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 UAE government has streamlined the process to check visa status, making it easier for residents to stay compliant with government regulations. 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.
Understanding UAE visa status
Understanding your UAE visa status is crucial to ensure that you are complying with the country’s regulations. Your UAE visa status indicates whether your visa is valid, expired, or cancelled. Regularly checking your visa status helps you avoid penalties and ensures smooth travel plans. You can easily check your UAE visa status online or offline using your passport number or Emirates ID. Staying informed about your visa status is essential for a hassle-free stay in the UAE.
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.
Additionally, you can check visa validity using the FAIC website to ensure you have accurate visa details, including expiry dates.
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 a residency visa 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
ICA smart services for UAE visa status online
The ICA Smart Services portal is a convenient way to check your UAE visa status online. By accessing the portal with your passport number or Emirates ID, you can get real-time updates on your visa status, including the visa expiry date and validity. The portal also allows you to apply for a new visa, renew your existing visa, or cancel your visa. This user-friendly platform ensures that you can manage your visa needs efficiently from the comfort of your home.
Check UAE visa status through GDRFA
Another way for existing residence visa holders to check their Dubai 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 to check your visa validity.
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.
UAE visa status with passport number
You can check your UAE visa status using your passport number. To do this, visit the ICA Smart Services portal or the GDRFA portal, depending on your emirate. Enter your passport number and select your nationality to retrieve your visa status. This method is straightforward and can also be used offline by calling the ICA or GDRFA helpline. Keeping your passport number handy ensures you can quickly check your visa status whenever needed.
Check UAE visa status offline
You can also check your UAE visa status offline. If you live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, 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.
UAE visa application reference number
When you apply for a UAE visa, you’ll receive a reference number or application number. This number is essential for tracking the status of your visa application. You can use the reference number to check your visa status online or offline. Make sure to keep your reference number safe, as you’ll need it to check your visa status or make any changes to your application. This number is your key to staying updated on your visa application progress.
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. Additionally, a visa service provider can assist you with submitting your visa application and provide necessary reference and application numbers to check the status of your visa application. 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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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I check my UAE visa status online?
A: You can check your UAE visa status online using the ICA Smart Services portal or the GDRFA portal. You’ll need to enter your passport number or Emirates ID to retrieve your visa status.
Q: What is the difference between a UAE visa and a Dubai visa?
A: A UAE visa and a Dubai visa are the same. Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, and a UAE visa is valid for all emirates, including Dubai.
Q: Can I check my UAE visa status using my Emirates ID?
A: Yes, you can check your UAE visa status using your Emirates ID. You can use the ICA Smart Services portal or the GDRFA portal to check your visa status using your Emirates ID.
Q: How long does it take to process a UAE visa application?
A: The processing time for a UAE visa application varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. However, most visa applications are processed within 2-5 working days.
Q: Can I cancel my UAE visa online?
A: Yes, you can cancel your UAE visa online using the ICA Smart Services portal or the GDRFA portal. You’ll need to enter your passport number or Emirates ID to cancel your visa.
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