How to check for UAE visa validity, status by passport number

Dubai: If you have recently applied for your family's visa, a visit visa or an employment visa in the UAE, you may be interested in tracking the visa application status. If so, here is all you need to know.

There are various online and offline facilities by the UAE government, which you can use to track your visa application status.

What do you need?

To track your visa application, you would need the following details:

- Reference number

- Application number

Once you have applied for your visa, you will receive a copy of your application form.

"The reference number can be found on the visa application that you have submitted. Once you apply for a residence visa or an e-visa, the reference number can be found on the application form," Shafiq Muhammad, Public Relations Officer with Muhaisnah Documents Clearing Services in Dubai

If you only have your passport number for the enquiry, you can only check the UAE visa status and validity after it has been issued, not while it is under process. The details are provided below.

The reference number can be found on the visa application that you have submitted. Once you apply for a residence visa or an e-visa, the reference number can be found on the application form.

- Shafiq Muhammad, Public Relations Officer with Muhaisnah Documents Clearing Services in Dubai

Track visa application

As per the UAE Government’s official website – u.ae – if you have applied for a visa to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, you can track your visa application on the website of Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) through the following website: https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/applicationTracking

Here you would need to enter the ‘Request number’ or the Application number.

Once you enter the Application number, the system will give you an update on the visa application status.

If you applied for a Dubai visa or through Amer centres in Dubai, you can track your visa application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai here: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Public_Th/StatusInquiry_New.aspx

Once you visit the link, you would need to enter Application number, transaction number as well as the payment date, all of which can be found on your application form.

Other channels for tracking Dubai visas

You can also contact Amer Centre on 800 5111.

How can I track my visa only through the passport number?

If you only wish to track your visa’s status through your passport number, you can use the ICA service here: https://beta.smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity

This allows visa holders to check the status and validity of their visas. However, this service can only be used if your visa has been issued, not if it is still under process, according to Muhammad.

“We can only check the details of the visa status and validity through this process once the visa has been issued – whether residence or visit visa. Once you visit the link, it gives you two options for checking the visa satus of ‘e-visa’ or ‘residency’, which is for residence visas or visit visas. The residence visa can only be checked after the visa has been stamped on your passport. If you have an entry permit or visit visa issued, you can select the e-visa option,” Muhammad said.

Step 1: Visit https://beta.smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity

Step 2: Select ‘Search by Passport information’.

Step 3: If you are enquiring about your residence visa, select ‘Residency’. If you have a visit visa or an e-visa/entry permit, select ‘Visa’.

Step 4: Enter your passport number, passport expiry date and nationality.

Step 5: Check the Captcha box for verifying your identity and click ‘Search’.

The system will then provide you details like the visa file number, Unified ID number, visa status, date of issue and expiry.