The UAE has announced a major passport rule change, effective as of today, Monday, August 18, 2025: Emirati citizens will now be able to renew their passports at least a year before their expiry date, rather than the 6-month period that has been applied in the past.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, commonly referred to as ICP, announced the same on August 14 with the aim of streamlining government provision of services and making them more convenient to the citizens in their arrangements to undertake trips and official business.
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Why the change matters
Passports. The minimal requirement of other international airlines, other foreign immigration authorities, and domestic service providers is at least six months. With the new rule, effective Emirati travellers and holders of Emirati passports will have a higher degree of freedom to renew in advance; in case of loss, there will be less likelihood of travel mishap or blocked exchange.
The ICP also noted that the action will allow the achievement of more overall objectives within the UAE Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme in that it reduces red tape and frees people’s time. Authorities laid emphasis on the enlarged renewal window as a productivity booster to the passport consultancy process and a good example to other regional countries.
Who is affected, and how do you check this?
- Who can renew early: Emirati nationals (owners of the UAE passport) can request an early renewal of their passports a maximum of 12 months up to their expiration date.
- Who is not affected: Foreign residents and expatriates with a UAE resident document are not subject to this particular rule change—the update will take place only on UAE passports.
Here is how to check quickly:
- Turn to your passport and look at the expiry date printed.
- In case the date is within the following 12 months, then you can apply immediately.
- In case you wish to confirm online, log in to the smart services of ICP to check eligibility to apply.
How to renew your passport (step-by-step)
Even though the ICP announcement settles on the policy shift, the renewal process is still in place through its standard route. Generally, Emirati nationals can renew their passports by:
- Visit the ICP website via laptop/desktop or using the ICP mobile app.
- Use UAE Pass or Emirates ID details to verify the identity.
- Choose the passport renewal option and work through the on-screen procedure (uploading documents, paying fees, and reserving collection, in case necessary).
- Some of the services can likely be provided at authorized customer happiness centers or federal service centers.
What this means for travellers and service users
Through such an extension, the ICP will help minimize the rush renewals and last-minute travel inconveniences. Citizens with work/holiday excursions, long-stay visas in foreign countries, or those who require passports to conduct official business can now do so with more confidence. Authorities state that the action will also facilitate a broader digital environment of safe files and applications.
Need help?
In case you are having difficulty when using the online application, ICP has solutions like support channels and Customer Happiness Centers to help you out. The online renewal process can be initiated by UAE people working abroad and can receive the new passport at the nearest local embassy or consulate office by checking the country-wise information and timing on the ICP site.
What you should do now
- Check your passport expiration date; the closer the remaining time is in the next 12 months, the better it is to renew now so you do not have problems at the last minute.
- Renewals must be conducted through the valid channels, either on the ICP website or on the ICP app, or through authorized service centers. Third-party scams should be avoided.
- Make their travel arrangements flexible, although with early renewal, make sure to confirm entry requirements into each destination (there might be extra stipulations in certain countries).
Bottom Line
In case your Emirati passport has expired in the previous year, then you also no longer need to wait; you can renew your passport. The change comes into effect now (Aug 18, 2025) and aims at easing the planning of trips and official work for all UAE citizens.