Waiting for an update on your UAE visa can make you feel a bit anxious, right? That’s why knowing how to do a quick UAE visa status check by passport number gives you real peace of mind. Your visa’s validity is a big deal for travel plans, residency, or starting your new job in Dubai.
The good news is that the UAE government has created very simple tools for you to track your visa online or even over the phone. You can easily find out your visa expiry date and other details without any hassle.
Let’s walk through 7 super easy ways to find your visa details using just your passport. All the steps here are current for July 2025, so you get the correct information right away.
How to Do a UAE Visa Status Check by Passport Number?
You can easily perform a UAE visa status check by passport number. The process is simple when you use the correct official platform and have your information ready. This allows you to quickly see your UAE visa validity, including its issue and expiry dates.
Information You’ll Need Before You Start
To get your visa application status without any delay, you should have these details with you:
For Residents/Work Visa Holders: You will need your passport number, passport expiry date, your nationality, and your Emirates ID number.
For Visitors/Tourists: You should have your passport number, passport expiry date, your nationality, and the visa application or reference number given by your sponsor.
7 Easy Easy To Verify Your Visa Status
1. Using the ICP Smart Services Portal (For All Emirates Except Dubai)
If your visa wasn’t issued in Dubai, you will use the ICP Smart Services portal. This is the main federal website that handles everything related to identity, citizenship, and port security for most of the UAE. It’s the best place to find your visa application status.
Here is a simple five-step guide to check your UAE visa validity:
Step 1: Go to the ICP Website: You start by visiting the official website at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. You can easily switch the language to English at the top of the page.
Step 2: Choose “Passport Information”: On the main page, find the “Public Services” section. Here, you should select the option to search by “Passport Information.”
Step 3: Pick Your Visa Type: You will see two choices. Pick “Visa” for tourist or visit visas. If you have a residence or work visa, select “Residency.
Step 4: Fill in Your Details: Carefully enter your passport number, the passport’s expiry date, and select your nationality from the list.
Step 5: Verify and Find Your Status: Lastly, check the ‘I’m not a robot’ box and click the “Search” button. The system will then show you all your visa details, including its status and expiry date.
2. Via the GDRFA Portal (Specifically for Dubai Visas)
If your visa was issued in Dubai, you will use a different website to check its status. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal is the correct platform for all Dubai-related visa inquiries. This site is managed by Dubai’s own immigration authority, so you’ll get the most accurate results for your Dubai visa status here.
You can easily find your visa details by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the GDRFA Website: First, open the official GDRFA Dubai website in your browser.
Step 2: Access the “File Validity” Service: Look for a service named “File Validity” or something similar. This is where you can check your visa’s current standing.
Step 3: Enter Application Details: The GDRFA portal often requires your visa application number, transaction number, or residence file number. You will enter this along with your passport details.
Step 4: View Status: After submitting your information, the page will display your visa status. It will clearly show if your Dubai visa is active, expired, or has been cancelled.
3. Through Official Mobile Apps (ICP and GDRFA Dubai)
For the most convenient way to check your visa status on the move, you can use official mobile apps. This is perfect for getting quick updates about your UAE visa application status right on your phone, wherever you are.
The government provides two main apps for this. You should use the “UAE ICP” app for any visa issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or the other northern emirates. If your visa is from Dubai, you will need the “GDRFA Dubai” app to see your visa details.
These apps offer great benefits. They can send you alerts when your visa status changes, let you view a digital copy of your visa, and connect you with other helpful government services.
Getting started is easy. You can typically log in using your UAE Pass account or by simply entering your passport information. This puts all your visa details right at your fingertips.
4. By Calling an Official Helpline
If you prefer to speak directly with a person, you can use the official helplines. This is a very reliable offline method for your UAE visa inquiry and is great if you have specific questions about your application.
Depending on where your visa was issued, you will call a different number.
For Dubai Visas: You can call the Amer Centre’s toll-free number at 800-5111. If you are outside the UAE, the number is +9714-313-9999.
For Other Emirates: For visas from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates, you should call the ICP call center at 600-522-222. This line is available 24/7.
Before you call, it’s a good idea to have your passport number and other personal details ready. This will help the representative find your visa status quickly.
