Are you anxious about the status of your UAE Visa application? It's natural to feel a bit on edge not knowing if it's approved, denied, or still in the queue. Find out how to do a quick Dubai visa check online and put your worries to rest.
If you've already applied for your UAE Tourist eVisa online, it's crucial to stay updated about its status. This article provides clear steps to track your visa application status online.
Using online portals for visa status verification
The UAE government has two main portals that you can use to verify the status of your visa:
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai website.
UAE visa check with passport number
Step 1: Visit the ICP - Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website.
Step 2: Select “Passport Information” and choose “Visa” as the type.
Step 3: Enter your passport number, passport expiry date, and nationality.
Step 4: Complete the human verification prompt.
Step 5: Click on the “Search” button.
Step 1: Visit the GDRFAD -General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website.
Step 2: Click on the “File” option.
Step 3: Enter your first name, file number (your visa application number), nationality, and date of birth.
Step 4: Complete the human verification prompt.
- Step 5: Click on the “Search” button.
Alternative ways to check your UAE Visa status
Apart from using the websites above, you can use the following methods to check your visa status:
- iVisa mobile app: If you applied for your UAE Visa using our platform, you can use our mobile app or website to check the status of your application.
Log in using your order number or email.
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Phone: You can call the ICP customer service center at +97124955555.
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Email: You can email your inquiries to [email protected]
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Online inquiry form: You can submit your inquiries through the online inquiry form on the ICP website.
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Visit the ICP office: If you are in the UAE, you can visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs offices or the ICP Customer Happiness Centers.
Ensure you have your passport and visa details for more efficient assistance.
Importance of regularly checking Dubai Visa status
After you've submitted your Dubai Visa application, you'll want to keep an eye on its progress as you make your travel plans. When checking your visa status, you may come across specific codes that indicate the current status of your application.
To help you understand these codes, here's a brief rundown:
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RECEIVED: Your application has been received and is now undergoing initial assessment by the relevant authorities.
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UNDER PROCESSING: Your application is currently under review. Officials are examining your documents, conducting background checks, and making a decision.
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ISSUED: Congratulations, this status confirms that your visa to Dubai has been approved. You can now move forward with your travel preparations.
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REJECTED: This indicates that your application wasn't successful. The exact reasons for denial may be provided in a separate notice.
One of the most common reasons for rejection is having the wrong passport type, so make sure you have a biometric passport before applying.
Why is it essential to regularly check your UAE visa status?
For approved visa holders, regularly checking your Dubai visa status is essential. Here's why:
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To stay informed about the active duration of your visa.
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To anticipate when you'll need to renew or extend your visa.
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To prevent potential issues, such as overstaying, which could result in penalties.
Required documents for your Dubai visa check
The main document you'll need for your Dubai visa check is the passport you used for your visa application. To check your UAE visa status online, you must provide your passport number and expiry date and indicate your nationality (more on this later).
Depending on the website or platform you use to check your visa status, you may also need to provide your visa application reference number and other personal details, such as your full name and date of birth.
Dealing with visa expiry, renewals, and overstays
It's important to keep track of your visa status so that you can renew it or leave the UAE before it expires. Staying beyond its expiry is considered overstaying and can lead to complications.
What can happen if you overstay your visa?
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Fines: In the UAE, you'll be charged AED 50 for each day if you overstay your visa. Continuous violations can lead to even higher charges.
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Deportation: The authorities could deport you if your visa is over 60 days overdue. This would mean you'd have to leave the UAE and might not be allowed back in for a while.
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Travel ban: Being deported for visa issues can land you on a travel blacklist. This could keep you from returning to the UAE, even if you have a valid visa later.
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Criminal charges: Overstaying isn't just a simple matter; it can be considered breaking the law. If found guilty, you might face time in jail, additional fines, or both.
What to do after your UAE visa expires
If your visa expires while in the UAE, acting quickly is essential.
The first step should be to try to extend or renew your visa. This is the most direct way to legally extend your stay. You can apply for an extension or renewal through the ICP website.
But, if extending or renewing isn't an option, you might have to exit the UAE and apply for a new visa. In this case, you should contact the embassy or consulate of your home country for assistance or apply using a third party.
Applying for a new UAE Tourist Visa
We recommend using our platform for a smooth UAE visa application experience. It takes less than 30 minutes to do. Find out everything you need to know about how to apply and the UAE Visa requirements.
This comprehensive step-by-step video will help you understand the application process for your UAE Visa.
When you apply with us, we will email you updates on the status of your visa approval and ensure your visa status is verified through official UAE channels before you depart.
Renewing your UAE Visa
Renewing a visa in the UAE isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure. The process depends on your visa type and why you're extending it.
Generally, you'd need to fill out an application, attach the required documents, pay any fees, and then wait for a decision on your application.
For most visits and tourist visas, a 30-day renewal is possible once the immigration authorities approve it. And before this renewal period runs out, there's an option for a second renewal.
Those on a 90-day visit visa should note that they can only get a single 30-day extension.
According to the ICP, resident visas that last more than six months can't be renewed. However, after the visa expires or is canceled, expats have a six-month period to either get a new residence visa or leave the UAE. Plus, there are no fines during these six months.
Common reasons for UAE Visa rejection and how to avoid them
Most Dubai visa applications are rejected due to incorrect, missed, blank, or typo errors. The best way to avoid this is by applying with a verified service, which can guide you through a simplified visa application and help increase your chances of approval.
- Incorrect information: Entering incorrect details (like passport number or nationality) on the application form can lead to errors in retrieving visa status.
When you apply with us, we will contact you if anything on the application form produces an error; this way, your chances of visa approval are increased.
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Expired visa: If the visa expires, it may not appear in the system.
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Regularly check your Dubai Visa status and make sure you either renew or apply for another before it expires.
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System downtime: Occasionally, the GDRFA or ICP systems may be down or under maintenance, leading to temporary access issues.
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Overstaying your previous visit: This information will be considered when applying for a new UAE visa and may influence your chances of approval.
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Insufficient evidence: Evidence that doesn't support the information shared in your Dubai visa application is another primary reason for visa rejections.
Other important things to be aware of when getting your UAE visa
Visa application scams
The Dubai government warns against several common scams related to visas.
Phishing and fraudulent websites
Fake websites mimic official UAE portals to steal personal information or money.
- Fake visas are common, and you will only know when you run a visa check. For your UAE visa, you can go online and surf sites such as EDNRD and use the DubaiNow app to find out your visa status and whether it’s genuine or not.
If you have any questions about checking your Dubai visa status, please contact our customer service team, who are ready to assist you, or message us on WhatsApp.