Published MoFA service completion time
Golden Visa travel guidance
UAE Golden Visa Return Document after passport loss.
Lost or damaged your passport while outside the UAE? Find out who can obtain an emergency Return Document, which records to prepare, and how the seven-day return process works.
MoFA lists the return-document service as free
Not valid for onward travel or transit
The answer in brief
What is a Golden Visa Return Document?
It is an electronic emergency travel document issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) for eligible Golden Visa holders who lose or damage their passport while abroad. It enables a single return to the UAE within seven days of issuance. It does not replace a passport for ordinary international travel.
When it applies
You have valid Golden Visa residence status, are outside the UAE, and your passport has been lost or damaged. Eligible Golden Visa holders may also request a document for dependent children under 18.
When it does not apply
It is not a new Golden Visa, a standard visa entry permit, a substitute passport for transit, or a correction request for an application returned by immigration authorities.
Outside the UAE without a usable passport?
MoFA Return Document Service MoFA issues this emergency document. For urgent travel, use the authorised MoFA process and check your airline arrangements before travelling. Golden Portal UAE cannot issue a Return Document. For urgent MoFA support abroad, call +971 2 493 1133 (24/7).
Eligibility
Who can request the UAE Golden Visa Return Document?
The published MoFA service is designed for Golden Visa holders with valid UAE Golden Residence who are outside the country and have lost or damaged their passport.
- Golden Visa holder abroad: Hold valid Golden Residence and explain the loss or damage.
- Dependent children: The holder may apply for dependents under 18, subject to the service conditions and valid residence status.
- Other family members: Do not assume all adult dependents qualify through the same online form. Confirm the appropriate service with MoFA.
Important: A Return Document is an emergency consular service, not an additional Golden Visa category. Applicants who have not yet received Golden Residence should review the normal Golden Visa application process instead.
Prepare your records
Documents needed for the Return Document
MoFA lists the following supporting documents for its emergency return service. Prepare readable copies before you log in.
01 / PASSPORT COPYLost or damaged passport
A copy or scan of the passport, where available.
02 / POLICE REPORTReport of loss or damage
A police report documenting the passport incident.
03 / PERSONAL PHOTORecent photo
A recent personal photograph with a white background.
04 / RETURN FLIGHTTicket to the UAE
A copy of the planned return ticket to the UAE.
Have your Golden Visa details available, including the UAE residence information connected to your passport. If the airline or MoFA asks for additional information, follow its instructions for the specific case.
Step by step
How to apply for a Golden Visa Return Document
01
Get the passport incident report
Report your lost or damaged passport to the relevant police authority abroad and keep the report.
02
Sign in to MoFA
Access the Golden Visa holder services on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or app using UAE Pass.
03
Choose Return Documents
Select the reason for your emergency travel request and enter the required information.
04
Upload the evidence and submit
Attach the passport copy, police report, photograph, return ticket and any additional information requested.
05
Check your email
MoFA sends the electronic Return Document by email after the request is processed.
06
Return within the permitted period
Arrange direct travel to the UAE using the document within seven days from its issue date.
Travel conditions
How long is the document valid, and where can it be used?
| Condition | What it means |
|---|---|
| Validity | Seven days from the date MoFA issues the document. |
| Number of uses | Single use for returning to the UAE. |
| Destination | Return to the United Arab Emirates only. |
| Transit | MoFA states that the Return Document cannot be used for transit through other countries. |
| Replacement passport | Obtain a new passport immediately upon return, following MoFA requirements. |
Check your route before booking: The Return Document is not intended for travel through other countries. Confirm your airline's boarding requirements and the permitted journey with the relevant authorities.
Service details
Return Document fees and processing time
GOVERNMENT FEENo fee listed
MoFA lists this service as free of charge.
PUBLISHED SERVICE TIME30 minutes
This is the Ministry's stated completion time. Allow for additional review or document requests.
The published service is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A 30-minute service time is not a guaranteed departure or airline-boarding time. You still need the supporting documents and valid travel arrangements.
After arrival
What happens once you return to the UAE?
MoFA requires Golden Visa holders using the Return Document to obtain a new passport immediately after entering the UAE. Coordinate with your country's embassy or consulate in the UAE and confirm whether your passport details must also be updated on your immigration records.
Because this is a temporary return document, it should not be used as a substitute for a valid passport on future international trips.
Avoid the wrong process
Return Document, visa validity and returned application: what is different?
PASSPORT LOST ABROADEmergency Return Document
Use this guide when a Golden Visa holder outside the UAE loses or damages a passport.
LONG TIME ABROADGolden Visa validity
For time spent outside the UAE, read our Golden Visa Validity guide.
APPLICATION SENT BACKReturned for correction
If immigration returned your Golden Visa application for documents, read our rejection and correction guide.
PASSPORT EXPIREDDifferent passport issue
For an expired passport, confirm the appropriate consular process with MoFA or your country's mission. The published Return Document covers loss or damage.
Frequently asked questions
UAE Golden Visa Return Document FAQs
Is the Golden Visa Return Document free?
Yes. The MoFA service page currently lists no government fee for issuing the Return Document.
How long does it take to receive the document?
MoFA publishes a 30-minute service completion time. Cases involving missing documents or further checks can take longer.
Can I use the Return Document more than once?
No. It is a single-use document for one return journey to the UAE.
Can I transit through another country?
No. MoFA states that the document is only for travelling back to the UAE and cannot be used for travel to or transit through other countries.
Can I request the document for my child?
The service allows eligible Golden Visa holders to apply for dependent children under 18, provided the relevant residence requirements are met.
What if I cannot access UAE Pass?
Contact MoFA or the UAE mission for assistance with the published process. Do not assume that a separate immigration application is an alternative to this service.
Can I apply if my passport is only expired?
MoFA describes this service for passports lost or damaged abroad. For expiry alone, confirm the appropriate passport or consular process.
Will this change my Golden Visa expiry date?
The Return Document is an emergency travel document. It does not replace or extend the underlying Golden Residence permit.
Do I need a replacement passport after returning?
Yes. MoFA directs holders to obtain a new passport immediately after returning to the UAE.
Can Golden Portal UAE issue the Return Document?
No. MoFA issues the official document. Golden Portal UAE provides independent Golden Visa application assistance and general guidance, not government consular documents.
Your application, our support
We can manage your Golden Visa application.
Need help with Golden Visa eligibility, documentation or a new application? Golden Portal UAE provides independent application assistance. Emergency Return Documents are issued by MoFA.