How to check for visa validity before travelling to the UAE

Dubai: The UAE’s authorities recently announced that some UAE residents who have been stuck outside the UAE due to flight suspensions will be allowed to return to the UAE, as long as they meet certain requirements.

On August 3, the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) said that;

• those with valid residency visas who have received two doses of vaccine in the UAE,

• and 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose,

• and they have vaccination certificates approved by official authorities in the country,

can return to the UAE.

Other categories of passengers, like medical personnel and students studying in the country, were also allowed to enter the UAE.

So, if you are a UAE resident visa holder who has been stuck outside the UAE, and are concerned whether your visa is still valid, here is how you can check your its validity online.

How to check with GDRFA

If your visa has been issued in Dubai, you can check the visa validity by logging on to the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.

Step 1: Visit the link - https://amer.gdrfad.gov.ae/visa-inquiry

Step 2: Select the option for the ‘residence’ visa.

Step 3: Enter your visa number. This is mentioned under the ‘File’ section of the visa stamped on your passport.

Step 4: Enter your details like your first name, nationality and date of birth and check the box to verify yourself as a user. Then, click ‘Submit’.

If your visa is valid, you will able to see the status as ‘issued’ by the system.

How to check with ICA

If your visa has been issued by any other emirate, apart from Dubai, you can check the visa validity by logging on to the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

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

Step 2: Choose whether you wish to check the visa validity using your visa’s file number or passport number.

Step 3: Select the ‘Residency’ option, to check for your residence visa’s validity.

Step 4: Enter details like your passport number, expiry date and nationality. Check the box to verify yourself as a user. Then, click ‘Search’.

If your visa is valid, you will able to see the status as ‘active’ by the system.