Key takeaways
- The UAE government portal lists Dubai Police's financial cases service for checking a travel ban.
- The Estafser service checks for claims that prohibit you from travelling.
- The Public Prosecution offers a cases inquiry.
- If a case or ban appears, the portal suggests a lawyer or the nearest immigration office or police station.
- Lifting a ban is a legal matter; a licensed advocate can explain the options.
Where to check
| Service | Run by | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Travel ban check | Dubai Police (website and app) | Linked on the UAE government portal as the travel ban check |
| Estafser | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department | Claims that prohibit you from travelling |
| Cases inquiry | UAE Public Prosecution | Cases with the Public Prosecution |
| Smart police stations | Dubai Police | In-person help with police matters |
The portal doesn't publish fees or the exact details each service needs, so have your Emirates ID, passport and any case number ready.
Why a travel ban happens
The UAE government portal says you may have a travel ban if you have a pending legal case in the UAE. Financial claims are a common source of cases: since 2 January 2022, a cheque returned for insufficient funds can go straight to the execution judge as an enforceable instrument, according to the Central Bank of the UAE.
What to do if a case or ban appears
- Find out which authority issued it and the case number.
- Get the case details from that authority or your lawyer.
- Ask a licensed advocate about your options, such as settling the claim or applying to lift the ban.
- Keep proof of settlement and the court's lifting order before you travel.
The UAE government portal advises checking and solving issues that might stop you at immigration counters, and says you may seek a lawyer's help or contact the nearest immigration office or police station.
Before you rely on a clear result
Each service covers its own records. A clear result in one doesn't mean nothing exists elsewhere, so check the services that match where you've lived and worked. Some employers and embassies also ask for a police clearance certificate, which shows whether you have a UAE criminal record.
Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives.
Sources
- UAE government portal: preliminary checks before you travel
- Dubai Police: financial cases
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department: Estafser
- UAE Public Prosecution: cases inquiry
- Central Bank of the UAE: cheques FAQ under the Commercial Transactions Law
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.