Can my passport be held in a case?
Judicial police officers may seize items involved in or resulting from a crime, or anything that may reveal the truth (Article 61 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)). The law does not single out passports, so whether one is held depends on the case and any bail condition.
The Dubai Public Prosecution website lists a service called Receiving a passport among its most used services, which shows that passports are returned through the prosecution in some cases.
How are seized items returned?
Items seized during the investigation may be returned to their rightful owners even before the judgment, unless they are necessary for proceeding with the case or are subject to confiscation (Article 78).
A writ of replevin may be issued by the Public Prosecution, and the court may order replevin during the hearing (Article 80). When the case is closed, the Prosecutor decides on the seized items (Article 83).
Is there a deadline to claim items?
Yes. Items not reclaimed within five years after the criminal action is finally determined, or after an order that the case cannot proceed to trial, become the property of the public treasury without a judgment (Article 84).
Do not wait. Ask for return in writing as soon as the reason for holding the item has gone.
What if I need to travel?
A held passport is different from a travel ban, but they often go together. A travel ban may be a bail condition (Article 109), and the Prosecutor may change, replace or overturn a bail condition (Article 109(2)).
Your lawyer can apply for return of the passport, a lifting of the ban or permission for a specific trip, with guarantees. See our guide on how to remove a travel ban.
What should I do first?
Ask for a receipt for anything taken
A record of what was seized.
Request return in writing
Explain why it is not needed.
Check for a separate travel ban
Return of the passport does not lift it.
Use the official service only
Ask your lawyer which applies.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can police keep my passport?
They can seize items that may reveal the truth (Article 61), but must return items not needed for the case (Article 78).
Can I get it back before the case ends?
Yes, items may be returned before judgment unless needed or subject to confiscation (Article 78).
Is there a time limit to claim?
Five years after the case is finally determined (Article 84).
Does getting my passport back let me leave?
Not if there is a travel ban. The two are separate.
Related guides
Travel Bans & Arrest Warrants overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewRemove a Travel Ban
Who can lift a criminal travel ban and the routes available at each stage of a case.
Read the guideBail Conditions
The conditions that can be attached to bail, how the amount is set and what happens if you breach a condition.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations. Source for the service names: the official Dubai Police and Dubai Public Prosecution websites, checked 9 October 2026. Service names and channels can change, so confirm on the site before relying on them.
This page is general information, not legal advice.