What should I do if I lose my Emirates ID in Dubai, UAE?

Emirates ID is a plastic card that is necessary to identify the user's identity. Without it, you are restricted in many activities, from visiting banks to using government services. Therefore, losing your EID is a serious incident that requires immediate action. Although there is a possibility that a conscientious citizen will hand over your card to the police and you will receive an SMS about its storage location. However, it is better to act immediately to avoid possible fraud-related problems.

The most important thing is not to panic. A clear plan of action will help you solve the problem quickly:

  • Contact the Identity and Citizenship Authority (ICA) as soon as possible. Delay could lead to misuse of your personal information. Check the ICA website for contact details and information on the nearest office.
  • You will need to file a formal report if your card is lost or stolen. Be prepared to provide details of what happened.
  • You will need your passport and a valid UAE visa to prove your identity. Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances.
  • You will need to pay a government fee to re-issue your ID card. At the time of writing, it is approximately AED 500. However, we recommend that you check the current cost directly with the ICA.
  • You can opt for the standard procedure, where the new card will be ready in about 48 hours, or you can use the express service and receive it in as little as 24 hours. Of course, you will have to pay extra for express processing.
  • After your new EID is ready, you will receive an SMS-notification to the phone number specified during registration. The message will contain information about where and when you can pick up your card.
  • It is important to remember that when you file a missing persons report, your old card is automatically deactivated. Even if it is found, it will not be possible to use it.

Note some guidelines:

Make copies of your passport, visa and Emirates ID. This will make it easier to recover in case of loss.
Check the terms of your medical and travel insurance. They may cover the cost of document recovery.
Do not leave your ID card unattended in public places. Be careful who you entrust your documents to.
By following these instructions and being vigilant, you can quickly recover your document and avoid potential threats. Remember that timely contacting ICA is the key to a successful and quick resolution of the problem.

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