If you’re visiting the UAE and find yourself in a situation where you’ve lost your passport or overstayed your visa, you’ll need to apply for an exit permit issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
What is an Exit Permit? An exit permit is a special authorization that allows individuals without valid travel documents or those who have overstayed their visas to leave the UAE. Shafiq Muhammad, chief supervisor at Horizon Gate Government Transactions Centre, explains, “It is a special permit to exit the country, mostly for those who don’t have documents like their passport or people who have overstayed their visa.”
Application Process The application for an exit permit can be completed online through the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) with the following steps:
- Clear Overstay Fines: Ensure you have settled any overstay fines, which are charged at Dh50 per day.
- Visit the Service Link: Go to https://icp.gov.ae/en/service/issue-exit-permit/.
- Start the Service: Click on ‘Start service’.
- Register: Provide your email address and create a password to register on the website.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your full name, email address, phone number, and date of birth.
- Attach Required Documents: Upload a personal photograph, passport copy, and entry visa or residence visa.
- Settle Fees: Pay the request fee (Dh100), issuance fee (Dh100), and electronic service fee (Dh50) using a debit or credit card.
- Receive Application Status: You’ll receive an SMS or email about your application’s status. Once accepted, you’ll be notified that the process is complete.
Alternative Application Methods For visas issued in Dubai, you can also apply for the exit permit, often referred to as an ‘outpass’, by visiting an Amer centre or the immigration department at the airport. The permit is usually issued within two to three working days. The exit permit will clearly state the last date by which you must leave the country.
Applying for an exit permit ensures that your departure from the UAE is smooth and compliant with local regulations, even if you encounter issues like losing your passport or overstaying your visa.
