Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is a US Refugee Travel Document and Who Needs It?
- How the UAE and Airlines Generally Handle Refugee Travel Documents
- The Full Legal and Practical Picture: What You Must Consider
- Before You Book: The Exact Steps You Must Take
- Written Communication Scripts You Can Use
- Two Critical Lists You Can Use Immediately
- Realistic Alternatives If Dubai Will Not Accept Your I-571
- Transit and Connecting Flights: What Can Go Wrong
- What Happens at Dubai Immigration If You Arrive With an I-571?
- Re-Entry to the United States: What to Expect
- Regional Context: How Gulf Countries Treat Travel Documents
- How Saudi Travel & Leisure Helps You Plan This Kind Of Trip
- Real-World Decision Framework: How to Choose the Best Option
- Case-by-Case Scenarios and Practical Advice
- Tools and Resources to Make This Practical
- When to Consult an Attorney
- Local Cultural and Practical Tips for Visiting Dubai Safely
- Final Checklist Before You Depart
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Dubai is a magnet for families, short escapes, and business travelers across the globe. If you hold a United States Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571), you may be wondering whether that document opens the door to the UAE—or whether you’ll run into roadblocks when you try to board a flight or apply for a visa. This article gives a clear, experienced answer and a step-by-step blueprint so you can plan with confidence.
Short answer: The simple reality is that many carriers and Gulf immigration authorities expect a national passport for visa issuance and entry, and the United Arab Emirates commonly treats refugee travel documents differently from regular passports. That means travel to Dubai on a US Refugee Travel Document is often restricted or denied unless you secure advance confirmation from the airline and the UAE consulate. There are practical workarounds—but each has legal and personal implications that must be handled carefully.
This post will explain what a US Refugee Travel Document is, how UAE and airlines typically handle travel documents, what steps you must take before booking, realistic alternatives if Dubai will not accept your document, how re-entry to the United States works, and the precise checklist and scripts you can use when contacting consulates and airlines. As the KSA Travel Insider at Saudi Travel & Leisure, I combine cultural insight with logistics to give you a blueprint for a safe, practical travel decision.
What Is a US Refugee Travel Document and Who Needs It?
The purpose and legal basis of the I-571
A US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) is issued by USCIS to individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States, and to certain derivative refugees or asylees. It acts as a travel document in place of a national passport when you cannot safely obtain one from your country of origin. It also serves as the authorized document to return to the United States for people who do not hold lawful permanent resident status.
The document is intended to comply with international norms that allow people with refugee status to travel internationally when a national passport is not a safe option.
Distinguish your status: refugee/asylee vs lawful permanent resident
Your travel needs and options depend on your precise immigration status:
- If you are an asylee or refugee in the US but not yet a lawful permanent resident (no green card), the I-571 is the travel document you must use to return to the U.S. After travel, a Refugee Travel Document is the usual lawful way to re-enter.
- If you have become a lawful permanent resident (you hold a Green Card), you can re-enter the U.S. using your Green Card. Depending on circumstances, you might still opt for an I-571, a re-entry permit, or your original national passport for certain trips—each choice carries different implications, which I cover below.
How the UAE and Airlines Generally Handle Refugee Travel Documents
UAE visa and passport expectations
The United Arab Emirates bases its standard visa practices on presentation of a valid national passport with a minimum period of remaining validity—commonly six months. UAE authorities and visa-issuing service providers require machine-readable passports for many visa categories, and their online systems are optimized for standard passport types.
Official guidance repeatedly notes that holders of non-standard passports and travel documents “may have different entry requirements.” That wording is intentionally broad: it signals that visa issuance can be a case-by-case decision and that some travel documents are accepted while others are not.
Airlines and carrier liability: why airlines may refuse you
Airlines are responsible for ensuring that any passenger they board has the documents required for entry to the destination country. If the destination will deny entry to someone traveling on a particular travel document, the airline risks fines and repatriation costs. For that reason, carriers often adopt conservative policies and refuse to board travelers whose tickets show a travel document that the destination typically will not accept.
Carriers will rely on the destination’s published requirements, internal guidance, or direct confirmation from the destination’s consular services. That means even if the UAE immigration desk in a rare case might allow entry, the airline can still refuse to transport you unless you have written confirmation.
