Visa is the most important document for ex-pat residents in any country. In UAE, a visa has a short time span; it makes it very important to keep track of the expiry date. The life in UAE is swift and full of hustle and bustle. Amidst a busy life, it is hard to carry your passport all the time. To check UAE visa status, there are a couple of ways you should be aware. Primarily, online channels always come in handy.
How to Check UAE Visa Status Online
Visa grants you legitimacy to live in a country as a resident. In UAE, your visa is needed at every step of your life. From your legitimacy as a resident to finding an apartment in Dubai, or an abode anywhere in UAE, having a valid UAE visa is a must.
Since the UAE Government has launched its official portal, visa-related services have become very easy to avail. Now you can check your UAE Visa status online using your passport number. The online portal contains all your visa details so you can keep track of your expiry date and other details as well.
Here’s the procedure:
- Visit the portal website: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- Select your preferred language or go with English if convenient.
- Click on the tab titled “Passport Information”
- As per your visa type, choose “Visa” or “Residency”
- Fill in the required details – passport number and passport expiry date
- Select your Nationality
- DONE! The page that comes up next should contain details about your visa.
How to Use GDRFA Portal for Dubai Visa Status
There are two ways to access the GDRFA Portal – via website and application. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs GDRFA deals with all the issues and processes related to UAE visas. Due to its status, Dubai has its own separate portal in UAE.
Let’s go through the procedure to check visa status both through the website and app.
GDRFA Dubai Portal through Website
The portal contains every information about your UAE visa. Fill in the form with correct details so the process goes smoothly. The details include your name, your date of birth, nationality, gender, and your UAE visa expiry date.
Follow the steps given below to check your visa status while living in Dubai.
- Visit the portal website: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en
- Click on the dropdown menu and from the options select the service titled “Residence Validity”
- Enter your residence file number using your year of issue. The residence file number can be found on the visa page in your passport
- On the next page, fill in your details like name, gender, date of birth, etc
- DONE! The page that comes up next should contain details about your visa.
GDRFA Dubai Portal through Application
If you prefer applications over websites, you will be glad to know that GDRFA Dubai has its own application as well. Like the website, this application helps ex-pats to check their visa details. Simply download the application and start using the portal on your mobile device.
Like the website, the application portal also contains information about your UAE visa. Signing up or login in is not required. Simply enter your correct details and the process will go smoothly. The details include your name, your date of birth, nationality, gender, and your UAE visa expiry date.
Follow the steps given to check your visa status while living in Dubai.
- Download the application on your mobile device
- Open the app and click on the label titled “Services”
- From the options, click on “Entry Permit / Residence Status”
- Furthermore, click on “Residence Inquiry”
- Fill in the form with the correct details
- Click on “inquiry”
- DONE! Your UAE visa details should appear now.
With all this convenience, there is still one problem. You still have to carry your passport with you to check and fill in the details. Well, we advise you to keep a scanned version of your passport on your mobile device so you can check your UAE visa status anytime without having to reach for your documents in hard form.
That is all we have for you on how to check UAE visa status. We have also prepared a guide on residency visas in UAE if you are looking to search for different residency visa types.
We hope this article provided you with useful information. Always keep track of your expiry date as overstay can result in heavy fines and legal consequences.
