Can traveller with less than six months on passport enter the UAE?

Keren Bobker advises a family planning on travelling to Dubai from the UK, but the husband has just one month validity left on his passport.

Keren Bobker advises on passport validity for entering the UAE. Pictured, Al Maktoum International airport in Dubai. Marwan Naamani / AFP

My husband and I are travelling to Dubai next week from London, but we have just realised that it requires six months’ validity on a passport from the date of your travel. He is an EU national but has only a month left before his passport expires. Our visit is only for one week so is there any way that he could travel without being refused? It’s just a week’s holiday as we need to get back to work in London. CO, UK

The rules are generally strict regarding validity of passports to enter the UAE. For non-residents, so all tourists and visitors, a passport with validity of at least six months is required and without that someone is unlikely to be allowed to fly as he will not be permitted to board the plane. The initial responsibility lies with the airline and they can be fined if they allow someone to board without the correct documentation. Even if he is permitted to fly he is likely to be turned away on arrival at UAE Immigration. CO’s husband will therefore need to arrange a new passport before flying to the UAE. Note that emergency travel documents, which some countries will issue, are not valid for entry into the UAE.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at [e-mail]. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE

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