UAE Announces 5-Day Immigration Office Closure Ahead of Eid Al Adha

By Achimi muktar

If you’re planning a trip to or from the United Arab Emirates anytime soon, this is not the week to procrastinate. The UAE has officially announced the closure of all immigration offices from Tuesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 8, 2025, in celebration of Eid Al Adha—and the ripple effects could impact thousands of travelers and residents.

During this five-day stretch, immigration services such as visa applications, renewals, status changes, and residency permit processing will come to a halt. And while border control operations at airports and land crossings will remain open, delays are almost guaranteed, especially for travelers with special immigration cases or pending documentation.

Whether you’re waiting on a new visa, need to renew your residency, or plan to correct an overstaying fine, you’re out of luck during the holiday window. Here’s a breakdown of what’s affected:

🛂 Visa Applications: All new applications, extensions, and status changes will be paused.

🏠 Residency Permits: No new issues, renewals, or cancellations will be processed.

🛃 Entry/Exit Stamping: Available only for travelers with valid visas or visa-on-arrival eligibility. Expect extra scrutiny and possible delays for special cases.

📞 Customer Service: Immigration helplines and support centers will be minimally staffed, if open at all.

💸 Fine Payments: Services related to overstaying penalties or immigration violations will also be unavailable.

When offices reopen on Sunday, June 9, officials warn that a wave of backlogged applications could further slow processing times. The period immediately after Eid is typically one of the busiest for immigration offices, so applicants should brace for extended delays well beyond the holiday.

To avoid disruptions, stranded travel plans, or fines, here are the UAE government’s top recommendations:

✅ Handle All Immigration Business Before June 4: Whether it’s a visa renewal or status update, do it now.

✈ Delay Travel If Your Visa Is Pending: If your travel depends on a visa approval, don’t risk leaving or entering during the closure.

📄 Double-Check Your Documents: Make sure your entry permits or visas are valid, and print physical copies to carry with you.

📲 Monitor Official Channels: Keep an eye on UAE immigration’s official website and social media pages for real-time updates or unexpected changes.

Eid Al Adha is a time for celebration—but if you ignore this immigration pause, it could turn into an expensive mistake. The message from UAE authorities is loud and clear: Plan ahead or prepare for delays.

So whether you’re a tourist, a resident, or a business traveler—now is the time to act. Because from June 4 to 8, immigration doors will be closed, and reentry into the system could take much longer than expected.