UAE Exit Permit (Out Pass): When You Need It and How to Apply

A verified guide to the UAE departure permit — who needs one, how to apply through GDRFA or ICP, required documents, fees, and how to avoid common problems at the airport.

A UAE exit permit (commonly called an out pass) is a departure document issued by GDRFA Dubai or ICP that allows a foreigner to leave the country legally when they no longer hold a valid visa. The permit typically costs AED 200 in government fees (AED 241 including knowledge and innovation fees in Dubai), takes up to 48 hours to process, and remains valid for 7–10 days from issuance. If you have overstayed, all accumulated fines — currently standardised at AED 50 per day — must be settled before the exit permit is issued.

This guide covers who needs an exit permit, the application process for Dubai and other emirates, required documents for each scenario, fees, common rejection reasons, and what happens to your immigration record after departure.

What Is a UAE Exit Permit (Out Pass)?

An exit permit — officially called a “departure permit” by GDRFA Dubai — is a government-issued document that authorises a foreigner to leave the UAE when they lack a valid visa or travel document. It is not a visa and does not grant any right to remain in the country; it exists solely to formalise and record the departure through immigration systems. The exit permit is categorised under GDRFA’s “Violator Follow-up” services, which indicates its primary function: enabling people in irregular immigration status to exit lawfully.

The term “out pass” is widely used in everyday conversation and by typing centres, but the official GDRFA and ICP terminology is “departure permit” or “exit permit.” On official portals, you will find it listed under visa services or violator services, depending on the platform.

Who Needs a UAE Exit Permit?

Not every departing foreigner requires an exit permit. If your visa is still valid or you are within an applicable grace period, you can exit the UAE through normal immigration channels. An exit permit becomes necessary only when your legal stay has ended and immigration systems would flag your passport at departure.

The following categories of individuals typically need an exit permit:

Category	Situation	Key Requirement
Visa overstayer (tourist/visit)	Tourist or visit visa expired and grace period (if any) has passed	Settle all overstay fines before exit permit issuance
Residence visa violator	Residence visa cancelled or expired and the post-cancellation grace period has lapsed	Settle all overstay fines; may require IRIS biometric if fines are not paid
Entry permit violator	Entered the UAE on an entry permit and overstayed	Settlement of fines; additional documentation may apply
Lost/damaged passport holder	Cannot travel on existing travel document	Police loss report + travel document from consulate/embassy
Newborn without UAE visa	Baby born in the UAE who needs to travel but has not been issued a residence visa	Father’s personal attendance (or mother with notarised POA from father)
Absconding cases (resolved)	Individual flagged for absconding from employer, case now resolved	Clearance of immigration status; settlement of all fines and penalties

When You Do Not Need an Exit Permit

If your visa is valid, you exit normally — no departure permit is required. Likewise, if your residence visa has been cancelled but you are still within your grace period (which ranges from 30 to 180 days depending on visa category), you can leave through regular immigration channels. The grace period start date depends on your jurisdiction: for mainland employees, it generally runs from the date of labour card cancellation through MOHRE; for free zone employees, it starts from the residence permit cancellation date. You can check your remaining grace period through the ICP Smart Services portal under “File Validity.”

Exit Permit Application Process in Dubai (GDRFA)

In Dubai, exit permits are processed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai). The process varies depending on the applicant’s category. Below are the procedures for the most common scenarios, as listed on the official GDRFA service page.

For Overstayers and Visa Violators (Individuals)

1. Visit an Amer service centre. You can apply at any Amer centre in Dubai. Locate centres through the GDRFA Customer Happiness Centres page.
2. Present yourself in person. Personal attendance is mandatory for violators. GDRFA requires IRIS (eye) biometric scanning in some cases — particularly if overstay fines are not settled at the time of application.
3. Submit required documents to the service officer (see document requirements below).
4. Pay government fees and any outstanding overstay fines. Fines must be cleared before the departure permit is issued, unless the applicant opts for IRIS registration with permanent deprivation (immigration ban).
5. Receive the departure permit. GDRFA lists the expected processing time as 48 hours, though many applications are processed within the same day.

For Establishments (Sponsors Applying for Their Workers)

Employers or sponsors can apply for an exit permit for a visa violator (entry permit or residence permit violator) through the GDRFA Smart Services portal:

1. Log in to smart.gdrfad.gov.ae (register a new account if not already registered).
2. Select the exit permit service under the relevant category.
3. Attach the required documents.
4. Pay the service fees online.
5. Submit the application. The departure permit will be sent electronically once approved.