Practical consequence
In practice, many travelers holding a US Refugee Travel Document have reported that Gulf states—including the UAE—do not issue tourist visas to RTD holders in the same way they do to national passport holders. This creates two common outcomes: visa rejection at application stage, or airline refusal to board.
The Full Legal and Practical Picture: What You Must Consider
Re-entry to the United States: keep this front and center
If you are not a lawful permanent resident, you must have a valid Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States after travel. Leaving without the appropriate document may result in denial of re-entry or placement into removal proceedings. If you are a green card holder, your Green Card is normally your re-entry document; however, some countries require that you present a national passport for entry or visa issuance, and that can create tension if you don’t want to use that passport.
Always prioritize lawful re-entry documentation: the consequences of a denied return to the United States are severe.
National passport: the option and its immigration implications
If you can safely renew or use your national passport for travel, many Gulf countries (including the UAE) will accept that passport for visa issuance. But for asylum seekers and refugees, this raises two major concerns:
- Safety: If you left your country because of a well-founded fear of persecution, returning to its embassy to renew or use a passport might be dangerous or delegitimize your asylum claim. You must assess safety and confidentiality before attempting this route.
- Immigration consequences: Using a passport from your country of origin does not automatically negate your asylum claim, but during naturalization or other adjudications officials may ask about foreign travel. Many successful applicants have used their national passport for legitimate family visits. Still, the safest plan is to consult an immigration attorney if there is any risk that contact with your country’s diplomatic mission could affect your status.
Advance parole, re-entry permits, and other USCIS documents
USCIS provides several travel options for people with pending or temporary immigration statuses, including advance parole documents and re-entry permits. These documents serve different populations and have different legal effects:
- Advance Parole (I-131): Generally used by people with pending adjustment-of-status applications or certain humanitarian programs. Traveling without it can be treated as abandonment of an application.
- Re-entry Permit: For permanent residents who will be away for extended periods.
- Refugee Travel Document (I-571): For refugees and asylees to return to the US.
If you have a pending application or uncertain status, consult an immigration lawyer before departing.
Before You Book: The Exact Steps You Must Take
Booking a flight to Dubai without confirming that both the airline and UAE authorities accept your travel document is risky. Follow these steps before purchasing tickets.
- Confirm which travel document you will use to enter the UAE and to return to the U.S. Clarify whether you will rely on an I-571, a national passport, a Green Card, or a combination.
- Contact the UAE consulate or embassy in your country of residence in writing, describe your travel document, and request explicit, written confirmation that a visa can be issued or that carriage is permitted for holders of the US Refugee Travel Document. Consular confirmations are the strongest evidence to show to an airline.
- Ask the airline in writing whether they will accept your I-571 for carriage to Dubai. Get a written response or a policy reference. A phone answer is not sufficient.
- If the UAE requires a passport to issue a visa, ask whether a visa can be obtained on arrival or whether pre-arranged visas are permitted for your document—again, secure written confirmation.
- If you are a non-LPR asylee/refugee, verify your return rights: confirm your I-571’s validity period and that it will not expire while you are abroad.
- If you cannot get acceptance from both airline and UAE consulate, consider an alternate destination or meeting place that will accept your RTD.
- Consult an immigration attorney if the only practical option is to use your national passport and you have concerns about how that will affect your asylum history or future naturalization.
To make these steps easy to action, the next sections provide scripts, document templates, and a quick checklist you can use directly.
Written Communication Scripts You Can Use
When dealing with embassies and airlines, clarity and documentation are critical. Use the templates below (edit to your details) to request confirmation in writing.
Script for the UAE Consulate / Embassy (email or online form)
Subject: Visa Eligibility for Holder of United States Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
Dear Consular Officer,
I am planning a temporary visit to the United Arab Emirates and I hold a United States Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571), issued by USCIS. I am not in possession of a valid national passport from my country of origin. Before I purchase airline tickets, I require written confirmation whether the UAE will accept my Refugee Travel Document for the purpose of issuing a tourist visa or permitting entry.
