UAE citizens will soon be allowed to renew their passports up to one year before expiry, according to a new policy announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
The change will be implemented from August 18th, extending the previous six-month renewal period.
The ICP announced this development in a recent post on their official X page.
“The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has decided to allow citizens to renew their passports within a period of up to one full year before the expiration date, instead of the previously applied six-month period.”
This update is meant to give citizens more time to renew their passports without waiting for them to approach expiration. The authority advised people to plan to avoid delays, especially when preparing for travel.
New Timeline for Passport Renewal
The updated rule lets Emiratis start the renewal process 12 months before the passport’s expiry date. Previously, they could only apply for renewal within six months of expiration.
Officials, according to Gulf News, relayed that this extended timeline offers more options for citizens and helps prevent complications due to expired passports. They encouraged passport holders to renew in advance to avoid last-minute applications or travel issues.
ICP relays that the updated rule will reduce pressure on processing centres, ease workloads and avoid congestion, especially during busy travel seasons.
The authority expressed that spreading out applications across a longer timeframe makes the process more manageable for both applicants and staff. It also allows citizens to better coordinate renewals with their travel plans.
Statement from ICP Chairman
Reports inform that Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the authority, said the UAE passport is one of the strongest and most widely recognised in the world. He added that the new decision will help further improve its global status and support the goal of making the UAE’s passport system a model for other countries.
According to Middle East Economy News, Al Shamsi said the decision helps improve life for UAE citizens by allowing them to plan travel earlier, finish necessary procedures on time, use digital documents more widely, and benefit from better government services.
The new renewal period will apply to all Emirati citizens from August 18th. The ICP advised passport holders to be aware of the change and consider renewing their documents earlier than they may have in the past.
