If you’re staying in the UAE, ensure that your UAE visa status is valid because there could be stiff penalties for staying with an expired visa. The fine for overstaying in the UAE is AED 50 per day. The longer it takes for you to renew your expired visa, the bigger fine you will have to pay.
Check UAE visa status online through FAIC
If you are a foreigner holding a tourist or visit visa, you can check your visa status online by visiting the FAIC (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) website on your computer or mobile device.
Step 1: Select “Passport Information” and “visa”
To verify your visa status using your passport, select “passport information” and “visa” on the page as your preferred options.
Step 2: Enter passport information
You will be asked to enter various information found on your passport, including passport number, passport expiration date, and nationality. This step is crucial to check your visa status, so double-check everything before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Captcha verification and submission
You will be asked to review the information you shared before you submit the form. You must ensure all the information you share is accurate. After you click on the “Submit the Form” button, you will immediately find out your UAE visa status on the same page.
Please note that expats holding residence visas can verify their UAE visa status using the same platform. Just choose File Number (versus passport information as shown in the previous example) and “Residency” (instead of visa as mentioned previously). You will then be asked to provide other information in your visa.
The easiest way is to provide your Emirates ID number. Follow the simple steps online and you should be able to verify your UAE visa status quickly and easily.
Read: New UAE visas to come into force from next month
Check UAE visa status through GDRFA
Another way for existing residence visa holders to check their UAE visa status is through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website. Just click on the Visa Status under the “More Services” section to start using the service. The following process outlines the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Choose residency validity
You can choose between Entry Permit Validity, Residence Validity, eDNRD application, eForm application, and Residence Application Status. You must select the option that applies to you accordingly.
Step 2: Enter your residence file number
Your residence file number can be found on your UAE visa that either came with your passport (if before 2022) or through a digital copy of your residence visa that was emailed to you.
Step 3: Enter your details
You will be asked to enter personal information, such as first name, gender, date of birth, and nationality. Verify the security code to prove that you are not a robot.
Step 4: Submit form to find out your UAE visa status
Once you click submit, you will find out your UAE visa status and expiry date. It would be best to renew your visa at least one to two weeks before it expires to avoid any problems.
Check UAE visa status offline
You can also check your UAE visa status offline. If you live in Dubai, you can contact Amer office through its toll-free number (800 5111) if you are inside UAE and +971 (0)4 313 9999 if you are currently outside UAE. If you reside anywhere else in the UAE, you can call the toll-free number of the FAIC at 600 522222.
Tips to avoid visa cancellation
If you want to avoid the automatic cancellation of your UAE visa, you should stay within the country for up to six months. If you travel for work regularly, you should pay a visit to the UAE regularly. The period between each visit should be at least six months.
The UAE has exerted extensive efforts to enable you to verify your UAE visa status easily and conveniently through several digital platforms. Make sure to take advantage of these easy-to-use platforms, as well as your offline option, to continue to live or work in the UAE.
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