While the diversity of the expat population significantly contributes to the UAE’s economic growth, it also presents the risk of non-citizens fleeing the country to avoid legal issues. To mitigate this, the UAE government imposes travel bans on some residents under specific circumstances. If you’re concerned about potential travel restrictions, here’s how you can check your UAE travel ban status in Dubai and other emirates.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE A UAE TRAVEL BAN?
The UAE immigration travel ban basically restricts you from crossing the country’s borders – whether by entering, re-entering or exiting – via any means of transport until certain requirements have been met to lift the ban. Simply put, you cannot enter or leave the country, unless the ban is lifted. This is what a travel ban in the UAE means.
Therefore, if you suspect there may be a travel ban imposed on you, it is advisable to check your status of UAE immigration to avoid any unfavourable situations at the airport.
REASONS FOR THE TRAVEL BAN IN THE UAE
There are several grounds on which a travel ban may be imposed. The most common ones include:
An ongoing criminal investigation
Violation of immigration laws
Unpaid financial debts
Rent disputes
Employment without a valid work permit
Overstaying on the visa
Leaving the country without notifying your employer and cancelling the work permit
A global outbreak of a disease
An individual who has been deported previously by a competent authority
An individual who has faced a travel ban from GCC countries;
An individual who is involved in the activity reported by Interpol
TYPES OF TRAVEL BANS IN THE UAE
Here are the different types of travel bans.
IMMIGRATION BAN
This ban simply means that you will be denied entry in the country. This ban is usually enforced in case of a criminal offence.
PERMANENT RESIDENCY BAN
Permanent Residency ban is enforced in case of a serious labour offence.
FINANCIAL BAN
If you have outstanding debts, loans, or financial obligations in the UAE, you could face a ban on travelling.
HOW TO CHECK THE TRAVEL BAN IN THE UAE?
MOST COMMON METHODS TO CHECK THE TRAVEL BAN STATUS IN DUBAI
Wondering, “How to check the travel ban status in the UAE?” Residents can choose any of the following options to check for UAE immigration travel ban.
THROUGH DUBAI POLICE
VIA STATION
Residents can visit a police station to make an in-person inquiry if any criminal complaint has been filed against them in financial cases.
Dubai Police stations are open from 07:30 am – 10:00 pm.
VIA WEBSITE
You can check your travel ban status online through the official website of the Dubai Police. The method is given below:
In case there is a travel ban, you will be alerted and advised to head over to any Dubai Police station along with your Emirates ID, passport copy and an “authority letter”.
You can also download the Dubai Police smart app, which is available for both Android and iOS users, to check the UAE travel ban status online.
There is no service fee for checking the travel ban status online through the Dubai Police website and app
For further enquiries regarding the travel ban, call the Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department at 901 or reach out to them at the email address given on their website.
Smart Police stations are open 24/7.
THROUGH A LAWYER
You can also hire a lawyer to conduct a thorough check on your behalf if you are facing a possible travel ban.
This is the best option, in case there is a likelihood of an arrest warrant being imposed on you.
HOW TO CHECK IMMIGRATION BAN STATUS IN ABU DHABI
Residents of Abu Dhabi can use the Estafser e-service to check if they have any claims filed against them in public prosecution.
Go to this link: https://www.adjd.gov.ae/sites/eServices/EN/Pages/Estafser.aspx
CAN I INITIATE THE TRAVEL BAN CHECK ONLINE IN THE UAE?
Yes, you can. However, the method varies as per the emirate. For Dubai, you must visit Dubai Police’s website or app, whereas, for Abu Dhabi, the process requires you to use the Estafser e-service.
HOW TO CHECK TRAVEL BAN IN THE UAE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NORTHERN EMIRATES?
The answer to the question of how to check immigration ban in the UAE for people who have been or were based in emirates other than Dubai or Abu Dhabi is slightly different. UAE travel ban check process for people living in other emirates is to get in touch with the General Directorate of Residents and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) or hire a lawyer.
DO I NEED TO PAY ANY FEE FOR UAE TRAVEL BAN CHECK?
No, unless you hire the services of a lawyer, travel ban checking service is free of cost.
HOW TO CHECK UAE BAN STATUS WITH PASSPORT NUMBER?
Wondering how to check UAE travel ban status with passport number? You can do so by visiting the police station in the emirate or calling the police helpline. The answer is the same for if you are wondering how to check UAE visa ban status with passport number.
HOW TO CHECK DEPORTATION STATUS IN THE UAE?
As discussed, there are multiple ways online and offline to check deportation status in the UAE.
DOES A TRAVEL BAN ALSO LEAD TO ARREST?
This entirely depends on the individual case. Arrest warrants can be issued for an individual who has committed a criminal offence by the relevant authorities under the Article 45-46 of the Federal Law Number 3 of 1987.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF A UAE TRAVEL BAN?
The duration of a UAE travel ban varies on a case to case basis. Sometimes there can be a permanent ban, while others may face a ban of a year. It all depends on the level of the offence.
You will need to pay any financial penalities incurred. This can vary from case to case.
WHAT COUNTRIES I CAN TRAVEL FROM THE UAE FOR A HOLIDAY?
The Dubai International Airport has become the hub for global airlines. Hence, one can find relatively cheap flights when travelling to different parts of the world. For instance, you can visit paradise-like Greece from the UAE with ease. People also travel from the UAE to Spain, for a European escape.
WHICH POPULAR HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS CAN I TRAVEL TO FROM THE UAE?
You can also book flights with budget airlines in the UAE to save some money. Another way to save money is to use credit card air miles when booking flights from Dubai.
WHAT THINGS ARE BANNED AT DUBAI AIRPORT?
Dubai airports prohibit passengers from carrying certain things, which range from sharp objects to particular medicines. Whether you have attained a Dubai tourist visas or any other category visa, make sure you do not carry any of the prohibited items in checked baggage to avoid unnecessary hassle during travel. You should also be aware of the rules for bringing medicine to the UAE.
That brings an end to our guide on how to check travel ban in the UAE. Now you know the answer to the question, how to check if you have travel ban in the UAE. You can follow the process for UAE immigration ban check online.
Whether you want to check travel ban online in the UAE or do it in person, the process is simple. The legal system in the UAE is designed to ensure fair administration and foster integrity.
The government has invested heavily on the development of public transport to make travelling to Dubai from Abu Dhabi convenient. Stay tuned to MyBayut to learn more about life in the UAE.