The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to millions of expatriates and tourists who rely on their visas for residency, work, and travel. Whether you’re applying for a visa, renewing your existing one, or simply verifying its validity, checking your UAE visa status online is a quick and straightforward process.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to check your visa status using official government portals.
Why Should You Check Your UAE Visa Status?
It’s essential to keep track of your UAE visa status to avoid fines, travel restrictions, or legal complications. Regularly checking your visa status ensures:
- Your visa is valid and up-to-date.
- You’re aware of your visa expiry date.
- You avoid overstaying penalties.
- You can renew or update your visa on time.
Methods to Check UAE Visa Status Online
You can check your UAE visa validity status using two main official platforms:
1. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) – For visas issued in Emirates except Dubai
If your visa was issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, you should check your visa status through the ICP website.
Here’s How to Check Your Visa Status via ICP:
- Visit the official ICP Smart Services website
- Click on the ‘Passport Information’ section under the “Visa Status” option. ‘
- Select ‘Visa’ if you’re checking a visit visa or ‘Residency’ if you’re checking a residence visa.
- Enter your passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date.
- Click ‘Search’ to view your visa details.
What You’ll See:
- Visa validity (active or expired)
- Expiry date
- Visa type and details
2. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – For Dubai-issued visas
If your visa was issued in Dubai, you must check your status through the GDRFA website.
Steps to Check Your Visa Status via GDRFA:
1. Visit the official GDRFA Dubai website
2. Click on ‘Services’ → ‘File Status Inquiry’
3. Select the ‘Residency Inquiry’ option.
4. Enter your visa file number (found on your visa sticker or residence permit).
5. Provide your passport number and nationality.
6. Click ‘Search’ to get your visa details.
What You’ll See:
- Visa validity and status
- Expiry date
- Sponsor information
Alternative Method: Check via UAE ICP & GDRFA Mobile Apps
For added convenience, you can also check your visa status using government apps available for Android and iOS:
- ICP Smart Services (for all Emirates except Dubai)
- GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai-issued visas)
Simply download the app, register, and follow the same steps as on the websites.
What If You Face Issues?
If you’re unable to find your visa details, consider these steps:
- Double-check your details – Ensure your passport number and nationality are correct.
- Try another platform – If you used ICP but your visa is Dubai-issued, check via GDRFA instead.
- Contact authorities – Call ICP at 600-522-222 or GDRFA Dubai at 800-5111 for support.
Wrapping Up
Checking your UAE visa status online is quick, easy, and helps you stay compliant with immigration rules. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, it’s always a good idea to verify your visa validity before making any travel plans.
Tip: Set a reminder for your visa expiry date to avoid last-minute hassles.
