Can UAE residents travel using a second passport if their Emirates ID and visa file are linked to another passport?

In late August 2026, answering a question about two passports, a participant wrote that if both passports were issued by the same country, it makes no difference which one you use to enter and leave, even if the Emirates ID is linked to only one of them so far. This is residents' experience, not an official clarification; if in doubt, check with the UAE immigration authority.

If the second passport is not yet in the visa file, participants say it gets linked at the border at any point — on entry or on exit. They suggest allowing about 15 extra minutes just in case.

Linking does not always work the first time: in August 2026 a resident said their second passport was finally linked only on the fourth attempt. Now, though, they cross the border on either passport without problems.

The second passport can also be used for visas to other countries: in August 2026 participants wrote that visas are processed relatively quickly in the UAE, and many visa centres accept a copy of the passport linked to the Emirates ID together with the second, unlinked passport. The French visa centre was given as an example of accepting a second passport not linked to the Emirates ID. Check the specific visa centre's requirements in advance.