UAE: Emiratis Can Now Renew Passports One Year In Advance

UAE citizens can now renew their passports up to one year before expiry instead of six months, starting August 18, 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced.

The move, announced by Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, chairman of the authority, allows citizens whose passports have 12 months or less of validity to access the renewal service through the smart services platform.

Al Shamsi said the decision aims to help citizens plan travel in advance, complete official transactions more efficiently, and expand the use of digital identity services. He added that the Emirati passport ranks among the strongest in the world, and this step further enhances its global standing while making the passport issuance and renewal process a model for the region.

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The authority also highlighted that the change is part of broader efforts to provide proactive, user-friendly government services and improve the quality of life for citizens.

The UAE passport has been ranked among the world's 10 strongest in 2025, offering visa-free access and visa-on-arrival to 184 countries, rising one position from last year, according to Henley & Partners. The ranking has steadily improved, from 15th in 2022 and 2023 to 11th in 2024 and 8th in 2025.

In addition, the validity period for Emirati passports has been extended to 10 years for citizens aged 21 and above, a service available since July 8, 2024. Previously, passports were valid for five years from the date of issuance.

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