Check Dubai Visa Status Online: Step-by-Step Guide

The ICP Smart Services portal is the primary official platform for checking visa status for all UAE visas. It covers visit visas, tourist visas, employment visas, and residence visa applications across all seven emirates. The portal is available in both English and Arabic and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

1. 1Open your browser and navigate to smartservices.icp.gov.ae — this is the official ICP portal. Do not use any other website claiming to offer visa checks, as these may be scams.
2. 2On the homepage, look for the "Visa Inquiry" or "Entry Permit Inquiry" option. This is typically found under the public services section and does not require login.
3. 3Enter your passport number exactly as it appears on your passport (including any leading letters or numbers). Ensure there are no extra spaces.
4. 4Select your nationality from the dropdown menu.
5. 5Enter your date of birth in the format specified (typically DD/MM/YYYY).
6. 6Enter the security captcha code displayed on the screen.
7. 7Click "Search" or "Inquire" to view your visa status.
8. 8The results page will display your visa details including the application number, visa type, status, validity dates, and sponsor information.

If no results are found, double-check that your passport number and date of birth are entered correctly. If your visa was applied for very recently (within the last 24 hours), it may not yet appear in the system. Try again after 24 hours. If the issue persists, contact ICP at 600 522222 or contact the entity that submitted your application.

The GDRFA Dubai app is a mobile application specifically for Dubai residency and visa services. It offers a more streamlined mobile experience compared to the ICP web portal and includes additional features like push notifications for status changes. The app is available for free on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).

1. 1Download the GDRFA Dubai app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Search for "GDRFA Dubai" and download the official app published by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
2. 2Open the app and select "Visa Inquiry" from the main menu. This feature is available without creating an account.
3. 3Enter your passport number and select your nationality.
4. 4Enter your date of birth and any additional required information.
5. 5Tap "Search" to view your visa status and details.
6. 6Optionally, enable push notifications to receive automatic alerts when your visa status changes.

The GDRFA app is particularly useful for applicants who want to track their visa status on the go without needing to access a desktop computer. The push notification feature means you will be alerted immediately when your visa is approved, rejected, or when there is any status change, which is especially valuable for time-sensitive applications.

When you check your visa status, the result will show one of several status categories. Understanding what each status means helps you determine whether any action is required on your part and how long you might need to wait for a final decision.

Several common issues can arise when checking your visa status online. Most are easily resolved with the right approach.

1. 1No results found — Double-check your passport number (include any leading zeros or letters), nationality selection, and date of birth format. If applied within the last 24 hours, wait and try again later.
2. 2Status stuck on "Under Process" for more than 5 working days — Standard processing takes 3-5 working days. If the status has not changed after 7 working days, contact the entity that submitted your application (sponsor, travel agency, or employer) to follow up with ICP.
3. 3Status shows "Under Review" — This indicates additional verification is being conducted. This can be triggered by incomplete documentation, a first-time application from a high-risk nationality, or a random security check. Processing may take 7-15 additional working days.
4. 4Cannot access the ICP portal — The portal occasionally undergoes maintenance. Try accessing it at a different time or use the GDRFA app as an alternative. Clear your browser cache if the page is not loading properly.
5. 5Status shows a different name — Ensure the passport number matches the most recent application. If you have multiple passports or recently renewed, the old passport number may show different results.

If you continue to experience difficulties, OraVisa can check the status on your behalf through our agency portal, which provides more detailed information than the public-facing inquiry tools.

If you are a UAE resident who has sponsored a visit visa for a family member, you can check the status of their visa application using the same methods described above. You will need the visitor passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Alternatively, if you submitted the application through the ICP portal using your UAE Pass account, you can check the status directly in your application history within the portal.

The ICP Smart Services portal allows sponsors to view all their submitted applications in one place when logged in. Navigate to "My Applications" or "Entry Permits" in your account dashboard to see the status of all active and recent visa applications you have submitted. This is particularly useful if you have sponsored multiple visitors.

If you applied through a travel agency, the agency will typically track the status on your behalf and notify you when the visa is approved. However, you can also independently verify the status using the visitor passport number on the ICP public inquiry tool.

If your visa status shows "Rejected", the first step is to understand the reason for the rejection. The ICP portal and GDRFA app may provide a general reason code, but detailed explanations are not always available through the public inquiry tools. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial evidence, sponsor eligibility issues, or immigration history concerns.

You can reapply for a UAE visa after a rejection, but it is essential to address the reason for the initial rejection before submitting a new application. Submitting the same application without changes will likely result in the same outcome. OraVisa can review your rejected application and advise on what needs to be strengthened or corrected for a successful resubmission.

OraVisa provides visa status tracking as part of our application services. When we submit a visa application on your behalf, we monitor the status continuously and notify you the moment there is an update. For existing applications submitted elsewhere, we can check the status through our agency access and provide detailed information on what to expect.