How to Check Your Visa Status in the UAE - Simple Guide

If you live in the UAE, you need a valid residence visa. Sometimes, you may need to check your visa status, like if you’ve been outside the UAE for a long time or have issues with your visa sponsor. It’s important to know how to check if your visa is still valid.

If you have a normal or employment visa and don’t live in the UAE permanently, you must visit the country every 6 months to keep your visa valid (for Investor or Partner visas, it’s once a year). If you’re worried about your visa expiring, here’s a simple guide to check your visa status online and learn how to renew or extend it.

Quick Summary: You can check your UAE resident visa status online using:

• ICP Smart Services (for all Emirates) via their website or app.
• GDRFA Dubai service (for Dubai visas).

You’ll need your passport details for both.

Renewing or extending your visa is similar to applying for a new one but without needing to submit biometric data again.

Checking UAE Visa Status Online

There are two main platforms for checking visa status:

1. GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai visas.
2. ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security) for visas from other Emirates.

Documents Needed:

• Passport number and details
• Emirates ID or visa file number
• Login details (email and password)

You can also log in with UAE PASS, a digital identity for UAE residents.

Step-by-Step Guide for Checking Visa Status

Using ICP Smart Services (for visas outside Dubai):

1. Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae or download the UAE ICP app.
2. Click on Individual Service.
3. Log in with your passport details or UAE PASS.
4. Enter your passport details and click Submit.
5. Your visa status will be displayed.

Using the UAE ICP Mobile App:

1. Download the UAE ICP app from your app store.
2. Select your preferred language.
3. Specify if you’re inside or outside the UAE.
4. Log in or register as a new user.
5. Enter your passport number and submit. Your visa status will appear.

Using GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai visas):

1. Go to gdrfad.gov.ae/en and log in.
2. Choose Visa Status from the services list.
3. Enter your application number, transaction number, and payment date.
4. Complete the captcha and click Search to view your visa status.

For more help, you can also use the DUBAI NOW mobile app or call GDRFA at 8005111.

How to Check Visa Status with Passport Number (for non-Dubai visas):

1. Visit the ICP Smart Services website.
2. Choose Passport under the search options.
3. Enter your passport details and submit to see your visa status.

Steps to Renew Your UAE Visa:

1. Apply for visa renewal online or at a center.
2. Get a medical checkup before your visa expires.
3. Apply for a new Emirates ID.
4. Your visa will be approved digitally, no need to submit your passport.
5. Your Emirates ID will arrive in 5-7 working days.
6. The entire renewal process usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Consequences of Visa Expiry:

If your visa expires and you don’t renew it, you will face fines:

• AED 100 one-time fine, plus AED 50 daily until renewed.
• After a visitor visa expires, penalties begin after a 10-day grace period.

Waiting too long to renew can result in bigger penalties and even being blacklisted from entering the UAE.

FAQs:

• Where can I check my visa status?

  • Dubai visas: Use the GDRFA website at gdrfad.gov.ae/en.
  • All Emirates: Use ICP Smart Services at smartservices.icp.gov.ae.

• What if I’m outside the UAE and my visa has expired?

  • You will need to apply for a new visa, just like starting from scratch.