Steps to test your journey status in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates
If you are an expat, resident or tourist in the UAE, it is crucial to know whether you have any travel restrictions or legal catches – especially if you are planning to fly soon. Traveling to UAE may be banned for many reasons, from unpaid to legal cases or immigration issues.
In this 2025 guide, we will take you through the official platform of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates on how to investigate the travel ban in the UAE, step-by-step. We will cover what a travel restriction means, its common causes and how to solve it.
What is a travel ban in UAE?
A travel restriction is a ban on a government that prevents a person from leaving or entering the country. This may be temporary or permanent on the basis of legal or administrative cause behind it.
General Causes of Travel Ban:
- Excellent loan or bounce check
- Criminal or civil cases filed
- Immigration violation
- labor dispute
- More than a visa
- Detention or family matters
Travel bans are usually implemented through General Directorate of Resident and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), police departments, or general directorates of judicial systems in each Emirates.
How to investigate travel ban in United Arab Emirates
Various Emirates offer online and offline methods to examine the status of their journey. How to do this here:
1. How to investigate travel ban in Dubai (GDRFA)
Dubai residents can check immigration restrictions or travel restrictions through Dubai Police or GDRFA.
Option A: Dubai Police Website or App
The Dubai Police provides an online portal to investigate whether there are any criminal cases or travel restrictions under your Emirates ID.
Steps:
- Go to Dubai Police website
- Click “Services”> “Criminal status of financial matters”
- Enter your Emirate ID Number
- Submit the result and check immediately
Or use the Dubai Police App (Android) or iOS app.
Note: This service is mainly for financial matters (such as unpaid debt or bounce check). It does not reflect immigration restriction due to visas or labor issues.
Option B: Go to GDRFA office
For traveling restrictions related to residency, visa, immigration violations, you should contact or go to GDRFA Dubai office.
- GDRFA head office place
- Hotline: 800 5111 (Inside UAE)
2. How to check a travel restriction in Abu Dhabi
Residents of Abu Dhabi can investigate using the portal of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Step:
- Visit Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
- Navigate “Public Services“> “Travel Restriction Check“
- Enter your Unified ID (UID) or Emirates ID
- Review status
You can also contact the Judicial Support Center at 800 2353 for assistance.
3. UAE-wide travel restriction checks (for other Emirates)
For the inhabitants of Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quein, no central system naline system currently exists, but you can:
- Visit or contact the police headquarters in your Emirates
- Use MOI UAE app or website
Option A: MOI (Ministry of Home) Website
- Go to MOI UAE website
- UAE Pass or Emirates ID using LOG
- Navigate “Police Services”> “Criminal Status Investigation”
This platform provides status updates in multiple emirates, including cases that can stimulate travel restrictions.
Option B: MOI app (iOS / Android)
Find “MOI UAE” at Google Play Store or Apple Store
How to check the UAE immigration restriction from outside the country
If you are abroad and suspect the UAE immigration restriction, your best option is:
- Call the GDRFA or UAE Embassy in your country
- Rent a pro or legal consultant in the UAE to check on your behalf
- Contact your employer or sponsor (especially for labor related restriction)
You can also email GDRFA: amer@dnrd.ae
Or Call them: +971 4 313 9999
What to do if you are banned from traveling in the UAE?
If you find out that you are forbidden to travel, here’s what to do next:
Step 1: Identify the cause
Is it due to unpaid debt, legal case or visa violation? The platform where you checked the restriction usually gives signs for the reason.
Step 2: Contact the relevant authority
Based on the nature of your restriction:
- Financial Case → Contact Dubai Police or Abu Dhabi Court
- Visa Issue → GDRFA or Moi
- Labor Case → Ministry of Human Resources and Emeritization (Mohre)
Step 3: Case solutions
- Pay off
- Settling civil disputes
- File appeal or case withdrawal
- Rent a lawyer if necessary
Step 4: Request for a Lift Lift
Once resolved, request officials to officially withdraw and receive a confirmation.
Can your employer impose a ban on travel?
The employer will not impose a restriction on travel:
- A court case is filed
- Labor disputes have been raised with Mohre
- Includes immigration or visa violations
So if your company is threatening to ban it for resignation or contract reasons, consult a MOHRE or a lawyer.
Important tips to avoid travel restrictions
- You Keep update your Emirates ID and Documents
- Loan Loan Avoid default or check bounce
- Reled Excessive penalties and visa issues clear immediately
- Do not leave OPEN UAE with open police or labor cases
- Before traveling Travel, always test your status via a police application or Moi Portal
What Happens at the Airport if You Have a Travel Ban?
If you attempt to depart the UAE even as a tour ban is active, you will be stopped at immigration counters at the airport. The machine will robotically flag your passport or Emirates ID, and you will be:
- Denied boarding
- Questioned by means of immigration officers
- Asked to go back until the ban is resolved
- Temporarily detained in serious crook cases
To avoid embarrassment or delays, it’s incredibly recommended to check your legal status at the least 1–2 weeks before your journey date.
Final words
In 2025, checking your UAE travel ban online is easier than before – whether you are Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere else. Use official applications and websites like Dubai Police, GDRFA and MOI UAE to stay knowledgeable and surprise the last minute airport.
If there is a restriction, do not panic – most appropriate legal steps and communication can be solved. And always seek the help of a trusted lawyer or legal adviser when there is a doubt.
FAQS – UAE travel restriction 2025
- Q. How can I check if there is a free travel ban in Dubai?
Use the Dubai Police Criminal Status Tool – it’s 100% free and .inline. - Q. Can I test a travel restriction without the Emirates ID?
No, most systems require either an emiration ID or UID number to access data access. - Q. Can you fly on another Emirates if you have been banned in Dubai?
Usually no. UAE-wide sanctions are applied to all airports and land borders. - Q. Can a lawyer test the restriction on my behalf?
Yes Many expates use marks or legal companies to check and clean restrictions. - Q. How long does a travel ban in the UAE last?
Depending on the type of case – some are withdrawn after the settlement, the other is left until the legal approval is obtained.