For Lost or Damaged Passports

1. Obtain a passport loss certificate from Dubai Police.
2. Obtain an emergency travel document from your country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE.
3. If the applicant holds a residence visa, the visa must be cancelled first, and then the departure permit is issued without deprivation (no immigration ban).
4. Attend in person at an Amer centre or the Public Services Section at Al Awir.
5. Submit documents, pay fees, and receive the departure permit.

For Newborns

1. Father must attend in person. If the father is outside the UAE, the mother must bring a notarised power of attorney from the father stating no objection to the child leaving the country.
2. In cases of separation, submit the divorce certificate and custody ruling identifying who has legal custody.
3. Submit the application and pay fees.
4. The departure permit is issued and sent to the applicant.

Exit Permit Application in Other Emirates (ICP)

Outside Dubai, exit permits are handled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). The ICP describes this service as issuing a departure permit to violators after payment of their fines.

The general process mirrors Dubai’s: attend an ICP customer happiness centre or apply through the ICP Smart Services portal (where available for your category), submit documents, pay fees and fines, and receive the departure permit. The ICP Smart Services portal is available 24/7 for online submissions, and you can call 600 522 222 for guidance on whether your specific case qualifies for online processing.

Required Documents for a UAE Exit Permit

Document requirements depend on the reason for the exit permit. The table below consolidates requirements from the official GDRFA Dubai service page.

Category	Documents Required
Overstayer / visa violator	Original passport (and copy); copy of outbound travel ticket; two personal photographs; copy of the expired/cancelled visa page; proof of fine payment or settlement receipt
Entry permit violator	Original passport (and copy); copy of outbound travel ticket; two personal photographs; copy of the valid visa page (even if expired); payment confirmation for application fee and any fines
Lost passport	Passport loss certificate from Dubai Police; emergency travel document from embassy/consulate; two personal photographs; copy of outbound travel ticket
Newborn (father present)	Father’s original and copy passport; mother’s original and copy passport; child’s birth certificate; two personal photographs of the child
Newborn (father abroad)	All of the above, plus a notarised power of attorney from the father (certified) confirming no objection to the child’s departure
Newborn (separated parents)	All of the above, plus the divorce certificate and a custody ruling identifying the custodial parent

If your original passport is unavailable (lost or expired), a travel document issued by your embassy or consulate substitutes as the travel document. Immigration authorities will not issue a departure permit without either a valid passport or an official emergency travel document.

Exit Permit Fees and Overstay Fines

The costs associated with a departure permit include the government service fee itself and, in most cases, accumulated overstay fines.

Exit Permit Government Fee

According to the GDRFA Dubai official service page, the departure permit service fee is AED 200, with a total of AED 241 after knowledge and innovation fees. When applying through Amer centres or authorised typing centres, expect an additional service charge of approximately AED 50–100 on top of the government fee. The total out-of-pocket cost therefore ranges from approximately AED 220 to AED 320 depending on the channel used.

Overstay Fines (AED 50 Per Day)

The UAE Government Portal confirms that ICP has standardised overstay fines at AED 50 per day for all visa types — tourist, visit, and residence. This fine accrues from the day after your visa expires (or after any applicable grace period ends). For example, a 60-day overstay results in AED 3,000 in fines alone, plus the exit permit fee.

Cost Component	Amount (AED)	Notes
Exit permit government fee	200 (241 incl. fees)	Per GDRFA Dubai official service card
Amer / typing centre service charge	~50–100	Varies by centre; confirm before submitting
Daily overstay fine	50 per day	Standardised by ICP across all visa types
Commercial bank transaction fee	~20	If paying through a commercial bank in Dubai

What Happens If You Cannot Pay the Fines?

GDRFA Dubai states that if financial fines are not paid, an IRIS (eye biometric) scan is required and the departure permit is issued with permanent deprivation — meaning an immigration ban is placed on the individual’s file. This ban can prevent future visa applications and re-entry into the UAE. Paying all fines before departure is therefore strongly recommended to avoid a ban. The exact terms of any ban should be confirmed with GDRFA or ICP directly, as they vary by case.

