Why am I being stopped at the airport?
The most common reasons are an arrest warrant, a travel ban or an immigration or drug issue. Under Article 99 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law) the Prosecutor can issue a travel ban or arrest warrant, and the ban is circulated to all ports of the State.
An arrest warrant issued by the Prosecutor is enforceable across the State (Article 101), so it can be executed at an airport.
What happens on arrival?
A foreigner must have a valid passport and visa, and enter through approved ports (Article 4 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021). Drugs and prescribed medicine are the most frequent customs problems.
Possessing or bringing in a controlled substance is an offence (see our airport drug cases guide).
What are my rights when stopped?
Before your statements are heard you must be told the charge and your right to remain silent, and you must be sent to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours (Article 48 of the Criminal Procedures Law).
Ask for an interpreter, do not sign statements you cannot read, and have someone call a lawyer. If you are only in transit, you are still within the territory of the State and subject to its law.
Does transit protect me?
No. The Crimes and Penalties Law applies to crimes committed on the territory of the State, which includes the airspace and airports (Article 17).
A transit passenger with a warrant or banned item can be stopped like any other. Check your status before you fly.
What should I do first?
Stay calm and polite
Resistance makes it worse.
Ask for an interpreter and a lawyer
Say so clearly.
Do not sign unclear statements
They are used later.
Have family call us at any hour
We act while you are processed.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be arrested in transit?
Yes. The law applies on the territory of the State, including the airspace (Article 17 of the Crimes and Penalties Law).
How long can I be held?
You must reach the Public Prosecution within 48 hours (Article 48 of the Criminal Procedures Law).
Who issues the bans?
The Prosecutor can issue a travel ban or arrest warrant, circulated to all ports (Article 99).
Will I miss my flight?
If you are held, almost certainly. Focus on the legal position first.
Related guides
Airport Criminal Cases overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewAirport Drug Cases
What happens when a controlled substance or prescribed medicine is found at a UAE airport, and how the law treats entering with a substance.
Read the guideCheck a Travel Ban
How a criminal travel ban arises, why you should check before you travel, and how a ban can be changed or lifted.
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: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 7 September 2026. The Arabic text prevails over translations. Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 (Entry and Residence of Foreigners), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 16 September 2021. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.