The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that citizens can obtain a 'Return Document' electronically within 30 minutes if their ordinary passports are lost, damaged, or expired during their travels outside the country.

The service is available through the ministry's website and mobile application around the clock.

The ministry urges Emirati travelers to familiarize themselves with the necessary documents required to apply for the return document in such cases and to keep electronic copies prior to their travels.

A video shared on the ministry's social media accounts outlines the steps to utilize the service, which begins with signing in using a digital identity when selecting the 'Return Document' service on the traveler's services page.

Applicants must upload the required documents and will receive the Return Document within thirty minutes.

For a lost passport, the ministry specifies three required documents: a copy of the lost passport, a copy of the loss report, and a recent passport-sized photo with a white background.

In cases of a damaged passport, necessary documents include a copy of the damaged passport, a recent passport-sized photo with a white background, and a written explanation detailing the reasons for the passport damage.

The ministry emphasizes its commitment to providing innovative services that accompany citizens wherever they are and ensuring their comfort and safety during foreign travels.

The UAE passport has retained its position as the strongest passport in the world, according to the Passport Index developed by Arton Capital, which ranks passport strength for 198 countries.

The UAE passport currently allows holders to travel to 179 countries without a prior visa, including 133 destinations that require no visa, and 46 destinations where visas are issued on arrival.

This enables citizens to visit over 90% of the countries worldwide listed in the index, with only 19 countries necessitating a prior visa.

The classification is based on the number of travel destinations accessible to citizens of a nation without needing to obtain a visa in advance or receive a visa upon arrival at their destination.

Notably, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented a comprehensive plan at the start of Ramadan to ensure the highest levels of support and monitoring for citizens during the Umrah season via its advanced digital services, available on its website and mobile application, facilitating transactions with ease while providing an immediate response to emergency situations faced by travelers during their trips.

In an effort to enhance services for senior citizens and People of Determination, the ministry has made it possible for their family members to register them for the 'Tawajudi' service through the ministry's website, mobile application, or via WhatsApp, aiding support teams in attending to their needs and providing necessary assistance while they are abroad.

The Ministry also stated that support teams are available around the clock to respond to inquiries from citizens and provide necessary assistance through their contact center, accessible at the number 0097180044444.