How To Check Dubai Visa Status Using Passport Number

You can check a Dubai visa status online using your passport number, but you need to use the correct official portal. For Dubai issued visas, start with GDRFA Dubai. For visas issued by other UAE emirates, use ICP Smart Services.

Your passport number is important, but it may not be enough by itself. Depending on the portal, you may also need your application number, file number, transaction number, nationality, date of birth, or visa number.

The safest way is to check through official UAE government platforms, not random third party visa check websites.

GDRFA Dubai lists a Visa Status service to verify entry permits, residence cards, establishment cards, and related documents. ICP Smart Services is used for federal UAE visa, residency, and Emirates ID services.

Can You Check Dubai Visa Status With Passport Number Only?

Sometimes, but not always.

Your passport number can help identify your record, but most visa status systems also need another detail from your application.

If you do not have your application number or file number, check your email, SMS, visa agent message, airline confirmation, payment receipt, or visa application receipt first.

Passport number alone may not be enough. Keep your application receipt ready before checking.

Official Ways To Check A Dubai Visa Status

There are two main official routes most applicants use.

The official UAE government portal says visa application tracking and validity checks depend on where the visa was issued. Dubai visa inquiries are handled through GDRFA Dubai.

Use GDRFA if the visa was issued in Dubai. Use ICP if the visa was issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah.

Method 1: Check Dubai Visa Status On GDRFA

Use this method if your visa, entry permit, or residence file was issued in Dubai.

GDRFA Dubai’s website lists Visa Status as a service to verify entry or residence permits, establishment cards, and more. The GDRFA status inquiry page includes search options such as request, file, counter service application, establishment inquiry, and reconsideration request.

Step 1: Go To The Official GDRFA Dubai Website

Open the official GDRFA Dubai website and look for Visa Status.

You can also go directly to the GDRFA status inquiry page if you already have your application details.

Step 2: Choose The Correct Search Type

GDRFA may let you search by:

• Request

• File

• Counter service application

• Establishment inquiry

• Reconsideration request

Choose the option that matches the document or application you have.

Step 3: Enter Your Application Or File Details

Depending on the search type, you may need to enter:

• Application number

• Transaction number

• Payment date

• File number

• First name in English

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Mobile number

• Passport number

• Year of birth

The GDRFA status inquiry page shows fields such as application number, transaction number, payment date, file number, nationality, date of birth, mobile number, and passport number across different search options.

Step 4: Submit The Inquiry

After entering the required details, submit the form and check the result.

If the record is found, the system may show information connected to your visa, entry permit, residence card, or file.

You may see details such as:

• Applicant name

• Passport number

• Nationality

• File number

• Visa or permit type

• Application status

• Validity details

• Entry or residence document status

Enter your passport number exactly as printed in your passport. Small spacing or number errors can stop the result from showing.

Method 2: Check UAE Visa Status On ICP Smart Services

Use this method if your visa was issued by an emirate other than Dubai, or if your official receipt tells you to use ICP Smart Services.

ICP Smart Services supports services for visas, residencies, Emirates ID, fines, and other identity and immigration related services.

Step 1: Go To ICP Smart Services

Open the official ICP Smart Services portal.

Look for application status, file validity, visa services, or the service mentioned on your application receipt.

Step 2: Enter The Required Reference Details

Depending on the service, you may need:

• Request number

• Application number

• Passport details

• File number

• Emirates ID details

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Sponsor or establishment details

Step 3: Submit And Review The Result

If the details match the system, ICP should show the relevant record.

If nothing appears, check whether your visa was actually issued by Dubai. If it was issued in Dubai, the result may not show on ICP and you may need to use GDRFA instead.

The most common mistake is using the right passport number on the wrong portal.

GDRFA vs ICP: Which Portal Should You Use?

Use this quick guide before checking.

A Dubai visa is still a UAE visa, but the issuing authority matters when you check the status.

The portal is based on where the visa was issued, not only where you plan to travel.

What Details Do You Need Before Checking?

Before opening the tracking page, prepare:

• Passport number

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Application number

• Transaction number

• File number

• Visa number, if already issued

• Payment date, if shown on your receipt

• Mobile number used in the application

• Sponsor name or agency name

• Email used in the application

• Visa copy or entry permit copy

• Payment receipt, if available

If you applied through an airline or travel agency, ask them for the official application reference, not just a screenshot.

You can also use Outbound’s visa document checklist if you are preparing documents for another visa application and want to keep your records organized.

What If You Applied Through A Travel Agent?

You can still check your Dubai visa status yourself if you have the correct details.

Ask your agent for:

• Application number

• Transaction number

• File number

• Visa number, if issued

• Passport number used in the application

• Issuing authority

• Email or mobile number used in the application

• Payment receipt or application receipt

Do not rely only on a PDF, screenshot, or verbal confirmation.

