The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that all immigration departments will be closed from Tuesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 8, 2025, in celebration of Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant Islamic holidays. This temporary suspension of services will affect a wide range of immigration-related functions, including visa applications, residency permits, and customer service operations.
As travel activity typically surges during religious holidays, the closure is expected to cause processing delays and backlogs that may extend beyond the five-day holiday. Authorities urge both residents and travelers to prepare well in advance to avoid disruptions and legal complications.
Key Immigration Services to Be Unavailable
During the Eid Al Adha break, several core services provided by UAE immigration offices will be paused. Anyone planning to submit or follow up on immigration-related applications should take note of the following temporary shutdowns:
Visa Processing
All new visa applications, extensions, and status modifications will be suspended. Any pending requests submitted shortly before June 4 may experience slower processing or temporary halts due to reduced staffing levels.
Residency Permit Applications
Requests for new UAE residency permits, renewals, or cancellations will not be handled during this period. Processing will resume when offices reopen on Sunday, June 9, though delays may occur due to the backlog.
Entry and Exit Stamping
While UAE airports and land border crossings will remain operational for travelers with valid documents, those requiring special immigration processing or additional checks may face minor delays. These include individuals with complex or exceptional visa cases.
Customer Service and Inquiries
Public support channels such as helplines and immigration call centers will be either closed or running with limited staff. Getting quick assistance or answers to pressing questions may be difficult during the holiday.
Fines and Immigration Violations
Immigration offices will also pause services related to fine payments (e.g., for overstaying a visa) and rectifying violations, leaving individuals unable to resolve urgent matters until after June 8.
Important Guidelines for Travelers and Residents
To minimize the impact of the immigration office closures, UAE authorities and legal experts recommend the following steps:
✅ Take Immediate Action on Pending Visa or Residency Issues
If you need to apply for a new visa, extend your stay, cancel a permit, or make changes to your immigration status, handle these tasks before June 4. Waiting too long could result in overstaying fines or travel disruptions.
✈️ Reconsider Travel Plans Dependent on Pending Visas
If your travel in or out of the UAE relies on an unapproved visa, it’s strongly advised to delay departure or entry until after the break. Immigration officers will not process incomplete applications during the closure.
📄 Double-Check Your Documents
Ensure that your entry permit, residency card, or visa is still valid. Travelers should print and carry physical copies of all relevant immigration documents to avoid issues at border control.
🔔 Monitor Official Channels for Updates
Use the UAE government’s official immigration website and communication platforms for any emergency announcements, procedural changes, or unexpected extensions to the closure period.
Travel During Eid Al Adha: What to Expect
Despite the closure of immigration offices, travelers should note that border control operations at airports and land crossings will continue as usual. However, staffing limitations could lead to longer wait times, especially for individuals flagged for further inspection.
Additionally, the volume of travelers during Eid Al Adha is historically high, meaning that even standard immigration processes may be slightly slower due to increased passenger traffic.
Post-Holiday Processing Delays Anticipated
When immigration departments resume operations on Sunday, June 9, a significant backlog of applications is expected. Delays in visa approvals, residency permit processing, and other immigration functions may persist for several days—possibly even weeks—after the holiday ends.
Authorities recommend factoring in this extended processing period when making travel, work, or residency plans.
Summary of Service Impact: June 4–8, 2025
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Visa Applications & Extensions | Unavailable |
| Residency Permits (New & Renewal) | Unavailable |
| Entry/Exit Stamping at Borders | Operational (with possible delays) |
| Customer Support & Inquiries | Limited or closed |
| Fine Payments & Violation Fixes | Unavailable |
Final Word: Prepare Early to Avoid Complications
With UAE immigration services set to pause for Eid Al Adha, early preparation is critical for anyone with active or upcoming visa and residency matters. Failing to act ahead of the closure could lead to legal penalties, travel interruptions, and financial burdens.
Whether you’re a long-term resident renewing your status, a tourist awaiting a visa, or an expatriate managing family permits, the message is clear: Act now. Don’t wait until it’s too late to handle essential immigration processes.
Stay informed through official government updates, confirm the validity of your documents, and plan any travel around the five-day closure window to ensure a stress-free Eid holiday.
