Moreover, the employee is restricted from working with any other employer during this period.
c) Financial Bans
This is often associated with outstanding debts and loans. People with financial bans are not allowed to travel unless and until their debts are paid off.
d) Criminal Bans
Criminal bans are mostly imposed on the people involved in illegal activities, particularly the ones jeopardizing the security and sanctity of the nation.
They are prohibited from entering or staying in the UAE.It is crucial to be familiar with the types of bans, as they can significantly impact your travel plans to the UAE.
How to Check Travel Ban in UAE?
1. How to Check UAE Visa Ban Status with Passport Number
a) Dubai
In order to check your immigration travel status in Dubai, you can adopt one of the following means:
Local Police Stations
In certain instances, the local police stations also have information regarding the travel bans. They are mostly associated with security concerns and legal matters.
- Visit or Call: For restrictions due to legal issues, you need to contact the Dubai police station to get information about the travel status. Locate the nearest police station and either visit them or call the provided hotline at +971 (0)4-313-9999.
- Provide Identification: Make sure to be ready to provide personal details, including Emirates ID, passport information, and other required essentials.
- Request a travel ban check: Present your case in front of an officer and ask them to check your travel ban status.
- Follow the Instructions: Complete the procedure as instructed. After that, your travel status will be issued.
Official Website
One of the easiest and most straightforward options to check your Dubai travel ban status is through the official website issued by Dubai Police.
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Dubai Police website.
- Click on the Services Section.
- Now, tap on the “Criminal Status of Financial Cases.”
- On the top left corner, there is an icon for “Access Service” Click on it
- Type in the required details, including your full name and Emirates ID.
- Your travel ban status will be displayed.
Dubai Police Mobile App
The App is available for both Android and iOS platforms.
- Download the App on your mobile phone.
- Create your account by signing in. Fill in the required details. If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.
- Click on the Criminal Status service.
- Enter your Emirates ID card number.
- Details of your travel ban status will be issued.
b) Abu Dhabi
You can use your passport credentials to know about the UAE travel ban in Abu Dhabi. This can be checked through the Estafser online service. It was developed by the Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi.
The service aims to verify whether you are subjected to any public prosecutions in Abu Dhabi or if there are any claims filed against you.
Follow these online steps to verify your travel status in Abu Dhabi using the passport number
- Visit the Estafser website
- Enter your assigned Unified number or UID
- Click on Search to continue with the procedure
It must be remembered that Estafser e-services are provided within Abu Dhabi and do not verify the Ban imposed in other Emirates. Thus, if you have travel plans to other Emirates and want to verify your ban status, you need to attain legal guidance.
c) Other Emirates
Take into consideration which emirates you are particularly in to check your travel ban status in the UAE with your passport number.
In Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Al Ain, it is compulsory to consult a lawyer when checking your ban status using your passport credentials. But you can use these websites in some Emirates like Ajman;
GDRFA Website
The residency and immigration affairs in Ajman are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You need to follow these steps to check for a travel ban:
- Visit the GDRFA Website
- Navigate to the Services Section
- Select the option where "Inquiry" or "Travel Ban" is mentioned.
- Enter Required Information: your passport details there or your Emirates ID as per the request.
- Your travel status will be displayed, sharing if there are any travel bans imposed on you.
ICA Website
To get information about the immigration travel ban in UAE (Entry and Exit Certificate), you can visit the ICA official website. Follow these simple steps:
- Visit the ICA Website: First, open the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in the UAE.
- Navigate to the Services Section: Now, choose the "E-Services" tab. Then, go to the "ICA Services" category or "Visas and Residency." Next, search for the option "Generate Travel Report."
- Enter Required Information: Fill in the required details, including your personal information passport specifications, and follow any other specifications if mentioned.
- Verification of Identity: You need to confirm your identity via an OTP, email, or SMS
- Review Results: After the confirmation, your travel report will be displayed. You can easily download it from there.
Keep in mind that an immigration ban may require detailed information about your credentials. Additional documentation and verification may also be needed. Thus, the process is subject to variation depending on your situation.
Mobile Apps
Mobile applications have also been launched to simplify the process.
- GDRFA App: GDRFA lets users gain insight into their travel status. It can be downloaded on iOS and Android. This app also provides residency-related assistance.
- ICA UAE App: Its features are similar to those of the ICA website. The app allows users to verify their travel status and manage other residency-related issues.
2. Checking the UAE Travel Ban Offline
a) Contacting Relevant Authorities
If the online portals and websites are not much help, you can contact the respective authorities and get a detailed insight into the matter.
GDRFA
- Contact Details: You can reach out to their office through the customer service channels. Email addresses, phone calls, and physical offices all fall under this.
- Provide Information: You need to have your passport and Emirates ID ready before you contact them because their details are met.
ICA
- Contact Details: You can contact ICA using the customer service numbers or the mentioned emails.
- Provide Necessary Details: You need to provide identifying information and password details, so keep them ready beforehand.
b) Visiting UAE Embassies or Consulates
If you are not in the UAE, you can visit the UAE consulate in the respective country to find a practical solution to this problem. They will help you with:
- Verification: Inform you about any travel bans imposed on you.
- Resolution Guidance:They can provide assistance with resolving the issue and ending the travel restrictions.
Steps to Resolve a Travel Ban
If you have a criminal or civil case in the UAE, the judge will impose a travel ban restricting you from crossing the border. At the same time, it can be resolved by requesting the Ministry of Justice to end the Ban.
The service can be availed through their online website either by you or your lawyer. Follow these steps to request the UAE Ministry of Justice to cancel your travel ban.
Step 1: Submit a Case Request
- Open the official website of the UAE Ministry of Justice. Next, visit the service request page "Cancellation Request of Travel Ban Order."
- Tap on "Start the Service"
- Make your account by signing in through the UAE Pass account. Then, you will be guided to a personal dashboard.
- Go to "Case Management" and click on "My Cases". A detailed list of cases related to your case will be opened.
- The details of each case can be viewed by clicking on the eye icon.
- Options include "add or remove lawyer" and "request."
- Tap on the "request" button; a form will show up.
- Fill in all the necessary details.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the details asked in the form under the request section depend on the type of case. In some cases, you have to pay a certain amount. The request will be processed only if the payment is made. Moreover, some requests need approval from the court to be completed.
- Finally, upload the required documents and click on the submit icon.
Step 2: Pay for Your Request
After submitting the request, make the payment if required in your case. In order to check the amount you have to pay, follow the given steps:
- Enter the reference number of your application
- Click on the icon in the right-hand corner of the screen. Another page will pop up
- This page has details of the amount you are supposed to pay
- Now, click on Continue to proceed with the payment
Step 3: View or Print the Request
In order to print the request, follow the aforementioned steps:
- There is an option of "Case Management" on the personal dashboard.
- Next up, go to "Cases."
- Tap the eye icon to view your case files.
- Go to the "Documents" and click on the link to save a copy of your case file.
- You can now print it out.
According to the Ministry of Justice, your application will be processed in five business days. If the request is approved by the Ministry, the travel restrictions will be cancelled.
Moreover, you can track the status of your request via your personal dashboard.
Closing In
If a person is thinking of moving to the UAE or even intends to visit, it is of utmost importance to check the travel status before planning it.
The issue can be managed effectively by identifying the root cause of the imposition of the travel ban in the UAE. You can utilize online websites and contact the relevant authorities to end the restrictions.
The matter is dealt with by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Thus, staying up-to-date with the rules and regulations of the UAE and taking prompt steps to resolve a matter is crucial for having a seamless trip.
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