Details:
- Full name (as on travel document):
- Date of birth:
- Country of nationality (for the record):
- Document type: United States Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
- Document number and expiry date:
- Intended travel dates and purpose:
Please advise whether a visa can be issued against this document, whether any additional documentation is required, and if there are any special procedures I must follow.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Contact Information]
Script for the Airline (email to customer service or special services)
Subject: Carriage Confirmation for Passenger With US Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
Dear [Airline] Customer Service,
I plan to book a flight to Dubai (DXB) on [date] and I hold a United States Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). Before I purchase my ticket, I need written confirmation that [Airline] will permit me to check in and board using this travel document for carriage to Dubai, and that the carrier will not deny boarding in reliance on UAE entry requirements.
Passenger details:
- Full name:
- Travel document: United States Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
- Document number and expiry:
- Flight route and date (if known):
Please confirm whether any additional documentation (such as a visa pre-approval) will be required by your carrier to avoid denial of boarding.
Thank you, [Your Name]
Save and archive all responses. If you receive a refusal, do not rely on verbal assurances: request written confirmation, or consider other options.
Two Critical Lists You Can Use Immediately
Below are two concise lists to keep you organized. Use these instead of scattered notes—these are the only lists in this article, and they’re intentionally focused.
- Essential pre-book checklist:
- Identify which document you will use to enter the UAE and return to the U.S.
- Email the UAE consulate/embassy and request written confirmation.
- Email the airline and request written carriage confirmation.
- Verify visa application requirements and whether a visa can be granted on arrival.
- Confirm that your travel documents remain valid for the entire trip.
- Consider third-country alternatives before finalizing tickets.
- Consult an immigration attorney if in doubt.
- Document packing checklist for travel day:
- Original US Refugee Travel Document (I-571) plus photocopy.
- Valid Green Card (if you are a lawful permanent resident) or other U.S. re-entry document.
- Any national passport you plan to use, and evidence of passport validity.
- Printed, dated written confirmations from the UAE consulate and your airline.
- Visa confirmation or visa printout (if issued).
- Return ticket and hotel/reservation documentation.
- Contact information for your attorney and the nearest U.S. embassy.
These lists are designed to be a practical file you can print and carry on travel day.
Realistic Alternatives If Dubai Will Not Accept Your I-571
If the UAE will not issue a visa for your US Refugee Travel Document and the airline will not accept you for carriage, here are the practical options to consider, with the advantages and downsides of each.
Option: Use a national passport (if safe and possible)
Pros: Simplest route to enter Dubai; many Gulf states accept national passports for visas. If you can renew or use your national passport with no risk, this often solves the issue.
Cons: Safety and political concerns; contact with your country’s diplomatic mission may have consequences for asylum claims or your personal safety. Potential questions during later USCIS adjudications—consult counsel.
Option: Meet family in a third country that accepts RTDs
Pros: Avoids interaction with Gulf admission policies. Some countries routinely issue visas to RTD holders or allow visa-free entry for refugee travel documents.
Cons: You must find a convenient third country (flight logistics and cost), and you need to confirm that country’s acceptance of RTDs in writing. Not all supposedly friendly destinations accept RTDs for visa issuance, so verification is essential.
When suggesting a third country, consider travel convenience and the willingness of your family to travel onward. In the Gulf context, some travelers have met in countries across Europe, North Africa, or parts of Asia that have clearer RTD acceptance—but policies change frequently; verify before booking.
Option: Apply for advance parole or other USCIS travel documents
Pros: If you have a pending USCIS application that can generate an advance parole document, this could be an acceptable travel credential for re-entry or travel.
Cons: Not every person qualifies; applying takes time, and travel before approval can be treated as abandonment of an application.
Option: Delay the trip
Pros: Allows time to secure the correct documents without risk of being stranded or denied boarding.
Cons: Emotional cost and inconvenience; sometimes not possible for urgent family reunions.
Transit and Connecting Flights: What Can Go Wrong
When you have a non-standard travel document, transits can be a hidden trap. Some transit countries require transit visas for non-standard passports or will refuse to accept travelers without a valid national passport.
Before booking a connection:
- Confirm whether your transit country allows transit on an I-571 or whatever travel document you hold.
- Check whether you will need to pass through immigration during your connection (e.g., some low-cost carriers require you to collect bags and re-check, which may require entry clearance).
- Get written confirmation from the transit country’s consulate if the transit allowance is not clear.
