How to Check UAE Visa Status Online (2026) 

Checking your UAE visa details in 2026 has become very easy thanks to the country’s fully digital immigration system. The UAE now offers simple online platforms where residents, visitors, and investors can check their visa information in just a few minutes. Whether you already live in the UAE or are planning to travel soon, keeping track of your visa status is important to avoid travel delays, overstays, or last-minute stress.

UAE visa status check is needed in many everyday situations. You may want to check it after applying for a new visa, while renewing an existing one, before booking flights, or when changing jobs. Many people also check their visa details to confirm expiry dates or make sure their entry status is active. Having the correct and updated information helps you stay compliant with UAE rules and plan confidently.

So, here’s how to do a quick and accurate UAE visa check online in 2026.

Types of UAE Visas You Can Check Online

UAE now allows you to check the status of almost all major visa types online through official government portals. Below are the main UAE visa types you can check online:

1. Employment Visa

If you are working in the UAE, you can easily check your employment visa status online. This helps you confirm whether your visa is active, under process, renewed, or cancelled, especially useful when changing jobs or renewing your contract.

2. Tourist and Visit Visas

If you’re just visiting, you can stay updated on:

• Standard Tourist Visas: Both 30-day and 60-day options (single or multiple entry).
• Multi-Entry 5-Year Tourist Visa: The popular self-sponsored long-term tourist option.
• GCC Resident Entry Permits: For residents of neighbouring Gulf countries.
• Jobseeker & Business Visit Visas: Designed for those exploring career or investment opportunities.

3. Residence Visa

Residents living in the UAE can check their residence visa status to verify expiry dates, sponsorship details, and current validity. This is helpful before Emirates ID renewal, travel, or family sponsorship applications.

4. Investor or Partner Visa

Business owners and investors can check their investor or partner visa status online. This ensures that the visa linked to the business licence is active and compliant, especially during renewals or business changes.

5. Family Sponsorship Visa

If you have sponsored your spouse, children, or parents, their visa status can also be checked online. Sponsors often use this to track approvals, renewals, or cancellation updates.

6. Student Visa

Students studying in the UAE can check their visa status online to confirm approval, validity, or renewal timelines linked to their educational institution.

Information You Need Before Checking Your UAE Visa Status

Depending on whether you are checking a new application or an existing visa, you’ll need slightly different information. Here is a quick checklist of what to keep nearby:

For New Visa Applications (Tracking):

If you have just applied and are waiting for approval, you will need:

• Application Number: This is the unique number given to you when you first submitted your request.
• Reference Number: Some portals ask for this alongside your application number; you can find both on your application receipt.
• Registered Email: For Dubai-specific (GDRFA) checks, you may need the email address used during the application process.

For Existing Visas (Validity Check):

If you already have a visa and want to check the expiry date or current status, the UAE visa status check is easiest with:

• Passport Details: Your passport number and its expiry date.
• Nationality: Your citizenship as it appears on your passport.
• File Number (Optional but helpful): This is the long number found on your visa sticker or e-visa (e.g., 201/2026/1234567).
• Unified Number (UID): A permanent 9-digit number assigned to you by the UAE immigration.
• Emirates ID Number: This is the most popular way for residents to check their status. Since the visa is now digitally linked to your ID, entering your 15-digit Emirates ID number on the ICP portal is the fastest way to see your expiry date.

Using the UAE Pass:

The UAE Pass has become the gold standard for residents. If you have a verified UAE Pass account, you can often skip manual data entry entirely. Simply log in to the ICP or GDRFA apps using your biometric ID, and all your visa details (including those of your dependents) will be visible on a single dashboard.

How to Check UAE Visa Status Online – Step-by-Step Methods

UAE visa status check is a straightforward process that takes less than two minutes. Depending on which city issued your visa (Dubai vs. the rest of the UAE), you will use one of two main official systems.

Here are the step-by-step methods to perform a UAE visa status check online.

A. Check UAE Visa Status via ICP (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, & Other Emirates):

The ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal is the go-to platform for all visas issued outside of Dubai, such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.

• Step 1: Visit the official ICP Smart Services portal.
• Step 2: Click on the “Public Services” tab.
• Step 3: Look for the “File Validity” service and click “Start Service.”
• Step 4: Select the “Passport Information” radio button.
• Step 5: Choose the “Visa” or “Residency” option depending on your status.
• Step 6: Enter your Passport Number and Passport Expiry Date.
• Step 7: Select your Nationality from the dropdown menu, complete the Captcha, and hit “Search.”

Who should use this method?

• Residence visa holders outside Dubai
• Employment, investor, family, and student visa holders
• Visit or tourist visas issued outside Dubai

B. Check Visa Status Through GDRFA Dubai

If your visa was issued in Dubai (your file number starts with 201), you must use the GDRFA portal for your Dubai visa check.

• Step 1: Go to the GDRFA Dubai website.
• Step 2: Navigate to “Visa Status” or the “Visa Inquiry” section.
• Step 3: Select your search method (usually “Passport Information” is easiest).
• Step 4: Enter your Passport Number, Nationality, and Date of Birth.
• Step 5: Click “Submit.” The system will instantly show if your status is “Active,” “Expired,” or “Cancelled.”

When should you use GDRFA Dubai?

If you already have your physical Emirates ID or the digital version in your UAE Pass app, this is the most reliable method for residents.