Exit Permit Validity and Rules After Issuance

Once the departure permit is approved and issued, the following rules apply:

• Validity period: The exit permit is typically valid for 7–10 days from the date of issuance. You must leave the UAE within this window.
• Single use: The permit authorises one departure only. It cannot be used for multiple exits.
• No extension: Exit permits cannot be extended. If you fail to depart before the permit expires, you will need to apply again, and additional fines may accrue.
• No right of stay: The exit permit does not grant any legal stay in the UAE. It serves only as authorisation to pass through immigration and depart.
• Confirmed travel required: You must have a confirmed outbound travel ticket (flight, bus, or ferry) before the exit permit is issued. Immigration officers will verify the booking.

Where to Apply for an Exit Permit in Dubai

Dubai residents and visitors can apply at the following locations:

Location	Type of Cases	Notes
Public Services Section — Al Awir	All categories including overstayers, deportees, newborns	GDRFA’s main processing centre for violator cases
Airport Service Centre (Terminal 3)	Urgent departures and airport-based cases	Available for last-minute processing; expect longer wait times
Amer service centres (multiple locations)	Individual applicants — overstay, lost passport, newborns	Additional service charge applies
Hatta land port	Cases exiting through the Hatta border crossing	Listed on GDRFA’s official service channels
GDRFA Smart Services portal (online)	Establishments applying for employees	Available at smart.gdrfad.gov.ae

For other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain), applications are processed through ICP customer happiness centres or the ICP Smart Services portal where the case qualifies for online processing. Contact ICP at 600 522 222 to confirm which channel applies to your case.

Can You Return to the UAE After Using an Exit Permit?

An exit permit by itself does not impose a re-entry ban. If you cleared all fines, followed the legal departure process, and no immigration ban was placed on your file, you are eligible to apply for a new UAE visa in the future. Standard visa eligibility criteria will apply — nationality, sponsor requirements, purpose of visit, and any other conditions.

However, re-entry may be blocked in the following situations:

• Immigration ban imposed: If you departed with unpaid fines and GDRFA recorded an IRIS scan with permanent deprivation, a ban will be on your file. The duration and terms of the ban vary by case.
• Absconding case on record: If an employer filed an absconding report against you and the case was not resolved, this can affect future visa applications.
• Extended overstay history: Repeated or prolonged overstays can influence future visa decisions, even if fines were paid. Immigration authorities have discretion over future approvals.
• Pending legal or criminal cases: Exit permits are generally not granted while criminal cases are active. Even if you manage to depart, unresolved cases may create complications for re-entry.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Arriving at the Airport Without Settling Fines

Immigration systems at UAE airports automatically flag overstayed passports. If you attempt to depart without clearing your fines and obtaining the necessary exit permit, you will be detained at the airport and prevented from boarding until everything is settled. This can mean missed flights, additional costs, and significant stress. Always pay fines and apply for the exit permit before heading to the airport — ideally at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Applying for an Exit Permit with a Pending Criminal Case

Individuals with active criminal cases, financial disputes, or travel bans imposed by courts generally cannot obtain an exit permit until the matter is resolved. Immigration authorities check for active restrictions before issuing a departure permit. If you suspect a legal case may be pending against you, consult a legal adviser and confirm your status through the GDRFA fines inquiry service or ICP portal before booking travel.

Newborn Exit Permit Without Father’s Consent

GDRFA Dubai requires the father’s personal attendance or a certified power of attorney for newborn departure permits. In separation or divorce cases, the custodial parent must provide both the divorce certificate and the custody ruling. Failing to bring these documents will result in the application being rejected on the spot.

Relying on a Typing Centre Without Checking Your Status First

Typing centres and PRO service providers can assist with the paperwork, but they cannot override immigration holds, bans, or system flags. Before engaging a typing centre, check your immigration status and fine balance through the GDRFA fines inquiry service or the ICP Smart Services portal to understand what you owe and whether any restrictions exist.

Grace Periods: When the Exit Permit Clock Starts

Understanding your grace period is critical because the exit permit (and its associated fines) only become relevant once you are in overstay — that is, once your visa and any applicable grace period have both expired. The UAE Government Portal confirms that grace periods range from 30 days to 6 months depending on the visa category.

Visa Category	Typical Grace Period After Cancellation/Expiry
Tourist / visit visa (prepaid)	No grace period — overstay fines start immediately after expiry
Visa on arrival (30-day)	10 days (specifically for applying for an extension, not for additional stay)
Standard employment visa	30–90 days (varies by skill level and emirate)
Golden Visa holders and family	Up to 180 days (6 months)
Green Visa holders and family	Up to 180 days (6 months)
Investor visa	Up to 180 days (6 months)
Widow/divorcee of a UAE resident	Up to 180 days, plus possible 1-year extension
Student (post-graduation)	Varies — 30 days (parent-sponsored) up to 180 days (institution-sponsored)

How to check your grace period: Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae, log in, go to Public Services → File Validity. The system shows the number of “allowed days to stay in the country” remaining. Your visa cancellation form also shows the exact last date by which you must exit or change status.

