Check Dubai Visa by Passport Number: Quick Lookup Guide

The ICP Smart Services portal is the official UAE government platform for all visa and immigration inquiries. The passport number lookup is a public service that does not require creating an account or logging in. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1. 1Open your web browser and go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae — this is the only official ICP website.
2. 2Look for the "Visa Inquiry" or "Entry Permit Inquiry" option on the homepage or in the public services menu.
3. 3In the "Search By" field, select "Passport Number" (this is usually the default option).
4. 4Enter your full passport number exactly as it appears on your passport. Include any leading letters (such as "P" or country prefixes) and do not add spaces.
5. 5Select your nationality from the dropdown list.
6. 6Enter your date of birth in the specified format (usually DD/MM/YYYY).
7. 7Complete the captcha verification (type the characters shown in the image).
8. 8Click "Search" or "Inquire" to retrieve your visa information.

The results page will show all visa records associated with your passport number, including the most recent visa. If you have multiple visas (e.g., a previous expired visa and a current active one), all may be displayed. Look at the status column to identify your current active visa.

The GDRFA Dubai app provides the same passport number lookup functionality in a mobile-friendly format. This is convenient for checking your visa on the go, especially when you are at the airport or need quick confirmation before boarding a flight.

1. 1Download the GDRFA Dubai app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. 2Open the app and select "Visa Inquiry" or "Entry Permit Status" from the main menu.
3. 3Select the passport number search option.
4. 4Enter your passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
5. 5Tap Search to retrieve your visa details.
6. 6Review the results showing your visa type, status, validity, and expiry dates.

The GDRFA app displays the same information as the ICP web portal but in a mobile-optimised layout. You can also enable push notifications in the app to receive automatic alerts about your visa status changes or upcoming expiry dates.

The UAE immigration system uses two types of identifiers: your passport number and your UID (Unified Number). Understanding when to use each helps you navigate the inquiry system correctly and find your visa information without confusion.

If you only have your passport number, you can perform all standard visa checks. The UID is useful if you need to track a specific application or access more detailed services through the ICP portal. Your UID can usually be found on the visa sticker in your passport, on your entry permit, or by contacting ICP customer service.

Several common issues can prevent a successful passport number lookup. Here are the most frequent problems and how to resolve them.

1. 1No results found with correct details — If you recently renewed your passport, your visa may be linked to the old passport number. Try searching with your previous passport number. If the visa was applied for within the last 24 hours, it may not yet be in the system.
2. 2Multiple results showing different visas — The system displays all visa records linked to your passport. Look for the entry with the most recent date and "Issued" or "Valid" status. Previous visas may show as "Closed" or "Expired".
3. 3Error message when entering passport number — Ensure you are entering the number exactly as printed, including any leading letters. Do not add spaces or special characters. Some passport numbers include a country code prefix that must be included.
4. 4The portal is not loading — The ICP website occasionally undergoes maintenance. Try again after a few hours or use the GDRFA app as an alternative. Clearing your browser cache may also help if you are getting a cached error page.
5. 5Results show wrong person — This is rare but can happen if you mistyped the passport number. Verify the number carefully against your physical passport.

A successful passport number lookup on the ICP portal displays several pieces of useful information about your visa. Understanding each field helps you interpret the results correctly.

• Visa type — The category of visa (visit visa, tourist visa, employment entry permit, etc.)
• Visa status — Current state of the visa (Issued, Under Process, Approved, Rejected, Closed, Expired, Cancelled)
• Issue date — The date the visa was approved and issued
• Validity start date — The date from which the visa is valid for entry
• Validity end date — The last date the visa can be used for entry into the UAE
• Sponsor name — The name of the entity or individual that sponsored the visa
• Visa number — The unique identifier for the visa
• UID number — Your Unified Number in the UAE immigration system

Note that the results do not show your remaining stay duration if you are already in the UAE. The stay duration is counted from your entry date, which is stamped in your passport at immigration. To calculate your remaining stay, subtract the number of days since your entry from your total visa duration (e.g., 60 days for a standard visit visa).

If you are having difficulty checking your visa status or need assistance understanding the results, OraVisa can help. We have direct access to the ICP agency portal, which provides more detailed information than the public inquiry tools. Contact us for a quick check or for assistance with any visa-related questions.