LAST REVIEWED: 2026-07-15
Guide — official channels only
UAE Visa Status Check
| Dubai-issued visas | GDRFA Dubai — gdrfad.gov.ae (or the GDRFA app) |
|---|---|
| All other emirates | ICP Smart Services — icp.gov.ae |
| What you need | Passport number + nationality, or the visa file number |
| Cost | Free |
| Possible statuses | Approved · Under process · Pending · Rejected |
Checking a Dubai-issued visa (GDRFA)
- Open the GDRFA Dubai site or app and find the "Application Status Tracker" service (no login needed for basic queries).
- Select the query type. You can search by application/file number or by passport details.
- Enter your passport number, nationality and date of birth exactly as they appear in the passport.
- Read the result. An issued visa shows its validity dates; an in-progress one shows "under process".
Checking visas from the other emirates (ICP)
- Open the ICP Smart Services portal (icp.gov.ae) and choose the file-validity / application-tracking service.
- Pick "Visa" as the file type, then search by passport information or file number.
- Enter the requested details — passport number, nationality, and sometimes the visa expiry date.
- Read the result. The portal shows the application stage or the issued visa's validity.
What the file number means
Every UAE visa carries a file number like 201/2026/1234567:
the issuing-authority code, the year, and your individual file. It is
printed on the visa PDF. Searching by file number is more precise than by
passport, especially for common passport-number formats.
Status stuck or rejected?
"Under process" for less than a week is normal — here is what real processing times look like. If the status shows rejected, most causes are fixable: see the rejection reasons guide, then reapply — for most travelers that means a fresh 30-day tourist visa application with corrected documents.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check my UAE visa status by passport number?
Use the two official channels only: the GDRFA Dubai website or app for Dubai-issued visas, and the ICP Smart Services portal for visas issued by the other six emirates. Both let you query by passport number and nationality, free of charge.
What is a UAE visa file number?
The file number is the reference printed on your visa or entry permit, formatted like 201/2026/1234567. The first part identifies the issuing authority, the second the year, the third your individual file. GDRFA searches accept it as an alternative to your passport number.
What does "under process" mean in a UAE visa status check?
It means immigration is actively reviewing the application — the normal stage before approval. Most applications clear it within 2–5 working days. No action is needed unless documents are requested.
Can a website check my UAE visa status for me?
No third-party website has access to UAE immigration systems. Any site claiming to check status for you is either redirecting you to the official portals or guessing. Always use GDRFA or ICP directly — both are free.
How do I know if my visa was issued in Dubai or another emirate?
Check who processed your application: visas arranged through Dubai-based sponsors, hotels or agencies are usually GDRFA (Dubai) files; those from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates sit in the federal ICP system. Your visa PDF names the issuing authority.
We are a private visa assistance service. Status data lives only in official UAE immigration systems (GDRFA/ICP) — this page explains how to use them; it does not and cannot query them for you.