Applicants seeking entry permits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now be required to submit a copy of their passport’s external cover page as part of the application process, according to Amer Centres in Dubai and typing centres in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Staff at these centres confirmed receiving an official circular earlier this month from immigration departments introducing the new regulation. The notice outlined that the passport cover page has been made a mandatory document for all new entry permit applications, regardless of the applicant’s nationality or visa type.
This new measure applies exclusively to new applications and is part of updated requirements aimed at streamlining the permit process. The directive ensures that every applicant provides a full record of their passport, not only the inside information pages but also the outer cover.
According to Gulf News, the publication reached out to both the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) for official confirmation of the new requirement. At the time of reporting, both agencies had yet to issue a formal statement.
In light of the update, applicants have been strongly advised to confirm the latest guidelines directly with the relevant authorities before beginning the application process. For further inquiries, individuals can contact the ICP at 600 522222, or reach GDRFA Dubai through their helpline at 800 5111.
This new rule is expected to affect all applicants applying for various visa types, reinforcing the importance of staying updated with evolving entry requirements. The move underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to tighten documentation protocols and maintain consistency in immigration procedures across all emirates.
