How to Check, Avoid, and Remove Travel Ban in the UAE?

A Brief Introduction to the Travel Ban in the UAE

Courts or relevant authorities enforce travel restrictions to ensure compliance with legal, financial, or criminal responsibilities. The causes for these issues usually include unpaid debts or loans, bounced cheques, ongoing civil or criminal cases, labour disputes, immigration violations, and traffic offences. In some cases, a ban may also be imposed during investigations until a matter is resolved. 

But what could be the consequences of a travel ban? It may affect employment, emergency travel, family commitments, and residency status. Some serious consequences may include passport confiscation, airport restrictions, and delays in legal or financial settlements until the relevant authority officially lifts the ban.

 

How is a Travel Ban Imposed?

In the UAE, restrictions on travel are usually imposed through civil or criminal legal processes, depending on the type of case you’re involved in. In case of a civil ban, a creditor must have a legal judgment against the debtor for unpaid debt under Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022. After a civil judgment, the creditor can open an execution case. If the debtor does not agree to the execution notice, the creditor may request a new travel ban to prevent the individual from leaving the country.

In some situations, travel bans may even be requested before full litigation. This is possible if sufficient evidence exists and a formal case is filed within a specified period. For criminal bans, authorities such as the police or Public Prosecution directly impose restrictions when a person is required for investigation or trial. 

Travel Ban For Bounced Cheques — Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a travel ban for a bounced cheque in the UAE. A bounced cheque is considered enforceable under civil law (executory deeds). Thus, a creditor may directly initiate an execution case if a cheque is dishonoured. 

If the debtor neglects the execution notice, the creditor can send a formal request to a court to issue a travel ban. This is to ensure the debtor remains available within the country until the debt is settled or otherwise resolved.

Can an Unpaid Cheque Lead to a Travel Ban?

Again, the answer is yes. Any new travel restrictions could be imposed due to an unpaid cheque in the UAE. The lender can open an execution case based on the unpaid cheque. If the borrower does not comply with the execution notice to pay the owed amount, the concerned authority can request a travel ban from the court. This is usually done to prevent the debtor from fleeing the country. 

A New Travel Ban Due to an Unpaid Bill 

In the UAE, a ban on travel can be imposed for unpaid bills when they become a civil debt dispute. The first step for a creditor is to obtain a court judgment. If the debtor fails to comply with payment orders, they can open an execution case.

Only debts meeting certain criteria — generally AED 10,000 or more — and supported by clear evidence can lead to such a ban. In this case, the court may confiscate the debtor’s passport and put a restriction on all UAE exit points. This restriction applies until the debt is paid, the creditor agrees to lift the ban, or any other valid legal conditions are fulfilled.

Travel Ban Due to Traffic Violations 

Traffic fines alone do not trigger any new travel restrictions. Minor and administrative traffic offences, such as speeding or signal violations, bring fines but do not ban a person from travelling.

However, if serious traffic offences, like DUI, reckless driving causing injury or death, or hit-and-run, are recorded, authorities such as the Public Prosecution or police may impose a ban under criminal law.

Additionally, large unpaid fines could result in a civil debt case. This eventually leads to a restriction on travel. 

How Can You Lift a Travel Restriction?

For those facing a new travel ban, it’s important to know how to dismiss the restriction. The concept is quite straightforward — to lift a ban on travelling, resolve the underlying issue first. In civil cases, this generally means paying the settlement amount mentioned in the court’s execution file.

Upon a successful payment, you or your legal representative can request the cancellation of your travel ban. After a court issues an order to remove the ban and communicates it to relevant authorities, the travel restriction is suspended. This usually happens within a few days.

But if you’re involved in any criminal case, restrictions may only be lifted once the investigation concludes, penalties or fines are paid, or the case is resolved by the court or prosecution.

How to Request a Travel Ban Cancellation?

Via the Ministry of Justice Website and App

Here’s what to do–

1. Register and log in through UAE Pass 
2. Complete your online application
3. Make the payment

Via Dubai Police Website and Mobile App

Recently, the Department of Dubai Police initiated the ‘Inquiry About Circulars and Travel Bans’ service online, which is now fully functional. Those who have a new travel ban can instantly request to have it lifted. 

This digital service has made it easy for defaulters to access the portal and pay the outstanding amount without any further complications. Moreover, they are notified immediately if any new travel restrictions have been imposed against them. 

Individuals can access this service regardless of their current location by simply logging in to their UAE Pass app. This system upgrade brings relief to individuals, as the process previously involved several application steps and offline reviews. 

So, how can you lift your travel restrictions online? Let’s find out–

The Upgraded Version of the Dubai Police Website

Dubai Police has launched a new version of its website, making it more digitally convenient to access. The integration of AI enhances the website as well as the mobile app. Now, both digital platforms offer seven UN-recognised languages and support 268+ languages.

As per Hessa Al Balooshi, the Director of Smart Applications at the General Department of Artificial Intelligence, the app and website provide a high-quality user experience. Users can access services easily, receive notifications regarding any new travel ban, and track their request on a single dashboard.

These improvised versions in the app and website also benefit lawyers. As per Dubai Police, lawyers can submit their requests, upload the necessary documents, keep a record, and track cases at any time. This significantly helps them receive real-time updates and reduces the time spent visiting police stations and justice partners in person.

Additionally, lawyers can manage Powers of Attorney and other client requests through digital identity authentication. For an enhanced experience, the new Lawyers Platform has 7 specialised digital legal services.

Read More: Travel Ban Check by Passport Number

What Does the Lawyers Portal Offer?

• Registering criminal complaints on behalf of clients post identity verification
• Issuance of ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificates regarding cases, as and when required
• Permission for virtual visits with inmates in Dubai or with detainees
• Inquiries on travel bans and circulars with direct digital payment, and closure of the case
• Power of Attorney’s secured electronic signing
• Enabling official client representation in registered cases through linked Powers of Attorney
• Good Conduct Search Certificates for lifting travel and legal circulars after settlement

Winding Up

Understanding a travel ban is of the utmost importance. This is because expats and visitors, if having any unresolved legal matters, can be restricted from travelling outside. While some bans are temporary, others may remain valid until the court makes a decision. 

Tracking your legal status, clearing dues, responding to court notices, and seeking legal guidance during your stay in the UAE can help prevent such restrictions. Addressing the issue immediately is the most effective way to lift any new travel restrictions.

Popular Searches

Health Insurance Dubai Plans | Dubai Health Insurance Cost | Health Insurance for Kids | Health Insurance Plans for Family | Dental Insurance | Individual Health I nsurance | Health Insurance Abu Dhabi | Medical Insurance Sharjah | How to check Medical Insurance status with Emirates ID | Best Medical Insurance in UAE | Health Insurance for Parents | Maternity Insurance UAE