Who is eligible for a UAE Diplomatic Passport?

Under Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 on Nationality and Passports, UAE Diplomatic Passports (Red Cover) are issued by MoFA exclusively to Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, members of the Supreme Council, Cabinet Ministers, accredited Ambassadors, diplomats, and high-ranking military commanders.

What is the difference between a UAE Diplomatic Passport and a Special Passport?

Diplomatic Passports (Red Cover) grant full diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention to active diplomats and ministers. Special Passports (Green Cover) are issued to FNC members, senior government officials, and VIPs for official travel privileges without full diplomatic immunity.

Which ministry issues official state passports in the UAE?

All Diplomatic, Special, and Service Passports in the UAE are issued and regulated directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Protocol Department.

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MoFA Diplomatic Protocol & Federal Law 17/1972

UAE Diplomatic & Special Passports Guide

Official guide to UAE Diplomatic (Red), Special (Green), and Service Passports — MoFA issuing authority, Vienna Convention immunities, eligibility tiers, and state VIP privileges.

Official State Travel Documents

In addition to standard citizen passports, the UAE issues specialized official passports under **Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 on Nationality and Passports**.

Select a passport tier below to review eligibility criteria, issuing protocols, and diplomatic privileges.

UAE Diplomatic Passport (Red Cover)

Passport Feature	Requirement & Protocol
Eligible Dignitaries & Officials	Rulers of Emirates, Crown Princes, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors, Diplomats, & High Military Commanders
Diplomatic & Travel Privileges	Diplomatic immunity under Vienna Convention, priority airport fast-track, visa-free access to 190+ countries
Issuing Authority	Issued exclusively by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

Vienna Convention Immunities

🏛️ Personal Inviolability: Immunity from arrest or detention in host country
🏛️ Diplomatic Baggage Exemption: Exemption from customs inspection for diplomatic pouch
🏛️ Tax Immunity: Tax and duty exemption in accordance with international treaties

MoFA Protocol Department

The MoFA Protocol Department manages official passports:

📋 Issuance upon decree by UAE President or Cabinet
📋 Direct coordination with foreign embassies for diplomatic visa clearance
📋 Mandatory surrender of mission passports upon completion of assignment

Frequently Asked Questions

Issued by MoFA exclusively to Rulers of Emirates, Crown Princes, Ministers, Ambassadors, diplomats, and high-ranking military commanders.

Diplomatic Passports (Red) grant full diplomatic immunity under Vienna Convention. Special Passports (Green) grant VIP travel privileges to senior officials without immunity.

Issued directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Protocol Department.

🌐 UAE Passport Global Ranking Matrix →🇦🇪 UAE Citizenship & Naturalization Laws Guide →

MoFA Protocol Portal

• MoFA Protocol Services Portal: mofa.gov.ae