UAE citizens can now renew their passports up to one year before expiry, doubling the previous renewal window of six months.
The decision was announced by Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), and will take effect on Monday, August 18, 2025. The service will be available through the ICP’s smart services platform.
Why This Matters
The extended renewal period aims to:
- Allow citizens to plan international travel further in advance
- Prevent delays in completing official transactions
- Promote the use of secure digital documents
UAE Passport’s Global Standing
Al Shamsi emphasized that the UAE passport remains the world’s most powerful and trusted travel document, enabling visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations worldwide. The new rule is expected to strengthen its global reputation and support the country’s leadership in modernizing passport services.
