How does a criminal travel ban arise?
Under Article 99 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 Promulgating the Criminal Procedures Law, the Prosecutor may, according to the circumstances, order that the accused be banned from travel. The order is circulated to all ports of the State.
A travel ban can also be a condition of release on bail. Article 109(1) lists release on a personal guarantee, a bail bond or with a travel ban. Travel bans can arise in other kinds of proceedings too, which this guide does not cover.
How do I find out whether I have one?
Ask a lawyer to check with the authority handling the matter, and do not test it by going to the airport.
A ban can exist without you having been told, and discovering it at the airport can lead to being held or arrested if there is also a warrant. A lawyer can check for a travel ban and an arrest warrant together, because the Prosecutor can issue either under Article 99.
How can a travel ban be changed or lifted?
Through an application to the authority that holds the file, supported by reasons and guarantees.
The law gives the Public Prosecution power to order provisional release at any time, on its own initiative or at your request, until the case is sent to court (Article 108(2)). Where a travel ban is a bail condition, Article 109(2) allows the Prosecutor to change, replace or overturn the bail condition. Once the case is in court, the court decides.
How is a travel ban different from an arrest warrant?
They are separate measures. A travel ban stops you leaving. An arrest warrant authorises your arrest.
Article 99(1) allows the Prosecutor to issue a notice to appear, an arrest warrant or a travel ban according to the circumstances, and the judicial police can also issue an arrest warrant under Article 47 where the accused is not at the crime scene.
What should I do first?
Do not travel until you are sure
An airport arrest is far worse than a delay.
Give your lawyer your passport and ID details
They are needed for the check.
Identify the authority involved
Police, prosecution or court, and the case reference.
Prepare a lifting application
With reasons, guarantees and proof of your ties to the UAE.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can the prosecution order a travel ban?
Yes. Article 99(1) allows the Prosecutor to order that the accused be banned from travel, and the order is circulated to all ports of the State (Article 99(2)).
Can I be banned from travel as a bail condition?
Yes. Article 109(1) allows release on bail with a travel ban.
Can I leave while a criminal case is open?
Often not if there is a ban. A lawyer can tell you your actual position before you plan anything.
Can a ban be varied?
The Prosecutor can change, replace or overturn a bail condition (Article 109(2)), and the prosecution can order provisional release at any time before the case is sent to court (Article 108(2)).
Related guides
Travel Bans & Arrest Warrants overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewBail Application
Who decides on release, what forms bail can take, how it is paid, and what happens to the money if conditions are broken.
Read the guideRights After Arrest
What the law says must happen after an arrest: being told the charge, the right to remain silent, access to a lawyer, an interpreter and the time limits for seeing the prosecution.
Read the guideSources
Source: official English text of the Criminal Procedures Law on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active, in force from 1 March 2023 and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.