Returning to the UAE with a New Passport After a Lost Visa
Travelers often face the challenge of returning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a new passport after losing their original one. This process can be quite complex and requires careful planning. In this article, we will guide you through the steps involved and provide important tips to ensure a smooth journey back to the UAE.
Visa and Passport Requirements for Reentry
First, it is important to understand the specific requirements for reentry to the UAE. If you are a holder of a Dubai visa residence permit, you are fortunate because you can enter Dubai with a renewed passport and corrected date of birth. However, if you are a frequent tourist or visitor entering on a visitor visa, entering with a new passport will be problematic. This is because data stored in Dubai immigration records will indicate a different date of birth, making your visa application potentially rejected.
For those with a residence work visa, the process is slightly different. Once your current residence permit expires and you submit it for renewal, you must provide documentation proving the change in your date of birth. This is a mandatory step to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Navigating the Visa Renewal Process
If you find yourself in a situation where obtaining a new passport is the only option, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Obtain a Travel Permit from the UAE Embassy
The first crucial step is to apply for a return permit from the UAE embassy in your current country of residence. This permit is necessary to legally travel back to the UAE and update your immigration records with the new passport details.
Step 2: Board the Flight to the UAE
Once your travel permit is approved, you can board your flight to the UAE. Upon arrival, you will need to go to the immigration offices to update your new passport details in their system. The cost for updating your immigration file is 83 AED, and the cost for reissuing your visa and affixing it in your new passport is 680 AED plus VAT.
Step 3: Reissue Your Visa
In the immigration offices, you will be provided with the necessary documents to reissue your visa and have it printed and glued in your new passport. Make sure to bring any additional supporting documents that the embassy or immigration may require.
Additional Tips and Considerations
It's also worth noting that even if you renew your passport, the BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) in the United Kingdom or the NIS (National Identity Security) card in the United States remains a valid travel document. The visa sticker in the old passport might not be of much interest to immigration officials in the GCC countries, so you can focus on getting your new passport and updated visa.
Key Points to Remember: Travel to the UAE with the new passport. Renew your visa after arriving in the UAE. Update your immigration records with the new passport. Carry other relevant documents for immigration purposes.
Seek Assistance from Experts
If you find the process overwhelming or require additional assistance, our team at Bizzmosis can help. We have assisted numerous clients in returning to the UAE after the loss of their passport. Our services include guidance on obtaining the necessary travel permits and facilitation of the visa reissuance process.
If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you navigate this challenging process and ensure a smooth return to the UAE.