There is no single public list of travel bans, so check the official channel linked to where a case might exist: in Dubai, the Dubai Police "Circulars and travel bans" service and Dubai Courts case inquiry; in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's Estafser service; and for the federal courts, Ministry of Justice e-services. Bans can come from civil debt cases or criminal matters in different emirates, so check more than one channel, and remember that a ban ends only on the grounds the law sets or by decision of the authority that issued it.
Who this guide is for
- Residents planning to travel who are worried about an unpaid loan, credit card, bounced cheque or a complaint made against them.
- People who have received a notice from a court, the police or the public prosecution.
- Relatives helping someone understand the process. Most official checks need the person's own UAE Pass or identity details, so the person concerned should usually do the check themselves.
This guide covers judicial and police travel bans. Residency or labour-related restrictions are handled by the immigration authorities and are a separate topic.
Where travel bans come from
Civil debt cases. Under the Civil Procedure Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022), a creditor can ask a judge for a travel ban, even before filing the main lawsuit, where there are serious reasons to fear the debtor will leave and the debt is at least AED 10,000, with some exceptions (Article 324). The judge may also order the passport to be deposited with the court and the ban to be circulated to all exit ports of the UAE. An execution judge can also ban travel during execution of a judgment, a payment order or a bounced cheque, in some cases even before the debtor is served (Article 234). See our guides on bounced cheques and payment orders.
Criminal matters. The public prosecution or a criminal court may restrict travel while a criminal case is open. These bans are managed by the prosecution or court handling the case.
Family matters. The Code also allows a personal status execution judge to stop a child from travelling in some situations (Article 324).
Because Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the federal courts run separate systems, one channel may not show a case registered in another. If you are not sure which authority to start with, the UAE authority navigator can help.
Step by step
- Set up UAE Pass. Most official checks need a UAE Pass login, your Emirates ID or your Unified ID (UID) number.
- Check Dubai Police. In the Dubai Police app or website, open "Circulars and travel bans"; as of September 2026 the service page describes it as free of charge and instant, also available at smart police stations and police stations.
- Check Dubai Courts. Use the Dubai Courts case inquiry (it includes an Execution category) if you know or suspect a Dubai case number.
- Check Abu Dhabi. Use Estafser on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) website, which asks for your UID number.
- Check the federal courts. For cases in emirates served by the federal courts, use Ministry of Justice (MOJ) e-services with UAE Pass, or call the MOJ on 800 333 333.
- Write down the details. Note the case number, the authority, the type of case and the amount if shown.
- Identify the type of ban. Work out whether it comes from a civil debt, an execution file or a criminal case, because the way to resolve it differs.
- Resolve the underlying matter. Pay, settle, provide security or challenge the decision through the authority that issued the ban.
- Check again before you travel. Re-run the official checks and keep written proof that the matter was closed.
How a civil travel ban can end
Under the Civil Procedure Code (Article 325), a civil travel ban stays in force until the debtor's obligation to the creditor ends. The judge must also order it to lapse in set cases, including when:
- the conditions for the ban no longer exist;
- the creditor agrees in writing to cancel it;
- the debtor provides a sufficient bank guarantee or a solvent guarantor accepted by the judge;
- the debtor deposits the debt and expenses with the court treasury;
- the creditor does not show that the main case was filed within eight days of the ban order, or does not start enforcing a final judgment within 30 days;
- three years pass since the last valid execution step without the creditor asking to continue.
The MOJ offers a "Cancellation Request of Travel Ban Order" service for the person in whose favour the ban was issued; its page lists an existing ban and an active execution file as conditions. A debtor who disagrees with a ban can challenge it: a ban ordered by an execution judge is challenged by grievance to the court president within seven working days (Article 209). The court president may also allow travel for medical treatment abroad for the debtor or close family, supported by an official medical certificate, while the ban itself stays in place (Article 324).
For criminal matters, ask the public prosecution or court handling the case what is needed to lift the restriction.
Documents checklist
- Emirates ID and passport
- Your Unified ID (UID) number
- Active UAE Pass account on your own phone
- Any SMS, email or letter from a court, the police or the public prosecution
- Case numbers and execution file numbers
- Proof of payment or settlement, and any written release from the creditor
- Bank guarantee or court deposit receipt, if you are offering security
- Official medical certificate, if you are asking to travel for treatment
Common mistakes
- Checking only one channel. A clear result in one system may not cover a case registered in another emirate or court.
- Using unofficial "ban check" websites. Be careful with any third-party site that asks for your passport, Emirates ID or UAE Pass code. Use the official apps and websites listed here.
- Assuming payment clears the ban at once. Keep proof of payment and confirm the status through the official channel before booking travel.
- Ignoring notices. Unanswered cases can lead to execution steps, including travel bans.
- Sharing your UAE Pass. Your UAE Pass is your digital identity; do not give its login or codes to anyone.
- Confusing ban types. A residency or labour restriction is not the same as a court travel ban.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Speak to a licensed lawyer if a check shows a ban you do not understand, if there are several cases in different emirates, if you want to challenge a ban within the short grievance deadline, or if a criminal case is involved. A lawyer can also explain what security or settlement a court may accept. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check for a travel ban online?
Yes, official options include the Dubai Police "Circulars and travel bans" service, Dubai Courts case inquiry, ADJD Estafser and MOJ e-services, most of them using UAE Pass or your UID.
Does a travel ban from a Dubai case stop me leaving from another emirate?
The Civil Procedure Code lets the judge circulate a civil travel ban order to all exit ports of the UAE, not only those in the emirate where it was issued.
Can a creditor get a travel ban for any debt?
No, a ban requested before a lawsuit needs serious reasons to fear flight and a debt of at least AED 10,000, with some exceptions set out in the Code.
Will paying the debt remove the ban?
A civil ban lasts until the obligation ends, so payment is the main route, but keep proof and confirm the status officially before travelling.
Can someone else check for me?
Most official checks use the person's own UAE Pass or identity details; a lawyer with a valid power of attorney may be able to make enquiries for you.
Can I travel for medical treatment if I have a ban?
The court president may allow travel for treatment that is not available in the UAE, with an official medical certificate, while the ban stays in place.
Are third-party travel ban check websites safe?
Use official government apps and websites only, and do not enter your passport details or UAE Pass codes on unofficial sites.
Official sources
- Dubai Police — Circulars and travel bans
- Dubai Courts — Case inquiry
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — Estafser
- Ministry of Justice — Cancellation Request of Travel Ban Order
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 issuing the Civil Procedure Code
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.