Airlines will also check the entire itinerary when deciding whether to board you, not just the destination. So any weak link along the route can create a denial.
What Happens at Dubai Immigration If You Arrive With an I-571?
If you manage to reach Dubai and present your I-571 at immigration, the entry decision rests with the UAE immigration officer on duty. In a small number of cases, officers may allow admission based on humanitarian discretion or special permission. However, relying on this as a strategy is risky: you may be refused entry and returned on the next available flight. You also may be detained while the airline coordinates or while the consulate is contacted—an outcome most travelers want to avoid.
Always seek pre-approval. Written consular confirmation and airline carriage approval reduce the chance of on-the-spot refusal.
Re-Entry to the United States: What to Expect
If you hold an I-571 and plan to return to the United States, make sure the document will be valid for re-entry on your return date. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make the final decision about admission to the United States. Bring all supporting documents that demonstrate your lawful status in the US, including any green card, I-94 records, or Form I-797 approvals.
If you are a Green Card holder and use your green card for re-entry, keep in mind that leaving the U.S. on a passport from your country of origin does not usually invalidate your permanent resident status—but it may raise questions. Keep travel documentation clear and consistent.
If you have any doubts about admissibility (for example, because you have accrued unlawful presence or have prior removal orders), consult an immigration attorney before departing the United States.
Regional Context: How Gulf Countries Treat Travel Documents
Travel policies in Gulf countries are similar across the region but are not identical. Practically, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait often require national passports for standard tourist visas. That’s why many travelers consider meeting in a third country that has clearer RTD acceptance policies.
If your trip includes travel across the Gulf or onward travel within the region, plan for differences in entry rules and verify each country individually. For broader regional planning and context on visiting nearby countries, see our resources on travel across the Gulf and planning Gulf trips. For example, if you are considering a longer multi-city plan that includes stops in adjacent capitals, examine how each immigration office treats travel documents before finalizing an itinerary.
For travelers with ties to Saudi Arabia, or who are considering alternative visits, our site provides practical planning resources about visiting Saudi Arabia and regional logistics and cultural context that help you make an informed decision.
How Saudi Travel & Leisure Helps You Plan This Kind Of Trip
As the local expert voice for travel across the Kingdom and the Gulf, our mission is to provide the blueprint for an unforgettable trip—balancing cultural insight with rigorous logistics. When document complexity is the core issue, our portal offers practical checklists, local contact guidance, and regional travel frameworks that help you evaluate alternatives and minimize risk.
Visit our main portal to browse regional planning checklists and step-by-step frameworks you can adapt to your case. If you’re thinking more broadly and considering a trip that includes Saudi Arabia or other Gulf stops, our content explains local entry systems, cultural expectations, and transit considerations so you travel with confidence.
Real-World Decision Framework: How to Choose the Best Option
To make a confident decision, use this decision framework. Follow the sequence and stop as soon as you get a clear written answer that permits safe travel.
- Identify your required documents for BOTH entry to the UAE and re-entry to the US.
- Seek written confirmation from the UAE consulate specifying whether the I-571 is acceptable for visa issuance/entry.
- Seek written confirmation from your airline that they will accept carriage with your I-571.
- If either entity refuses, evaluate whether renewing or using your national passport is safe and feasible.
- If a national passport is not feasible, identify third-country alternatives and secure written confirmation from those embassies and carriers.
- If none of the above produces a safe option, postpone travel until you obtain a travel document that the destination and carriers will accept.
This framework reduces guesswork and ensures you have documented, auditable evidence for boarding and entry.
Case-by-Case Scenarios and Practical Advice
Below are common traveler situations and clear next actions.
Scenario A: You’re an asylee without a green card and only have an I-571
Next actions:
- Before buying tickets, get written confirmation from the UAE consulate and the airline.
- If either refuses, select a third country that accepts the I-571 and meet family there.
- Never leave the U.S. without your I-571 if you need it to return.
Scenario B: You hold a green card and an expired national passport
Next actions:
- A green card allows re-entry to the U.S., but the UAE typically requires a valid national passport for visa issuance.
- If renewing your passport from your country of origin is safe, consider renewal strictly for travel and return.
