How to Check Visa Status in UAE: Online, by Passport Number and Application Number

How to Check Visa Status in UAE: Waiting for a UAE visa approval or wondering whether your residence visa is still valid? You do not need to visit an immigration office to find out. The UAE government provides online services that allow residents, visitors and applicants to check their visa status using official immigration websites.

However, there is one important detail: Dubai visas and visas issued by other UAE emirates are checked through different immigration authorities. Dubai uses the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), while Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and the other emirates use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Here is how to check your UAE visa status online, including options to search using your passport number, application number and other immigration details.

How to Check Visa Status in UAE: How to Check Visa Status in UAE Online

The easiest way to check your UAE visa status is through the official government immigration portal. First, identify which emirate issued your visa.

Once you know the issuing authority, follow the relevant process below.

How to Check UAE Visa Status Through ICP

If your visa was issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah or Umm Al Quwain, you can use the ICP Smart Services portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the ICP Smart Services website.

2. Open the File Validity or relevant application tracking service.

3. Select the appropriate search option.

4. Choose File Number or Passport Information, depending on the enquiry.

5. Enter the requested details.

6. Submit your information to view the available immigration records.

For an existing visa, you can also use the direct ICP File Validity service.

Depending on the visa category and available records, the results may show visa validity, file status, expiry information and other immigration details.

Important: Use application tracking if you are waiting for visa approval. File Validity is intended for checking an existing immigration record.

How to Check UAE Visa Status by Passport Number

Many people want to check their UAE visa status using only their passport details, especially when they have misplaced their visa application number.

ICP provides a passport information search option through its File Validity service.

Here is how to use it:

1. Open the ICP File Validity portal.

2. Select the Passport Information option.

3. Choose the relevant file type, such as Visa or Residence, where applicable.

4. Enter your passport number.

5. Provide your nationality and passport expiry date if requested.

6. Submit the details to check the available record.

If your visa details are available, the system will display the corresponding immigration information.

Can you check every UAE visa using a passport number?

No. Passport-based searches depend on the issuing authority and the service being used. In particular, a pending application may require an application or reference number rather than passport details alone.

How to Check Dubai Visa Status Through GDRFA

If you have a Dubai tourist visa, visit visa, employment entry permit or residence visa, you should use the GDRFA Dubai portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the GDRFA Dubai official website.

2. Open the Visa Status Inquiry service.

3. Select the relevant enquiry option.

4. Enter the information requested by the portal.

5. Submit the details to view your visa information.

You can also visit the GDRFA Visa Status Inquiry page directly.

For a pending Dubai visa application, use the GDRFA Application Status Tracker, where the required application reference and other identifying details may be requested.

Remember that checking an existing visa and tracking a pending application are two different processes.

How to Check UAE Visa Application Status

If you have recently applied for a UAE tourist visa, visit visa or employment entry permit, you can track the application through the relevant immigration authority.

For Dubai applications:

Use the GDRFA Application Status Tracker. You may need your application reference number, registered email address and other requested identification details.

For applications in other emirates:

Visit the ICP Smart Services portal and select Application Tracking.

Before checking, keep these details ready:

• Visa application number

• Application reference number

• Passport number

• Registered email address

• Other identification details requested by the portal

You can also request the application reference number from your sponsor, employer, airline or travel agency, depending on who submitted the application.

How to Check UAE Residence Visa Validity and Expiry Date

Checking your residence visa expiry date is important because an expired or cancelled immigration record can affect your legal stay in the UAE.

You can check your residence visa validity through the relevant immigration authority.

• Dubai residents: Use the GDRFA Visa Status service.

• Residents of other emirates: Use the ICP File Validity service.

Depending on the available immigration record, you may be able to view:

• Visa or file status

• Residence visa validity

• File expiry date

• Cancellation information

• Remaining stay details, where available

Do not rely only on the expiry date printed on an old visa document. Check the latest official immigration record to confirm your current status.

How to Check UAE Work Visa Status

If you have received a job offer in the UAE and want to know whether your employer has started the visa process, it is important to understand the difference between a work permit and an immigration visa.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles employment-related records, including work permits and employment offers. ICP or GDRFA handles the relevant immigration records.

You can check employment-related information through the MOHRE Inquiry Portal.

The process is straightforward:

1. Visit the MOHRE Inquiry Portal.

2. Select the relevant enquiry service.

3. Choose the employment offer, work permit or application-related option.

4. Enter the required reference or identification details.

5. Submit the enquiry to view the available information.

You can separately check your entry permit or residence visa through ICP or GDRFA, depending on the issuing emirate.

Remember: A MOHRE work permit approval does not automatically mean your UAE entry permit or residence visa has been issued.

UAE Visa Status Not Showing Online

Sometimes, people enter their passport or application details but cannot find their visa records. This does not necessarily mean their visa has been rejected or cancelled.

There are several possible reasons:

• You are checking the wrong immigration website.

• Your passport number or application reference is incorrect.

• Your application is still being processed.

• The application has not yet appeared in the online tracking system.

• You are using an application tracking service instead of a visa validity enquiry.

If your visa status is not showing, first confirm which emirate issued your visa. Then check the relevant government portal again.

If the problem continues, contact your sponsor, employer or the immigration authority directly.

UAE Visa Overstay Fine and Expiry Rules

Another important point for UAE residents and visitors is understanding what happens when a visa expires.

According to UAE government guidance, the standard overstay fine for applicable visa and residence violations is AED 50 per day. However, the permitted stay and applicable grace period depend on the visa category and individual circumstances.

You should not assume that every visa holder receives the same grace period after expiry or cancellation.

For fine-related enquiries, use the official government services:

• ICP Smart Services

• GDRFA Dubai

If your visa has expired or been cancelled, check your remaining permitted stay and take the necessary steps to regularise your immigration status or leave the UAE within the applicable period.

UAE Visa Status Check – Important Information

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I check my UAE visa status online for free?

You can check your visa status through official government services. Use GDRFA for Dubai-issued visas and ICP for visas issued in the other six emirates.

2. Can I check my UAE visa status using my passport number?

Yes. ICP provides a Passport Information option through its File Validity service. You may need to provide your nationality and passport expiry date as well. Not every application can be tracked using passport details alone.

3. How can I check my Dubai visa status from India?

You can check your Dubai visa status from India using the official GDRFA Dubai website. Open the Visa Status Inquiry service and enter the requested details. You do not need to be physically present in the UAE to use the online service.

4. How can I check my UAE visa application approval?

Use the application tracking service of the authority handling your application. For Dubai, use GDRFA. For other emirates, use ICP. Keep your application or reference number ready.

5. How do I check my UAE residence visa expiry date?

Dubai residents can use GDRFA Visa Status Inquiry, while residents of other emirates can use the ICP File Validity service.

6. Can I check UAE visa status without an application number?

If your visa has already been issued, you may be able to check its validity through passport information using the ICP service. However, tracking a pending application may require its reference number.

7. What does Under Process mean in UAE visa status?

It generally means that the application is still being processed. It does not confirm approval or rejection. Contact your sponsor or the relevant immigration authority if the application remains pending.

8. How can I check whether my UAE visa has been cancelled?

Use the relevant immigration authority's official enquiry service. GDRFA handles Dubai immigration records, while ICP handles records for the other emirates. Check the latest file status and cancellation details.

9. Can I check my UAE work visa through MOHRE?

You can check employment-related records, including work permits and job offers, through MOHRE. For the actual entry permit or residence visa, use ICP or GDRFA.

10. What should I do if my UAE visa status is not available online?

Verify your details, check the correct immigration authority and contact your sponsor or the relevant government support centre if the record still does not appear.