UAE Emergency Passport (Grey) Guide 2025

What Is the UAE Emergency Passport?

The UAE Emergency Passport, identified by its grey cover, is a temporary travel document issued to Emirati citizens abroad who have lost their passport, have an expired passport, or face urgent situations such as medical emergencies or natural disasters. Issued by UAE embassies or consulates under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), it is valid only until the citizen returns to the UAE or obtains a regular passport. In 2025, it facilitates immediate travel needs, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, similar to other UAE passports, depending on the destination’s policies.

The Emergency Passport may include simplified biometric features (e.g., photograph, signature) to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, though it may lack the full microchip of regular passports due to its temporary nature. It features the UAE emblem and bilingual (Arabic and English) inscriptions, ensuring global recognition for urgent travel or repatriation.

Why Is the UAE Emergency Passport Needed?

The UAE Emergency Passport is critical for Emirati citizens abroad facing urgent situations, such as a lost or expired passport, medical emergencies, or natural disasters, enabling them to return to the UAE or continue essential travel. It serves as temporary proof of identity and nationality, ensuring compliance with international immigration requirements. Without it, citizens may be stranded, face travel denials, or encounter legal issues at foreign borders.

The passport provides access to consular services at UAE embassies, facilitating repatriation or emergency support. Its temporary validity (typically until return to the UAE) requires prompt replacement with a regular passport upon return. Most countries require at least six months’ passport validity, making the Emergency Passport a vital solution for immediate travel needs in 2025.

Required Documents for a UAE Emergency Passport

To apply for a UAE Emergency Passport in 2025, Emirati citizens must submit the following documents through a UAE embassy or consulate abroad:

• Proof of Identity: A valid Emirates ID or a copy of the lost/expired passport to confirm UAE nationality. If unavailable, alternative identification (e.g., family book copy) may be accepted.
• Recent Photograph: A color photograph (40 x 60 mm, white background), no older than six months, meeting ICAO standards (neutral expression, face covering 70–80% of the image, no shadows or glare).
• Police Report (if applicable): A police report from the local authorities detailing the loss or theft of the previous passport, if applicable.
• Emergency Declaration: A written statement explaining the urgent situation (e.g., lost passport, medical emergency, natural disaster), signed by the applicant.
• Travel Itinerary (if applicable): Proof of urgent travel plans, such as flight tickets or medical evacuation documents, to justify the emergency issuance.
• Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) (if available): A copy to verify UAE citizenship, particularly if other identification is missing.

Documents must be accurate and complete to expedite issuance, which often occurs within hours or 1–2 days, depending on the embassy’s capacity. UAE authorities may request additional verification for complex cases.

How to Apply for a UAE Emergency Passport

Applying for a UAE Emergency Passport in 2025 is an expedited process through UAE embassies or consulates abroad. Follow these steps:

• Prepare Documents: Gather your proof of identity, recent photograph, police report (if applicable), emergency declaration, travel itinerary, and family book copy (if available).
• Contact the UAE Embassy: Locate the nearest UAE embassy or consulate in the country where you are stranded. Contact them immediately to initiate the application process.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the emergency passport application form provided by the embassy, including personal and nationality details. Submit documents in-person or as instructed (e.g., scanned copies via email for preliminary review).
• Pay the Fee: Pay the emergency passport fee, which varies by embassy but is typically higher than the AED 65 for regular passports. Payment options include credit/debit card or cash, depending on the embassy.
• Verification and Issuance: The embassy verifies your identity and circumstances, often issuing the passport within hours or 1–2 days for urgent cases. Additional verification may be required if documents are incomplete.
• Receive Your Passport: Collect the Emergency Passport in-person at the embassy or consulate, or arrange for secure delivery if offered. The passport is valid only until you return to the UAE or obtain a regular passport.

Upon returning to the UAE, apply for a regular passport through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA centers to replace the Emergency Passport. Processing times vary by embassy and urgency of the situation.

Practical Tips for UAE Emergency Passport Applicants

To ensure a smooth application process for your UAE Emergency Passport in 2025, follow these practical tips:

• Contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate immediately upon losing your passport or facing an emergency to expedite the process.
• Keep digital copies of your Emirates ID, family book, or previous passport stored securely (e.g., cloud storage) for quick access during emergencies.
• Ensure your photograph meets ICAO standards (40 x 60 mm, white background, neutral expression) to avoid delays in processing.
• File a police report promptly for lost or stolen passports and include it in your application to support your emergency declaration.
• Provide a clear, concise emergency declaration explaining your situation (e.g., medical emergency, natural disaster) to facilitate verification.
• Have proof of urgent travel plans, such as flight tickets or medical documents, ready to justify the need for an Emergency Passport.
• Upon returning to the UAE, apply for a regular passport immediately, as the Emergency Passport is temporary and not valid for long-term use.
• Verify all application details, especially identity documents, to prevent delays in emergency situations.

Resolve Urgent Travel Needs with Your UAE Emergency Passport

From Dubai’s global airports to Abu Dhabi’s consular hubs, the UAE Emergency Passport (Grey) ensures Emirati citizens can address urgent travel needs in 2025. Act quickly and travel with confidence! Contact careerfinderlife8@gmail.com for personalized emergency passport guidance.