If you are involved in a civil or financial case in the UAE, you might be concerned about whether a travel ban has been imposed on you. Travel bans prevent individuals from leaving the country until legal or financial matters are resolved. This guide explains the official and secure ways to check if you have a travel ban in the UAE.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different methods to check if you have a travel ban in the UAE and what steps you can take if you are affected.
What is a Travel Ban in the UAE?
A travel ban in the UAE can be issued for both civil and criminal cases.
- Civil cases: These include unpaid debts, bounced cheques, rental disputes, or unpaid loans. Creditors can request a travel ban once a court judgment is issued and an execution case is opened. If the debtor does not comply with the execution notice, a travel ban may be applied to ensure the debtor remains in the country.
- Criminal cases: These involve pending police investigations, reckless driving, or other serious offences.
Travel bans are categorized based on the type of case, ensuring legal matters are settled before the individual travels outside the UAE.
How to Lift a Travel Ban
In civil cases, once the debtor pays the amount specified in the court’s execution file, they can request the removal of the travel ban. The competent authorities are then notified, and the ban is officially lifted.
Since 2024, the UAE Ministry of Justice has updated the process: travel bans are now lifted automatically as soon as related legal matters are resolved. The previous nine-step procedure has been removed, allowing bans to be lifted within minutes without additional paperwork.
Checking Travel Bans in Abu Dhabi Using Estafser
What is Estafser?
In Abu Dhabi, the Estafser service from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) allows residents to check travel bans, pending civil or financial cases, and other administrative matters online.
How to Use Estafser?
- Visit the Estafser website or mobile app: ADJD Estafser Service
- Enter your UAE UID number linked to your residence visa.
- The system will display any active travel bans or pending legal cases.
The service is available 24/7 and eliminates the need to visit government offices physically.
Checking Travel Bans in Dubai for Financial Cases
Dubai Police Online Service
Dubai Police provides an online platform to check travel bans related to financial cases.
Steps:
- Open the Dubai Police app or website and select Services → Criminal Status of Financial Cases.
- Enter your Emirates ID number.
- Verify your identity via a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
This service is free and accessible anytime on both Android and iOS devices.
Other Ways to Check Your UAE Travel Ban
You can also check your travel ban status using other official channels:
Amer Service Centres
Visit an Amer service centre in Dubai for in-person assistance. Staff can confirm if any travel restrictions are active under your name.
ICP Helpline
Call the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) at 600522222 to verify your travel status.
Police Stations
You can visit any police station in the UAE to check for travel bans, especially for criminal or financial cases.
Legal Assistance
A lawyer or law firm specializing in immigration services can:
- Confirm if you have a travel ban.
- Explain the reasons behind it.
- Help in lifting the ban, if applicable.
Key Takeaways
Checking your travel ban status in the UAE is essential if you have pending civil, financial, or criminal cases. Using official services like Estafser (Abu Dhabi) or Dubai Police online service ensures accuracy and security.
By proactively checking your status, you can avoid last-minute travel disruptions and resolve any issues efficiently.