Travel Bans in the UAE are Enforced in Cases of Unpaid Debt, Bounced Cheques and Criminal Offences

Travel bans in the UAE are often misunderstood, largely due to limited legal awareness and confusion between civil and criminal procedures. These restrictions can have significant consequences, especially when individuals are unaware of what triggered the ban or the steps required to resolve it.

 

Travel bans are commonly linked to unpaid debts, bounced cheques, or ongoing criminal matters. In such cases, residents may be prevented from leaving the country until the underlying issue is settled.

 

The following guide explains how travel bans are issued, the difference between civil and criminal bans, and the legal pathways available to lift a ban.

 

How travel bans are Issued
 

A travel ban may arise from either a civil case or a criminal case. In civil matters -- often involving unpaid debt -- a creditor may request a travel ban after obtaining a court judgment. The creditor must open an execution case to enforce the judgment, and if the debtor fails to comply with the execution notice, a travel ban can be sought to prevent the debtor from leaving the UAE and evading repayment.

 

In specific circumstances, a creditor may request a travel ban even before filing a civil claim, provided there is clear evidence of liability and the case is filed within the legally prescribed timeframe.

 

Can a bounced cheque result in a travel ban?

Under UAE law, a bounced cheque is considered an executory instrument. This allows the creditor to directly initiate an execution case based on the cheque without first filing a full civil case. Once notified, the debtor is required to pay the amount specified. If the debtor does not comply, the creditor may request a travel ban to ensure payment is made.

 

How can a civil travel ban be lifted?

 

In civil cases, a travel ban may be lifted once the debtor pays the outstanding amount recorded in the court execution file. After payment, the debtor can apply for removal of enforcement measures such as travel restrictions. Once the court’s decision to lift the ban is communicated to the relevant authorities, the travel ban is treated as cancelled. The process is typically completed within a few days.

 

Travel bans in criminal cases

 

In criminal matters, travel bans are imposed by authorities such as the police or the Public Prosecution. These bans may apply to anyone required to remain available for investigation or trial. The ban usually remains in place until the investigation concludes or until a court issues a final decision.

 

Can UAE residents face a travel ban for unpaid bills?

 

Civil travel bans relating to unpaid debts fall under Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 (Civil Procedures Law), but only when certain conditions are met:

 

• The debt must be at least Dh10,000, excluding maintenance claims, wage-related obligations, or behavioural obligations.
• There must be strong indications that the debtor intends to leave the UAE.
• The creditor must submit an Order on Petition, a fast-track judicial request.
• The debt must be clearly established, due, and unconditional; if the amount is uncertain, a judge may temporarily estimate it.
• The claim must be supported by written evidence, and the creditor must provide a guarantee to cover damages should the claim be rejected.
   

A judge may order retention of the debtor’s passport and circulate the ban across all UAE exit points. The ban remains until the debt is settled, the creditor agrees to its removal, or the case is extinguished as outlined in Article 325 of the Civil Procedures Law.

 

Can traffic fines alone trigger a travel ban?

 

Generally, traffic offences on their own are not grounds for a travel ban. The type and severity of the violation determine whether further legal measures apply.

 

1. Administrative traffic violations

Minor offences -- such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals -- are classified as administrative violations under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation. These typically carry fines or may result in vehicle impoundment but do not justify a travel ban.

 

However, if fines remain unpaid, the matter can escalate into a civil debt under Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022, which may eventually lead to a civil travel ban.

 

1. Criminal traffic offences

 

More serious violations may lead to criminal proceedings and the possibility of a travel ban. These include:

 

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless driving causing injury or death
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Persistent refusal to pay substantial fines despite formal warnings

 

In such cases, authorities may impose a travel ban under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedure Law).

 

Civil vs criminal travel bans in the UAE

 

Civil travel bans
 

(Article 324, Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 – Civil Procedures Law)

 

• Requested by creditors through a judicial petition
• Requires a minimum debt of Dh10,000
• Can be issued if a judgment exists or in certain pre-judgment circumstances
• Applies to loans, rent arrears, credit card dues, and contractual obligations
• Does not apply to unpaid traffic fines
   

Criminal travel bans
 

(Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 – Criminal Procedure Law)

 

• Imposed by police or the Public Prosecution
• Applied in cases involving criminal offences such as DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run incidents
• Remains until investigations conclude, penalties are paid, or the case proceeds to court
   

Conclusion
 

Civil travel bans for unpaid debts are regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022, while travel bans linked to serious traffic offences fall under criminal law and are enforced by the Public Prosecution or police. Understanding the difference between civil and criminal bans --and the legal routes available to resolve them -- is essential for anyone facing restrictions on travel in the UAE.

 

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