UAE Special Passport (Green) Guide 2025
Embark on your 2025 global journeys with the UAE Special Passport (Green), a prestigious travel document for eligible Emirati officials and their families. This guide details its features, required documents, application process, and tips for seamless travel from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Disclaimer: Special Passport eligibility and requirements may vary. Confirm with UAE authorities (e.g., ICP, GDRFA) for the latest information.
What Is the UAE Special Passport?
The UAE Special Passport, distinguished by its green cover, is a biometric travel document issued to a select group of Emirati citizens, including Federal National Council members, retired high-ranking government officials, their families, and state representatives designated by federal decision. In 2025, it ranks among the world’s most powerful passports, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, similar to the UAE Regular Passport. Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), it incorporates a microchip with encrypted biometric data (photograph, signature, fingerprints) to enhance security and prevent fraud.
Featuring cultural designs like a watermark of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s outer frame on the first page and a detailed mosque illustration on the last page, the Special Passport reflects UAE’s heritage. It is valid for 10 years for adults (over 21) or 5 years for minors (under 21) and provides consular assistance at UAE embassies abroad, ensuring privileged travel for official or personal purposes. It complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring global acceptance.
Why Is the UAE Special Passport Needed?
The UAE Special Passport is essential for eligible Emirati citizens, such as Federal National Council members and retired high-ranking officials, to travel internationally with enhanced privileges. It serves as proof of identity and nationality, ensuring compliance with global immigration regulations and enabling access to over 180 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Its biometric features, including an embedded microchip, enhance security, reducing risks of identity theft or fraud, making it a trusted document for official and personal travel.
Without a valid Special Passport, eligible citizens may face travel denials or delays at airports like Dubai International or Abu Dhabi International. Most countries require passports to have at least six months’ validity, necessitating timely renewal. The passport also grants access to consular services at UAE embassies, providing support for emergencies like lost documents or urgent repatriation, ensuring a secure and dignified travel experience.
Required Documents for a UAE Special Passport
To apply for or renew a UAE Special Passport in 2025, eligible Emirati citizens must submit the following documents through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah:
- Emirates ID: A valid Emirates ID card to confirm identity and UAE nationality.
- 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). Applicants can use an existing photo in ICP’s system or submit a new one.
- Old Passport (if applicable): The previous Special Passport or Regular Passport for renewal or replacement purposes.
- Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid): Required to verify UAE citizenship, particularly for first-time applicants or family members.
- Proof of Eligibility: Official documentation, such as a Federal National Council membership certificate, retirement decree for high-ranking officials, or a federal decision letter designating state representation, to confirm eligibility for the Special Passport.
- Proof of Residency: Documents like utility bills or rental agreements to confirm UAE residency, especially for naturalized citizens or special cases.
All documents must be complete, accurate, and submitted through authorized channels to avoid delays. Eligibility verification is critical, as the Special Passport is restricted to specific groups designated by UAE authorities.
How to Apply for a UAE Special Passport
Applying for or renewing a UAE Special Passport in 2025 is a streamlined process through ICP Smart Services, GDRFA centers, or UAE embassies abroad. Follow these steps:
- Prepare Documents: Gather your Emirates ID, recent photograph, old passport (if applicable), family book, proof of eligibility, and proof of residency.
- Choose Application Channel: Apply via the ICP Smart Services website, UAEICP mobile app, or in-person at a GDRFA center in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. Citizens abroad can apply through the nearest UAE embassy or consulate.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the online or physical application form with accurate personal and nationality details. Upload or submit documents, ensuring the photograph meets ICAO standards (40 x 60 mm, white background).
- Pay the Fee: Pay the applicable fee, which may vary for Special Passports (typically higher than the AED 65 for Regular Passports). Payment options include credit/debit card or cash at physical centers.
- Submit and Track: Submit the application online or in-person. Processing takes 2–5 working days, with express options available at select centers (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi airports). Track your application via the UAEICP app or website.
- Receive Your Passport: Collect your passport from the designated GDRFA center or opt for courier delivery within the UAE or to embassies abroad.
Due to the restricted eligibility, applications may undergo additional verification to confirm Federal National Council membership, official retirement status, or federal designation. If a Special Passport is lost or damaged, file a police report and apply for a replacement through ICP or GDRFA channels.
Practical Tips for UAE Special Passport Applicants
To ensure a smooth application or renewal process for your UAE Special Passport in 2025, follow these practical tips:
- Apply at least six months before your passport expires to meet the six-month validity requirement of most countries.
- Use the ICP Smart Services website or UAEICP app for convenient online applications and real-time tracking, ideal for residents in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Ensure your photograph is recent (less than six months old) and complies with ICAO standards (40 x 60 mm, white background, neutral expression).
- Verify your eligibility documents (e.g., Federal National Council certificate or federal decision letter) are current and complete to avoid delays.
- For lost or damaged passports, file a police report immediately and apply for a replacement at a GDRFA center or UAE embassy if abroad.
- Keep digital and physical copies of your Emirates ID, family book, and proof of eligibility in a secure travel wallet for quick access during applications.
- If abroad, contact the nearest UAE embassy for urgent passport replacement, specifying your delivery location.
- Confirm all application details, especially Emirates ID and eligibility documents, to prevent delays or rejections.
Travel with Prestige Using Your UAE Special Passport
From Abu Dhabi’s global hubs to Sharjah’s cultural centers, the UAE Special Passport (Green) unlocks privileged travel to over 180 destinations in 2025. Apply early and travel with confidence! Contact careerfinderlife8@gmail.com for personalized passport guidance.