What Happens If You Lose Your Passport in Dubai? A Complete 2025 Guide

Losing your passport in Dubai can be unsettling but knowing the exact steps to take can help you recover quickly and legally. Whether you’re a resident, tourist, or on a work visa, this guide will walk you through:

• Reporting your lost passport
• Replacing it
• Updating your visa
• Getting an exit permit (if needed)
• Embassy/consulate contact information
• Cost breakdown and tips to avoid passport loss
  
  

✅ Step by Step Guide If You Lost Your Passport in Dubai

🔹 Step 1: Report the Lost Passport to Dubai Police

As soon as you realize your passport is missing, report it to Dubai Police within 24 hours.

🔍 How to File a Report

• Visit the nearest Dubai Police Station
• OR use the Dubai Police Smart App or website:
  👉 https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
  
  

🧾 Documents Needed

• Copy of the lost passport (if available)
• Emirates ID
• UAE visa copy
• Passport sized photos
• Police may request a written explanation of how and when the passport was lost
  
  

📝 What You Get

A “Lost Passport Certificate” (in Arabic) – this is mandatory for embassy and immigration processes.

⚠️ Tip: You must keep multiple copies of this certificate for your records and future steps.

🔹 Step 2: Report the Loss to Your Embassy or Consulate

After receiving the police report, visit your country’s embassy or consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Embassy Will

• Verify your identity
• Cancel the lost passport in their system
• Issue a temporary / emergency travel document or a new passport
• Provide assistance for onward travel, if required
  
  

What You’ll Need

• Police report
• Photocopy of your lost passport
• Emirates ID or national ID (if available)
• Passport size photographs (white background)
• Fee for new passport (varies by nationality)
  
  

⏳ Processing time for new passports can take 3 – 10 working days or longer.

🔹 Step 3: Update Your UAE Visa (If You’re a Resident)

If you’re on a residency, employment, or freelancer visa, the visa will need to be updated to reflect your new passport number.

Where to Update

• Dubai residents: Use GDRFA portal or visit an Amer Center
• Other emirates: Use ICP portal
  👉 https://icp.gov.ae

💡 You may need employer or sponsor assistance if you’re under a company or family visa.

Documents Required

• New passport copy
• Old visa details
• Police report
• Emirates ID
• Sponsor’s documents (if applicable)
  
  

Visa Update Cost

• AED 200 – 400, depending on type and emirate
• Processing time: 2 – 5 business days
  
  

🔹 Step 4: Get an Exit Permit (If You Need to Leave Before Replacement)

If your new passport or temporary travel document is not linked with your UAE visa, you’ll need an Exit Permit from immigration.

Where to Get It

• Dubai: Visit GDRFA Head Office (near Al Jafiliya Metro Station) or Amer Center
• Other Emirates: Visit nearest ICP branch
  
  

Documents Needed

• Police report
• Emergency travel document/new passport
• Exit ticket
• Sponsor details (if applicable)
• Emirates ID copy
  
  

Exit Permit Cost

• AED 220 – AED 350
• Processing: 1 – 3 working days
  
  

🚨 Without the exit permit, you cannot leave the UAE legally even with an emergency passport.

📌 Summary of Costs (as of 2025)

💬 Note: These costs are subject to change. Always confirm with official authorities or centers before applying.

🧭 Embassy & Consulate Contacts in Dubai and UAE

Here are the contact details of major embassies and consulates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi:

🧭 You can also find your country’s embassy by searching:
“[Your country] embassy or consulate in UAE”

🚨 Note: Contact info and Numbers may change. Always check the latest updates.

💡 Extra Tips to Stay Safe

• Keep multiple photocopies of your passport and visa
• Save digital scans in your email or cloud
• Use a passport protector or neck pouch when traveling
• Never leave your passport in bags in taxis, malls, or beaches
• Always report loss immediately to avoid fines or legal trouble
  
  

Losing your passport in Dubai is not uncommon, and authorities have a clear, streamlined system to help you recover. Whether you’re a tourist or resident, follow the steps above to protect your legal status, update your records, and travel safely.