Guidance

Passport Newsletter Special February 2015

Updated 6 November 2018

1. British Embassy Passport Special

Tel: Abu Dhabi +971 2 610 1100 Dubai +971 4 309 4444 Email

1.1 Your passport is an important document. Look after it!

2. Some tips from us to you:

1. Check the validity – you need at least 6 months to travel to some countries travel advice
2. Carry a photo copy when you travel and keep a copy at home
3. Take a picture of your passport on your phone
4. Don’t book any holidays or travel before checking your passports validity
5. Keep your passport safe at all times
6. Carry alternative identification when you’re not travelling
7. Check you have enough spare pages for stamps and visas to travel

With the holiday season approaching, the British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are urging British nationals resident in the UAE to keep their passports safe and check their validity before organising travel.

Apply for your replacement passport in good time. It will take at least six weeks from the time the passport office receives your documents to it being delivered back to you. Remember to check children’s passports too as they are only issued for five years.

If you are expecting a new baby make sure you leave plenty of time to apply for a passport. It takes at least 8 weeks to obtain the First Time Applicant (FTA) full validity passport. Make sure you have all the correct documents to submit well in advance.

Applying for a new passport is simple: apply, pay and track the application’s progress online. Supporting documentation will still need to be sent to the passport office in Liverpool for applications from the UAE. To apply online go to Overseas Passports. For further enquiries contact Passport Advice Line on +44 300 222 0000 or email.

If you are renewing your passport whilst in the UK you will need to book an appointment at the UK Passport office and obtain the form from your local post office.

3. Emergency Travel Document

You can apply for an emergency travel document (ETD) at the British Embassies if you’re a British national outside the UK and your passport has been lost, stolen, damaged or has expired.

• you should first try to renew or replace your passport if it has expired or is damaged
• only apply for an ETD if you need to travel before you can get a replacement
• an ETD allows you to travel to your destination via a maximum of 5 countries
• it doesn’t guarantee entry to every country and you may also need a visa. Check Travel Advice

4. Lost or stolen

If your passport has been lost or stolen and you need an ETD it may take several days to obtain the necessary documentation (e.g. a police report). You should note:

• it costs £95
• it will only allow you to travel out of the UAE. You cannot return to the UAE on an ETD
• the ETD will only be valid for the journey that you specified when you applied and for a specific period of time. This will be shown on the document
• your existing British passport and your UAE residency visa will be cancelled in most cases

5. To obtain an ETD, you need to make an appointment at one of the Embassies, and bring with you:

• a completed emergency travel document application form
• a recent photograph of yourself
• proof of your travel plans - e.g. booking confirmations (or detailed written travel plans if you can’t book ahead)
• a police report if your passport has been stolen
• money: you can pay £95 by credit card or the equivalent fee in UAE Dirhams

6. UKinUAE

The UK’s worldwide pages and consular information can be found on Gov.uk Click here for more useful information about the UAE.

7. Social Media sites:

Facebook @UKinUAE Twitter Instagram