- If you cannot safely renew, explore meeting in a country that accepts I-571 or secure a visa waiver through a qualifying third-country residency (very specific cases).
Scenario C: You need to travel urgently (family emergency)
Next actions:
- Contact USCIS for emergency travel procedures and potential expedite requests if your case involves re-entry documents or advance parole.
- Contact the airline and consulate immediately for emergency guidance; get any approvals in writing.
- Consult an immigration attorney on whether emergency travel will impact pending USCIS benefits.
Tools and Resources to Make This Practical
- Keep a single folder (digital and printed) with all travel documents, consular confirmations, airline emails, visa prints, and return ticket information.
- Save the contact details for the UAE consulate you contacted, the airline special services desk, and your immigration counsel.
- If traveling through or to areas where you may need local assistance, find the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and record their contact information.
For broader regional planning and up-to-date local travel intel, our portal provides actionable resources that help you integrate document checks into trip itineraries and accommodations planning.
When to Consult an Attorney
If:
- You face a situation where using your national passport could lead to exposure to your country of origin;
- You have pending USCIS benefits that could be considered abandoned by travel;
- You have questions about the effects of foreign travel on naturalization or asylum claims;
Then consult an immigration attorney. This is not just paperwork—it can affect your long-term status and security.
Local Cultural and Practical Tips for Visiting Dubai Safely
If you secure permission to travel to Dubai, understand a few practical and cultural points that will make your stay smooth:
- Dress and behave respectfully in public spaces, particularly in residential areas, religious sites, and governmental buildings.
- Carry a printed copy of your visa and travel documents; some immigration counters still prefer hard copies.
- Keep your travel itinerary and contact details for your hosts close at hand when presenting documentation to immigration.
- Use official channels for visa applications and avoid third-party promises without written proof.
For travelers also considering visits to nearby capitals, our regional content helps plan multi-city itineraries and explains local entry policies for neighboring countries.
Final Checklist Before You Depart
- Written confirmation from UAE consulate about acceptance of I-571 (if relying on it).
- Written confirmation from airline accepting carriage with your I-571.
- Valid return documentation to the U.S. (I-571, Green Card, or other approved re-entry documents).
- A printout of your visa or visa reference if issued.
- All contact numbers (U.S. Embassy, airline, consulate, attorney).
If any of these items are missing or uncertain, delay travel until you have ironclad answers.
Conclusion
Traveling to Dubai with a US Refugee Travel Document is possible in some circumstances, but it is often more complicated than traveling on a national passport. The safest route is always to secure written confirmation from both the UAE consulate and your airline before booking. If the UAE or the carrier will not accept an I-571, the practical alternatives include using a national passport—after carefully weighing safety and immigration consequences—or meeting in a third country that accepts refugee travel documents.
For step-by-step planning tailored to your exact status, visit our portal and use the checklists and frameworks provided there to convert uncertainty into a confident travel plan. Start planning your unforgettable journey on Saudi Travel & Leisure: Start planning with the Saudi Travel & Leisure portal.
FAQ
Can the UAE issue a visa to a holder of a US Refugee Travel Document?
It depends on the consulate and the visa type. The UAE’s standard visa systems are designed for national passports, and many reported cases indicate that the UAE often requires a passport for visa issuance. You must get written confirmation from the UAE consulate for your specific situation before booking.
Will an airline let me board for Dubai on an I-571?
Airlines make carriage decisions based on destination entry rules. Some carriers will refuse boarding unless you have written proof that the destination accepts your travel document. Always obtain written carriage confirmation from the airline before purchasing your ticket.
If I’m a Green Card holder, can I use my green card to return to the U.S. even if I use a passport to enter the UAE?
Yes, lawful permanent residents normally re-enter the U.S. using their Green Card. However, entering the UAE with a passport and exiting with a Green Card can raise questions during later immigration proceedings—so keep records and consult an attorney if you have concerns about the legal implications.
What is the safest path if the UAE rejects my I-571?
Your safest options are: (1) obtain a national passport if it is safe to do so and the process will not jeopardize your protection status, (2) choose a third country that accepts RTDs and meet there, or (3) postpone travel until you have documentation accepted by both the airline and the UAE consulate. If you’re unsure, consult an immigration attorney before traveling.
