How to check UAE visa status and expiry online 2026 using official GDRFA Dubai and ICP portals for residents and visitors

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jan 06, 2026, 10:33 IST

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How to check UAE visa status and expiry online 2026 using official GDRFA Dubai and ICP portals for residents and visitors

Source: UAE Visa Portal

Essentially, each and every resident or visitor in the United Arab Emirates should know his or her visa status and expiration date. Whether you are travelling, renewing your residence visa, or organising dependent visas, the UAE government provides official free online services to check your visa quickly and securely. The services are provided by two key authorities, usually depending on which authority issued your visa. With the correct government portal, you will avoid going through the hustle of making unnecessary visits to the immigration offices and have precise information right at your fingertips. These tools save time, reduce stress, and guarantee compliance regulations.

Which government portals to use

The official UAE Government specifies that visa tracking and validity checks are handled by two authorities:

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai for visas issued in Dubai.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for visas issued in all other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah).

This division ensures that users access the right system based on the issuing emirate.

How to check visa status for Dubai-issued visas

If your entry permit or residence visa was issued in Dubai, use the GDRFA – Dubai online services.Steps to check online:

Visit the GDRFA – Dubai official website.
Select the visa status or visa validity service from the homepage.
Choose a search method such as your application number or file number.
Enter required details, including your first name, file number, nationality, and date of birth.
Complete the Captcha verification and click Search.
Your visa status, including issue and expiry dates, will display.

You can also get assistance by contacting the Amer call centre at 800 5111 (within UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (international).'

How to check visa status for other Emirates

If the visa belongs to the Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah visa, then the ICP Smart Services online portal is the official one.Steps through ICP:

Go to the ICP Smart Services Portal.
Click on Public Services > File Validity.
Input whether you want a search by file number or passport data.
Fill in the required fields including your Unified Identification Number (UID), file number, passport number, nationality, date of birth, etc.
Click on Search after completing the Captcha verification.
Your visa information and expiration date will be shown.

The ICP helpline is available at 600 522 222 for further assistance.

What information do the official portals provide

When you search using the government systems, you will typically see:

Visa or file number
Visa type and current status
Visa issue date
Visa expiry date

This information is useful for planning travel, renewing visas, or ensuring legal compliance.

Benefits of checking visa status online

Here are the advantages of using the UAE government portal to check visa status:

You do not have to pay to check your status.
There is no need to physically visit immigration offices.
The information is from actual governmental reports.
Helps with planning for travel, renewals, and changes for employers.

About the AuthorTOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

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