UAE Issues Emergency Digital Return Documents in 30 Minutes Abroad

The United Arab Emirates is issuing emergency digital return documents within 30 minutes through its diplomatic missions abroad, enabling citizens to travel home after losing or damaging their passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the service is designed to facilitate urgent travel for Emiratis who require temporary documentation to return to the country.

In 2025, 1,257 applications were submitted for emergency return documents covering lost, expired or damaged passports. Lost passports accounted for the largest share at 734 cases. There were 126 requests linked to expired passports and 31 related to damaged passports. An additional 366 applications were filed for newborn children of Emirati parents born abroad who required return documentation before travelling to the UAE.

Monthly figures reflected seasonal travel trends. December recorded the highest number of applications at 204, followed by August with 166 and July with 130. March saw the lowest monthly total at 54 applications. Lost passport cases were particularly high during holiday periods, with 137 cases in December, 106 in August and 97 in July. Requests linked to expired passports remained relatively steady throughout the year, ranging between three and 16 per month. Applications concerning newborns abroad followed a stable pattern, with January and December among the highest months.

For newborn return documents, applications must be submitted by the father and include a certified birth certificate authenticated by the host country’s foreign ministry and the relevant UAE mission. Parents are also required to provide copies of their passports, an attested marriage certificate and a complete family record.