If you are UAE Resident and plan to travel or move abroad, you should do a travel ban check first. Unpaid credit cards or ongoing court cases can lead to restrictions. To avoid surprises, learn how to check travel ban in UAE and understand why it might be imposed ?
Travel Ban in the UAE
travel ban stops a person from entering or leaving the UAE. Immigration officers usually enforce it at airports and border points. Common reasons for a ban include:
- An ongoing police case
- A court judgment against you
- unpaid bank or credit card dues
- Visa or immigration problems (like overstaying)
- Disputes with an employer
If you’re unsure about your status, you can do a UAE immigration ban check online. You can also use a travel ban check by passport number to quickly find out if any restrictions apply to you.
Why do I have a travel ban against me?
According to Rajiv Suri, senior associate at Al Suwaidi & Company, the UAE can place a travel ban for many reasons, such as immigration violations, unpaid debts, or family law issues.
He explained that a travel ban, often called the “black list,” applies to people who are not allowed to enter or leave the country.
Reasons for a Travel Ban Inside the UAE
- A civil or criminal court bans the person, or an arrest warrant is issued.
- The person fails to pay debts owed to the UAE Government, and the Minister issues a ban.
- The person is under investigation by government or judicial authorities.
- The person violates immigration rules, such as:
- Working without a valid permit
- Overstaying a visa
- Leaving without cancelling a work permit or updating the employer
- Entering the country illegally
- Working without a valid permit
Reasons for a Travel Ban Outside the UAE
- A criminal complaint is filed against the person.
- The person was deported or has a GCC-wide travel ban.
- The person is linked to international security threats or flagged by Interpol.
- The person has a contagious disease that could harm public health.
- The person has a criminal record in their home country.
- Judicial or police authorities in their country prevent them from traveling abroad.
Before making travel plans, it’s important to do a travel ban check to avoid problems at the airport or border.
How to check travel ban in uae
If you’re worried about a UAE immigration ban or just want peace of mind before traveling, here’s how to check travel ban in UAE using different methods:
1. Dubai Residents – Dubai Police Website or App
Dubai Police gives you a free online tool to see if you have a travel ban related to financial or criminal cases.
Steps:
- Visit the Dubai Police website
- Go to Services > Individuals > Criminal Status of Financial Cases
- Log in with your UAE Pass or Emirates ID
- Enter your Emirates ID number
- View your travel ban result
You can also use the Dubai Police mobile app and follow the same steps.
Keep in mind: this only covers bans in Dubai, not other emirates.
2. Abu Dhabi & Other Emirates – Judicial Department Website
If you live in Abu Dhabi, you can check through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Steps:
- Visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website
- Use the Inquire by Case Number or Emirates ID option
- Enter your details to see if a ban exists
For Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, or Ras Al Khaimah, you’ll need to check with the local police or courts directly.
3. UAE Pass App
The UAE Pass app works as a single digital ID across the country. Once logged in, you can access government, judicial, and police services — some of which may show whether you have a travel ban check by passport number or Emirates ID.
4. Call or Visit Immigration Offices
For the most reliable result, visit or contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in your emirate.
- Bring your Emirates ID and passport
- In some cases, you may need to go in person for security reasons
5. Hire a Lawyer or PRO Service
If you have a complicated case (like bounced cheques or ongoing court cases), a lawyer or Public Relations Officer (PRO) can carry out a travel ban check on your behalf and guide you on the next steps.
What to Do If You Have a Travel Ban?
If you find out you have a travel ban, here are the steps you can take:
- Pay off any debts or fines you owe.
- Settle your legal cases either through court or by reaching an agreement.
- Apply through legal channels to have the ban removed.
- Speak to a lawyer if the ban is linked to a criminal or civil case.
- Wait until the ban is officially lifted before trying to travel, as leaving early could cause serious legal trouble.
If you plan any international trip, before make sure to check your travel ban status in the UAE. Thanks to online services and official channels, it’s now simple to confirm your status and sort out any issues in advance.
