How to get UAE Pass as a visitor in 2026

Updated October 2026

5 minutes

Updated October 2026. Registration steps checked against official UAE PASS and Ministry of Health and Prevention guidance and 2026 reporting.

UAE Pass is the country’s national digital identity, used to log in to thousands of government and private services. You do not need an Emirates ID to sign up: you can get UAE Pass as a visitor using your passport, or your national ID if you are a GCC citizen. This guide explains the steps, what a visitor account can do, and how to upgrade it when you become a resident.

Can tourists get UAE Pass?

Yes. Since 2022, UAE Pass has had a visitor category for people without an Emirates ID. Non-GCC visitors register with a passport, and GCC nationals can use their national ID card. Registration is free.

A visitor account is a basic account. It gives you access to the services that each provider has decided to open to visitors, which is a smaller set than residents get.

What do I need to register?

  • A smartphone with the UAE PASS app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
  • Your valid passport (or GCC national ID)
  • A mobile number, which can be a UAE number or a number from your home country
  • An email address

How do I register for UAE Pass as a visitor?

  1. Download the official UAE PASS app and tap to create a new account.
  2. Accept the terms and conditions.
  3. Choose the visitor option. Do not choose the resident or citizen option, which asks for an Emirates ID.
  4. Scan your passport (or GCC ID) when the app asks. If you do not have it with you, the app has an option to enter your details manually.
  5. Enter your details: full name, nationality, date of birth, mobile number and email. Confirm the one-time codes sent to your phone and email.
  6. Create a PIN to log in and approve requests.
  7. Complete the face check if the app asks for it, which links your face to your document and can strengthen your account.

Only use the official app. UAE Pass never asks for your PIN by phone, email or message.

What can I do with a visitor UAE Pass account?

The exact list depends on each government entity and company, and it changes over time. Services that visitors commonly use include:

  • Logging in to ICP smart services, for example to check or extend a visit visa
  • Some Dubai Police services, such as lost and found enquiries and tourist feedback
  • Selected leisure bookings, such as chalet and camping permits at some Dubai parks
  • Some private services, such as exchange houses that accept UAE Pass login

When a service does not accept visitor accounts, the login page will usually tell you and offer another way to sign in.

What can a visitor account not do?

UAE Pass has three account levels:

Level How you get it Typical use
Basic Passport or GCC ID, phone and email checks Visitors; limited services
Verified Linked to a valid Emirates ID and verified Most residents and citizens; full government services
Qualified Verified account plus biometric face check Legal, banking and business transactions, digital signing

Visitor accounts generally cannot use the full document vault or legally binding digital signatures, and most services that need a residency status, such as tenancy registration or utility connections, require a verified account.

How do I upgrade when I get residency?

  1. Wait until your Emirates ID is issued.
  2. Open the UAE PASS app and choose the option to upgrade or verify your account.
  3. Scan your Emirates ID and complete the face check in the app.
  4. If the app check fails, visit a UAE PASS kiosk at a government service centre or mall. The official locations list is on the UAE PASS self-care website.

After upgrading, you can use the same account for residency, traffic, health and housing services.

Is UAE Pass the same as the Emirates ID?

No. The Emirates ID is a physical and digital identity card issued by ICP to residents and citizens. UAE Pass is the login system that uses that identity online. Visitors can have a basic UAE Pass without an Emirates ID.

Moving to Dubai after your visit? Once your Emirates ID is ready, you can start looking at homes for rent in Dubai.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get UAE Pass without an Emirates ID?

Yes. Visitors can register with a passport, and GCC nationals with their national ID card. This creates a basic account with access to a limited set of services.

Is UAE Pass free for visitors?

Yes. Downloading the app and creating an account is free.

Can I use a foreign phone number for UAE Pass?

Yes. Visitors can register with a UAE number or a mobile number from their home country.

Can I sign documents with a visitor UAE Pass?

Usually not. Digital signing and the full document vault generally need a verified or qualified account linked to an Emirates ID.

How do I upgrade my UAE Pass after getting residency?

Once your Emirates ID is issued, use the upgrade option in the app to scan it and complete a face check, or visit a UAE PASS kiosk.

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