• Step 1: On the ICP File Validity page, select “Emirates ID” as the search type.
• Step 2: Enter your 15-digit Emirates ID number.
• Step 3: Enter your Date of Birth and complete the Captcha.
• Step 4: Your full residency details, including the exact day your visa expires, will appear.

Who can use this method?

• Residents with an active Emirates ID
• Employment, investor, partner, and family visa holders

D. Checking Visit or Tourist Visa Status Online

Tourists can track their entry permits even before arriving in the country.

• For Dubai Tourists: Use the GDRFA Application Tracking tool. You will need your Application Reference Number (sent to you by your travel agent or airline).
• For Other Emirates: Use the “Application Tracking” service on the ICP portal. Simply enter your Application Number to see if your visa has been “Approved” or is still “In Progress.”

Important things to check:

• Visa validity period (when the visa can be used)
• Allowed stay duration after entry
• Single-entry or multiple-entry status

E. Other Fast Methods (Mobile Apps & Calls)

If you prefer using your phone or speaking to someone, try these options:

• DubaiNow App: A one-stop shop app for Dubai residents where you can view all your residency details.
• UAEICP App: Available on iOS and Android; perfect for managing family visas.
• Call Amer Service (Dubai): Dial 800 5111 (within UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (from abroad).
• Call ICP Helpline: Dial 600 522 222 for 24/7 support regarding visas from other Emirates.

Common Problems While Checking UAE Visa Status (and Fixes)

Even though the UAE’s online visa systems are user-friendly, people sometimes face issues while checking their visa status. Most of these problems are simple and can be fixed quickly once you know the reason. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them.

1. Entering Incorrect Passport Details

A small mistake in your passport number, nationality, or expiry date can stop the system from showing results.

Fix: Always enter details exactly as they appear on your passport, including correct letters, numbers, and expiry date format.

2. File Inactive or Cancelled Status

Seeing “Inactive” can be scary, but it often happens during a transition.

Fix: If you are switching jobs, your old visa will show as “Cancelled” before the new one shows “Active.” If your visa has expired, the status will change to “Inactive.” You must contact your sponsor immediately to avoid overstay fines.

3. Duplicate UIDs (Unified IDs)

Sometimes, the system creates a second UID for you by mistake (for example, if you entered on a new passport). This can cause your UAE visa check to show incomplete information.

Fix: You will need to visit an Amer Centre (in Dubai) or an ICP Customer Happiness Centre to have your records merged. This ensures all your history is under one single number.

4. Application Pending for a Long Time

If your status has been “In Progress” or “Pending” for more than 48 hours, there might be an issue with your documents.

Fix: Check your email (including spam). The authorities often send a “Clarification” request if they need a clearer passport scan or a different photo. Call the Amer or ICP helplines with your application number for a direct update.

5. Confusion Between Visa Validity and Stay Duration

Some people assume visa validity and allowed stay are the same, which can lead to overstay issues.

Fix: Check both details carefully. Visa validity shows when you can use the visa, while stay duration shows how long you can remain in the UAE after entry.

6. Visa Cancelled or Expired Without Realising

Your visa may have expired or been cancelled by the sponsor without your knowledge.

Fix: Check cancellation status online and confirm with your employer or sponsor if anything looks unclear.

7. Using the Wrong Portal (ICP vs GDRFA)

Many users check their visa on the wrong platform, especially if the visa was issued in Dubai.

Fix: Use the ICP portal for visas issued outside Dubai and GDRFA Dubai for visas issued in Dubai.

Why You Should Often Check Your UAE Visa Status?

Here is why a regular UAE visa status check is essential for everyone in the Emirates:

1. The Removal of the 10-Day Grace Period

One of the most significant changes in recent years is the official removal of the 10-day grace period for most visit and tourist visas. In the past, you had a small buffer to leave the country after your visa expired. In 2026, the expiry date on your visa is the absolute deadline. Overstaying by even a single day will now trigger an automatic fine.

2. Standardised Overstay Fines

The UAE has standardised fines across all visa types (tourist, visit, and residency). If you overstay, you will be charged AED 50 per day. These fines are tracked digitally by the ICP and GDRFA systems and must be cleared before you can renew your visa or exit the country.

3. Avoiding Absconding Cases

For tourists, overstaying for an extended period can lead your travel agency or sponsor to file an absconding case against you to protect themselves from government penalties. An absconding status can lead to:

• Permanent travel bans.
• Blacklisting across all GCC countries.
• Potential detention or deportation.

4. Verifying Visa Authenticity

Unfortunately, visa scams still exist. Performing a UAE visa status check on an official government portal is the only 100% foolproof way to verify that the visa issued by a travel agent or employer is genuine. If the system says “Record Not Found” after you’ve entered your details correctly, you should investigate your visa’s authenticity immediately.

Keep Your UAE Visa on Track

UAE visa status check is a simple habit that can save you from a lot of trouble. It helps you avoid fines, overstays, travel issues, and last-minute confusion. With the UAE’s online systems in 2026, keeping track of your visa details is quick and easy. When you stay updated, you stay in control – and that makes your time in the UAE much smoother.

If you ever need help with Dubai visa checks, renewals, cancellations, or understanding your visa status, Dubiz is here to support you. Our experienced team takes care of the entire visa process and clears up any doubts along the way. With the right guidance, you can stay compliant and stress-free while you enjoy your time in the UAE.

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Aksed Questions (FAQs)