How to Check Your UAE Visa Status Online (ICP and GDRFA)

Have you applied for a UAE visa and want to know where it stands? Or do you need to confirm that your residence is still valid before you travel? Checking your visa status is quick, and it can save you a lot of worry.

This guide explains how to check your status using the official UAE government services, what information you need, and what to do if something looks wrong.

Use the official services first

The most reliable place to check a UAE visa status is the official government channel. There are two main authorities:

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

Both offer smart services through their official websites and apps. These are free to use for status checks in most cases. Be careful with third-party websites that ask for payment just to show your status.

Service names, menus and steps can change when the portals are updated. If you cannot find the option, tell us and we will point you to the current page.

What information do you usually need?

Depending on the service, you may be asked for one or more of these:

• Passport number and nationality
• Visa file number or entry permit number
• Emirates ID number, for residents
• Application or transaction number, if you are tracking a new application
• Date of birth

Keep these details handy. Your entry permit or application receipt usually shows the file or application number.

How to check, in general terms

The exact steps differ, but the process usually looks like this:

1. Open the official ICP smart services or the GDRFA Dubai website or app.
2. Look for the visa or residence inquiry, or the file validity service.
3. Choose the search method, such as passport number or file number.
4. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your documents.
5. Complete any security check and submit.
6. Review the status and validity dates shown.

If you have a UAE Pass account, some services let you sign in and see your own documents, including your Emirates ID and residence, in one place.

Understanding common results

You may see different status messages. They usually fall into a few groups:

• Under review or in process: the application has been received and is being checked.
• Approved or issued: the entry permit or visa has been granted. You may be able to download it.
• Valid: your residence or visa is active, with an expiry date shown.
• Expired or cancelled: the visa is no longer active. A grace period may apply, depending on your visa category.
• Rejected: the application was not approved. The reason is not always shown.

Wording differs between portals. If a result is unclear, do not guess. Ask us or contact the authority directly.

What to do if something looks wrong

• Details do not match: check spelling and the passport number you entered. Try another search method.
• No record found: your application may not be in the system yet, or it may be under a different file number.
• Unexpected cancellation: contact your sponsor or employer straight away.
• Expired residence while abroad: speak to us before you book travel, as options can depend on how long you have been away.

Checking before you travel

Always check your visa status before you fly. Make sure:

• Your residence or visa is valid for your travel dates.
• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
• Your Emirates ID is not expired.
• Any new visa was issued for the correct passport.

About our application tracker

Roam Routes has an online application tracker on our website. It shows the progress of applications that we are handling for you, such as when we receive your documents, when your application is submitted, and when there is an update.

Please note: our tracker is not a government status check. It cannot show applications submitted elsewhere. For the official status of any visa, always use the ICP or GDRFA smart services.

How Roam Routes can help

Roam Routes is a private service provider. We offer visa typing and processing support. Approval is always decided by UAE authorities.

• Send your passport or file number on WhatsApp (+971 58 211 4029), and we will help you understand your status.
• Start a new or renewal online application on our website and follow it in our tracker.
• Upload documents securely. No office visit is needed.
• Our service fee is confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees are set by UAE authorities and can change; we confirm the current requirements for your case before you apply.