5. Verifying Through Your Sponsor
If you applied for your UAE visa through an airline or a travel agency, they are your direct source for updates. This is a common way to get a tourist or visit visa, and your sponsor can quickly provide your UAE visa application status.
For visas sponsored by airlines like Emirates or Etihad, you can check their website. Go to the “Manage a Booking” section and enter your last name and booking reference number. This will often show you the latest visa information connected to your flight.
If a travel agency handled your visa, you should contact them directly. Give them the application reference number they gave you when you applied. They can look up the status for you and let you know if your visa is approved.
6. Using Your Unified Identification (UID) Number
Another great way to track your visa is with your Unified Identification (UID) Number. The UID is a unique 6-digit personal number that the UAE government gives to every person who enters the country. You can find this number printed on any of your previous UAE visa pages, usually right above the file number.
Sometimes, searching with your passport details might not show any results. In such cases, your UID number becomes very helpful. You can use it as a different search option on both the ICP and GDRFA websites to find your UAE visa details. It connects all your immigration records, making it a reliable way to check your visa’s validity.
7. Checking for Visa Cancellation Status
It’s also very important to check if your old visa has been properly cancelled, especially if you are changing jobs or leaving the UAE for good. A proper cancellation helps you avoid fines and problems with future visa applications.
You can check your visa cancellation status using the same official portals: ICP Smart Services and the GDRFA website for Dubai visas. The steps are the same as checking for visa validity. You just need to enter your passport number or UID number. If the visa has been successfully cancelled, the system will show its status as “Cancelled,” “Closed,” or “Invalid”. This gives you confirmation that your record is clear.
What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Visa Status? (Troubleshooting)
Sometimes, you might not find your visa status right away. Don’t worry, this can happen for a few simple reasons. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips to help you find your UAE visa details.
First, double-check all the information you entered. A tiny mistake in your passport number or its expiry date can stop the system from finding your records. So, it’s always good to check those details again.
Also, make sure you are on the right website. Remember to use the GDRFA portal for visas issued in Dubai and the ICP Smart Services website for visas from all other emirates.
If you just applied, your visa might still be in process. The status usually appears only after the visa has been issued. If the website seems to have a technical problem, you can try another way. Call the official helpline or use the mobile app to get your visa application status.
For employment visas, the easiest way to get an update is to contact your company’s Public Relations Officer (PRO). They can check the status directly for you.
Source: The troubleshooting steps and information presented here are based on common issues and solutions outlined by official UAE government sources and informational guides from platforms like AA Consultancy, Acko, and Visa2Fly, as reflected in the cited sources.
Streamline Your Business Setup and Visas in Dubai with Decisive Zone
For many, getting a visa is just the first step toward a much bigger goal, like starting a new business in Dubai. If this is your plan, you will find that handling the paperwork for company setup can be complex.
This is where a company like Decisive Zone can help. They are a top business setup consultancy in Dubai that specializes in making the process easy for entrepreneurs. They assist with everything from company formation and getting trade licenses to managing all the visa applications for business owners, investors, and their employees.
They act as your expert partner, taking care of all the complex official steps. This frees you up to focus completely on growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I perform a UAE visa status check by passport number?
You can perform a UAE visa status check by passport number on the official ICP Smart Services website or the GDRFA portal for Dubai-issued visas.
What is the difference between the ICP and GDRFA portals?
The ICP portal is for visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other northern emirates, while the GDRFA portal is exclusively for visas issued in Dubai.
Can I check my visa status before it is issued?
No, you can typically only check the status and validity of a visa after it has been officially issued by the UAE authorities.
How do I know if my UAE visa is original?
An original visa has an official UAE emblem and a scannable QR code. You can verify its authenticity on the ICP or GDRFA portals.
What should I do if my visa is about to expire?
You should begin the renewal process through your sponsor or the relevant immigration authority before the expiry date to avoid overstay fines.
Ending Note
With these 7 easy methods, from using official websites and apps to simply making a phone call, you can check your UAE visa status anytime. Regularly checking your visa’s validity is simple and helps you have a hassle-free experience in the UAE. You now have the power to stay informed and in control.
