Travelling is exciting, but sometimes things don’t go as planned… like losing your passport in a foreign country. The good news? The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has made it easier than ever to get back on track. If your passport is lost, damaged, expired, or you need one for a newborn abroad, you can now apply for a Return Document in just three simple steps. Even better, it will arrive straight to your email in just 30 minutes. I have all the important details you need to know before you jet off on your holiday, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?
Easy Connection, From Anywhere In The World
This service is available 24/7 through MoFA’s website or smart app, so you can sort things out from anywhere in the world. To make life easier, MoFA strongly advises travellers to always keep a copy of their ID and travel documents. Because having those ready can make the process much smoother if an unexpected situation pops up.
So, What To Do If You Lose Or Damage Your Passport Abroad?
MoFA has clearly laid out what you’ll need depending on your situation:
- Lost passport: A copy of your lost passport, a police report, and a personal photo with a white background.
- Damaged passport: A written statement explaining what happened.
- Newborns: A copy of the birth certificate and marriage certificate (both attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country of residence and the UAE mission abroad) plus copies of both parents’ passports.
Staying Safe & Smart While Travelling
The Ministry isn is here to help solve your problems and even help you avoid them. Before you travel, they recommend taking a few simple steps to protect yourself and make your trip as stress-free as possible:
- Register with Twajudi: This free service helps MoFA and UAE embassies reach you in case of emergencies.
- Check security updates: Look for travel advisories before booking or boarding.
- Carry your important documents (and copies!): Passport, Emirates ID, visas, health insurance, flight tickets, hotel bookings — keep both the originals and duplicates.
- Double-check visa validity: Avoid unexpected legal trouble abroad.
- Have proper health insurance: Make sure it covers overseas emergencies.
- Stay away from conflict zones: Prioritise your safety over ticking destinations off your bucket list.
- Be alert for scams: Verify who you’re dealing with before handing over information or money.
- Save emergency numbers: Keep MoFA’s hotline and the contacts of UAE embassies at your destination.
Simple Habits For A Hassle-Free Trip
A few extra precautions can go a long way. Choose accommodation that has proper security measures in place and avoid staying in areas that feel unsafe. If you’re travelling with children, never leave them unattended (yes, even for a short time). And while it might be tempting to show off your new watch or designer bag, avoid flashing valuables in public as it can attract the wrong kind of attention.
Why Twajudi Is A Traveller’s Safety Net
See the Twajudi service as your travel lifeline. Available on Android and iOS, it helps MoFA and UAE missions abroad contact you in emergencies, assist you if something goes wrong, and even arrange your return to the UAE if needed. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in a crisis.
Always Ready To Help – 24/7
No matter where you are in the world, if you find yourself in an emergency, MoFA is just a call away. Their dedicated hotline 0097180024 is open around the clock, with a team of specialists ready to respond.
Every case is handled with care, working closely with UAE embassies, consulates, and MoFA’s Operations Center to make sure you get the best possible support when you need it most.
