If you’ve ever applied for a visa to visit or work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you understand the importance of regularly checking your visa status. Whether you’re waiting for approval, want to verify your visa’s authenticity, or simply want to check its expiry date, having an efficient way to check your UAE visa status can be extremely handy. This blog post will guide you through the steps of doing a Dubai visa check online using only your passport number.
The UAE is a highly sought-after destination for tourism, business, and employment opportunities. Every year, millions of people from around the globe apply for various types of UAE visas. However, the visa application process can sometimes be confusing and time-consuming, with applicants often unsure about the status of their application or the validity of their visa.
A UAE visa is a document or a stamp on your passport that allows you to enter, stay, or leave the UAE for a certain period. The type of visa you need depends on several factors, including your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and its duration. Some nationalities do not require a visa to enter the UAE, while others need to apply for one before they travel.
UAE Visa Types
There are several types of UAE visas, each serving a different purpose. Understanding them will help you apply for the right one and manage its status effectively.
Visit Visa
Visit visas are issued for individuals who wish to visit the UAE for tourism, to see family or friends, or for short-term business visits. They are typically valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the specific type.
Work Visa
Work visas are issued to individuals who have obtained a job in the UAE. These visas are sponsored by the employer and are usually valid for two years. Before applying for a work visa, you must have a valid employment contract or job offer from a UAE employer.
Transit Visa
Transit visas are suitable for travelers passing through the UAE en route to another destination. These visas are valid for 48 hours and can be extended to 96 hours for a minimal fee.
Student Visa
Student visas are issued to individuals who wish to study at an accredited institution in the UAE. These visas are typically valid for one year and can be renewed as long as you remain a student.
How to Check UAE Visa Status Online
Thanks to the modern digital services provided by the UAE government, you can easily check the status of your UAE visa using just your passport number. Let’s walk through the process.
Step 1: Access ICA Smart Services Portal
To begin with, you need to visit the online portal of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). This is a comprehensive platform providing various smart services related to visas and immigration. You can access the ICA smart services portal at https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae.
Step 2: Navigating to Visa Section
Once you’re on the ICA website, navigate to the section for ‘Passport Information’ and select ‘Visa’ or ‘Residency’ under the ‘Service’ category.
Step 3: Enter Passport Details
In this step, you’ll need to enter your passport number and the expiry date of your passport. You’ll also need to select your nationality from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Complete Captcha Verification
After filling in the necessary details, you’ll see a captcha box for security verification. Check the captcha box to confirm you’re not a robot. Once done, click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Within seconds, the system will fetch and display the status of your UAE visa. Depending on your visa’s status, you may see one of the following terms:
- Issued: Your visa has been approved and issued.
- Under Process: Your visa application is still being processed.
- Expired: Your visa is no longer valid.
Additional Resources for Checking Visa Status
Besides the ICA portal, there are other resources available to check your UAE visa status.
Check Visa Status if Issued by Dubai
If your visa was issued by Dubai, you can check its status through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA-D) website. Simply visit their site, go to their visa services section, and enter your application number or passport number to check your visa status.
Check Visa Status if Issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah
If your visa was issued by any other emirate apart from Dubai, you can check its status on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) official website. Just like the process explained above, you’ll need your passport number to check your visa status.
Conclusion
Keeping track of your UAE visa status is crucial to avoid any legal complications during your stay in the country. Thanks to the digital advancements of the UAE government, you can now easily check your visa status online, anytime and anywhere. All you need is your passport number, and with a few clicks, you’ll have all the information you need about your visa. So, next time you apply for a UAE visa, remember to use these online tools to monitor your application’s progress and your visa’s validity.