UAE Amnesty Programmes and Exit Permits

The UAE has periodically announced amnesty programmes that allow overstayers to regularise their status or exit without fines. Notable recent programmes include a 2018 amnesty (August–October) that benefited nearly 100,000 people, and a 2024 programme (September–December) that granted additional grace for expired residence permits. As of March 2026, there is no active amnesty programme. Standard fines and exit permit procedures apply in full. Monitor official ICP and GDRFA announcements for any future amnesty windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an exit permit and an out pass in the UAE?

They are the same document. “Exit permit” and “departure permit” are the official terms used by GDRFA Dubai and ICP. “Out pass” is an informal term widely used by typing centres, PRO services, and the general public. All three refer to the government-issued document that authorises a foreigner to leave the UAE when they no longer hold a valid visa.

How much does a UAE exit permit cost in 2026?

The GDRFA Dubai government fee is AED 200 (AED 241 with knowledge and innovation fees). Amer centre or typing centre service charges add approximately AED 50–100. The total before overstay fines is typically AED 220–320. All accumulated overstay fines (AED 50 per day) must be paid separately before the permit is issued.

How long does it take to get a UAE exit permit?

GDRFA Dubai lists the expected processing time as 48 hours. In practice, many straightforward cases are processed within the same day or within 24 hours. Cases involving lost passports, pending legal matters, or complex immigration histories may take longer.

Can I apply for a UAE exit permit online?

In Dubai, establishments (sponsors) can apply through the GDRFA Smart Services portal at smart.gdrfad.gov.ae. Individual applicants generally need to attend in person at an Amer centre or GDRFA office, particularly if IRIS biometric capture is required. For other emirates, ICP Smart Services may offer online processing for certain categories — contact ICP at 600 522 222 to confirm eligibility.

How long is the exit permit valid once issued?

The departure permit is typically valid for 7–10 days from the date of issuance. You must leave the UAE within this period. The permit is for a single use and cannot be extended.

Can I return to the UAE after departing on an exit permit?

Yes, provided no immigration ban was placed on your record. If all fines were paid and you departed through proper legal channels, you remain eligible to apply for a new visa. However, if you left with an IRIS scan and permanent deprivation (due to unpaid fines), a re-entry ban may be in effect. The duration of bans varies and should be confirmed with GDRFA or ICP.

What happens if I overstay the exit permit validity?

If you fail to depart before the exit permit expires, you will need to apply for a new departure permit. Additional overstay fines will continue to accrue at AED 50 per day. Repeated non-departure may escalate your case and result in stricter enforcement measures.

Can I get an exit permit if I have a pending court case?

Generally, no. Active criminal cases, financial disputes, or court-imposed travel bans will prevent the issuance of an exit permit. The case must be resolved and any restrictions lifted before you can apply. Seek legal advice if you are in this situation.

Do children born in the UAE need an exit permit?

If a newborn has not been issued a UAE residence visa and needs to travel, a departure permit must be obtained. The father’s personal attendance is required, or the mother must present a notarised POA from the father. In divorce cases, the custodial parent must provide the custody ruling and divorce certificate.

What is IRIS biometric and when is it required for exit permits?

IRIS refers to eye biometric scanning conducted by GDRFA. It is required when an overstayer cannot or does not pay their accumulated fines. In this case, the departure permit is issued with “permanent deprivation,” meaning an immigration ban is placed on the individual’s file. Paying all fines before departure avoids the IRIS requirement and the associated ban.

Official Sources

This article references information from the following UAE government authorities and official portals:

• GDRFA Dubai — Issuance of a Departure Permit (Exit Permit Service)
• ICP — Issue Departure Permit (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
• UAE Government Portal — Visa Fees and Fines
• UAE Government Portal — General Provisions for the Residence Visa (Grace Periods)
• ICP Smart Services Portal — File Validity and Visa Status Check
• GDRFA Dubai Smart Services — Online Visa Services
• GDRFA Dubai — Fines Inquiry Service
• UAE Government Portal — Entry Permits

UAE immigration regulations, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify requirements with GDRFA Dubai (800 5111), ICP (600 522 222), or the relevant immigration authority in your emirate before proceeding.