How to Check UAE Visa Status Online Using Passport Number (UAE)

In the UAE, visa validity is not a detail you can afford to “assume”. A single day of overstay can trigger fines, immigration flags, or complications with future applications. That is precisely why millions of residents, tourists, jobseekers, and investors regularly search for UAE visa check by passport number—not out of curiosity, but out of necessity.

The UAE government has made visa verification intentionally transparent. Through centralized digital platforms operated by ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) and GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), anyone can check their visa status online in minutes—without login credentials, agents, or paperwork.

This guide explains exactly how to check UAE visa status online, step by step, based on where your visa was issued, what documents you have, and what type of visa you hold—while also clarifying common misconceptions that frequently cause confusion.

Understanding UAE Visa Issuance: Why the Portal Matters

Before checking your visa, it is essential to understand who issued it.

The UAE does not operate under a single immigration system for all emirates:

• Dubai-issued visas are managed by GDRFA Dubai
• Visas issued in all other emirates—Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain—are managed by ICP

This distinction determines which portal you must use. Entering correct details on the wrong platform will simply return “no record found,” even if your visa is valid.

UAE Visa Check by Passport Number (Official Method)

If you do not have your visa file number or Emirates ID yet, your passport alone is sufficient to verify visa status.

For All Emirates Except Dubai (ICP Smart Services)

The ICP Smart Services Portal is the federal system used for residency, visit visas, entry permits, and Golden Visa applications outside Dubai.

How to check UAE visa status by passport number using ICP:

1. Visit the ICP Smart Services – File Validity page
2. Select “Passport Information” as the search method
3. Choose “Visa” under file type
4. Enter:
   • Passport number
   • Passport expiry date
   • Nationality
5. Complete the security verification and submit

Within seconds, the system displays:

• Visa type (visit, residence, entry permit)
• Visa status (active, expired, under process, cancelled)
• Visa expiry date
• Residency validity (if applicable)

This method is widely used by Abu Dhabi residents, Sharjah employees, and applicants tracking family, employment, or Golden Visa files.

For Dubai Visas Only (GDRFA Dubai)

If your visa was issued in Dubai, ICP will not show your record. You must use the GDRFA Dubai public inquiry system.

Steps to check Dubai visa status online:

1. Open the GDRFA Dubai Status Inquiry portal
2. Choose whether to search by:
   • Visa file number, or
   • Passport details
3. Enter the required personal information
4. Complete the CAPTCHA and submit

The system confirms:

• Dubai residency validity
• Entry permit status
• Application progress for new visas

This portal is particularly useful for those sponsored by Dubai-based employers, free zones, or family sponsors.

Checking UAE Visa Status Using Emirates ID

Once an Emirates ID is issued, it becomes the primary identity reference linked to your visa.

Through ICP Smart Services, you can check visa validity using your Emirates ID number instead of a passport.

This method is especially reliable for:

• Long-term residents
• Employment visa holders
• Family-sponsored dependents
• Golden Visa residents

The result reflects the current legal residency status, including renewal updates.

How to Track a UAE Visa Application (Under Process or Pending)

If your visa has not yet been issued, both ICP and GDRFA allow real-time application tracking.

• ICP Application Tracking applies to visas outside Dubai
• GDRFA Application Tracking applies to Dubai visas

You will need:

• Application number
• Passport number or reference details

This is commonly used for:

• Employment visa processing
• Entry permits awaiting medical or biometric steps
• Status changes from visit to residence

Why Checking Your UAE Visa Status Is Not Optional

Regular visa checks help you:

• Confirm visa expiry before fines apply
• Track residency renewals
• Validate entry permits before travel
• Avoid overstaying penalties
• Ensure legal compliance with UAE immigration law

Many visa issues arise not from rejection—but from inattention.

UAE Golden Visa: Status Checks and Eligibility Overview

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit (5 or 10 years) introduced to attract investors, skilled professionals, innovators, and exceptional talents.

Golden Visa holders can check their status using the same ICP or GDRFA portals, depending on where the application was submitted.

Expanded Golden Visa Categories (Updated)

Eligible groups include:

• Investors and real estate owners
• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Doctors, engineers, scientists, and researchers
• Outstanding students and graduates
• Digital creators and esports professionals
• Long-serving nurses and education professionals
• Luxury yacht owners under Abu Dhabi’s Golden Quay initiative

Golden Visa status visibility is integrated into the same federal systems—there is no separate platform.

For deeper insight, TheDubaiWeb.com maintains dedicated Golden Visa explainers, eligibility updates, and long-term residency guides that clarify benefits beyond government summaries.

Common Issues When Checking UAE Visa Status

If your visa does not appear:

• Ensure you are using the correct portal
• Match passport details exactly
• Verify visa issuance emirate
• Check if the application is still under process
• Confirm the visa has not been cancelled by sponsor

If problems persist, official helplines remain available:

• ICP Contact Center: 600 522 222
• GDRFA Dubai: 800 5111 (UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (outside UAE)

Recommended: How to Check UAE Travel Ban Status in Dubai

Internal Resources You May Find Helpful on TheDubaiWeb.com

To deepen understanding and avoid compliance issues, readers are encouraged to explore related guides on TheDubaiWeb.com, such as:

• UAE residency visa renewal timelines
• Emirates ID biometric process explained
• Golden Visa benefits and eligibility updates
• Dubai immigration procedures and legal compliance guides

These resources are curated with local regulatory insight, making them more practical than generic government summaries.

Recommended: UAE Visa Ban 2026 Countries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I check UAE visa status online?

You can check your visa status through ICP Smart Services for all emirates except Dubai, or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-issued visas.

Can I do a UAE visa check by passport number?

Yes. Both ICP and GDRFA portals allow visa status checks using passport number, nationality, and expiry date.

Which website is official for UAE visa validity checks?

ICP Smart Services is the official federal portal. GDRFA Dubai is the official authority for Dubai visas.

Can I check visa status using Emirates ID?

Yes. Once issued, Emirates ID can be used on the ICP portal to confirm visa validity.

How long does UAE visa approval usually take?

Most visas are approved within 2 to 7 working days, depending on visa type and background verification.

What does “under process” mean?

It means your application is still being reviewed and no final decision has been issued yet.

Can I check Golden Visa status online?

Yes. Golden Visa applications are tracked via ICP or GDRFA, based on the issuing authority.

What should I do if my visa is expired?

You should immediately contact your sponsor or immigration authority to avoid fines or legal issues.

Final Thoughts

Checking your UAE visa status online is no longer a bureaucratic task—it is a digital safeguard. With official portals designed for public access, verifying your legal standing in the UAE takes minutes, not days.

For accurate updates, regulatory clarity, and locally informed immigration insights, TheDubaiWeb.com remains a trusted reference point for residents, visitors, and professionals navigating life in the UAE.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change. Always verify details through official UAE government platforms or licensed professionals.