If the visa has been issued, check that these details match your passport:

• Full name

• Passport number

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Visa type

• Number of entries

• Validity

• Duration of stay

• Issuing authority

A visa PDF is not enough if you cannot verify the details through the correct official system.

If your agent says the visa is approved but you cannot find the record, ask which portal was used and which reference number you should enter.

What Does Each Dubai Visa Status Mean?

Exact wording can vary depending on the portal, visa type, and application route. In general:

Visa status and visa validity are not the same thing. Status tells you what happened to the application. Validity tells you whether the visa can still be used for travel.

What If It Says “No Record Found”?

Do not panic immediately. “No record found” does not always mean your Dubai visa was rejected.

Try these checks first:

• Recheck your passport number

• Remove extra spaces

• Check your nationality selection

• Recheck your date of birth

• Try the application number instead of the visa number

• Try the file number instead of the application number

• Check whether the visa was issued in Dubai or another emirate

• Try GDRFA if the visa is Dubai issued

• Try ICP if the visa is from another emirate

• Wait and try again later if you recently applied

• Ask your agent or sponsor for the correct reference number

If your visa was submitted very recently, the record may not appear immediately.

The official UAE portal lists GDRFA contact details for Dubai visa inquiries, including 800 5111 from inside the UAE and +9714 313 9999 from outside the UAE.

Can You Check A Dubai Tourist Visa The Same Way?

Yes, if the tourist visa was issued in Dubai, you should generally start with GDRFA Dubai.

The UAE government portal says tourists who are not eligible for visa free entry or visa on arrival need a tourist visa before travel. Visit Dubai also provides official tourist visa information for travelers planning a Dubai trip.

You will usually need:

• Passport number

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Application number

• Transaction number

• File number

• Visa number, if issued

If your Dubai tourist visa is approved, also check your email and spam folder. Many applicants receive visa copies electronically through the airline, agent, or sponsor.

Before traveling, check that the visa details match your passport.

Approval is not the final check. You still need to confirm that your visa is valid for your travel date.

Can You Check Dubai Visa Validity Before Traveling?

Yes. You should check Dubai visa validity before you book final travel or before departure.

A visa can be approved but no longer usable if the entry validity has expired, the visa was cancelled, or the passport details are wrong.

Check:

• Visa issue date

• Last date to enter

• Duration of stay

• Number of entries

• Passport number

• Full name

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Visa type

• Passport validity

• Airline entry requirements

Emirates says travelers should check visa requirements before travel and make sure they have a valid visa if needed, and that passport validity requirements can apply.

Do not travel only because your visa was once approved. Check whether it is still valid for your actual travel date.

Can UAE Residents Check Visa Status This Way?

Yes, UAE residents may also use official UAE immigration services to check residence related records.

GDRFA Dubai lists Visa Status for checking the validity of entry permits, residence cards, and establishment documents. It also lists a fines inquiry service for fines linked to a personal file or sponsored individuals.

Residents may need to check status before:

• Renewing residence

• Changing sponsor

• Changing employer

• Leaving the UAE for a long period

• Checking cancellation

• Applying for family sponsorship

• Checking fines

• Applying for a new entry permit

If your residence was issued in Dubai, start with GDRFA. If it was issued by another emirate, check ICP.

Do You Need A Dubai Visa Before Traveling?

Not everyone needs a prearranged Dubai visa.

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism says GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE. It also says citizens of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days, while citizens of other countries can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 90 days.

Emirates also lists visa on arrival categories and says some passport holders can receive a 30 day, 90 day, or 180 day visit visa on arrival depending on nationality.

Still, visa on arrival rules can depend on nationality, passport type, passport validity, residency status, and airline checks.

Check your entry requirement before booking non refundable flights or hotels.

How To Avoid Fake Dubai Visa Check Websites

Use official platforms whenever possible.

Be careful with websites or agents that:

• Ask for unnecessary fees just to check status

• Promise guaranteed approval

• Cannot provide an application number

• Only send screenshots

• Use unofficial payment links

• Ask for passport details through unsafe forms

• Cannot tell you whether your visa is from GDRFA or ICP

ICP has warned customers to use official and authorized channels because fraudulent websites and fake communications may misuse official names or logos.

Never enter your passport number, date of birth, file number, or payment details on a website you cannot verify.

Common Mistakes When Checking Dubai Visa Status

1. Using Passport Number Only

Your passport number is important, but it may not be enough.

Most checks also need another identifier such as application number, file number, transaction number, date of birth, or nationality.

2. Checking The Wrong Portal

A Dubai visa should usually be checked through GDRFA. A visa from another UAE emirate should usually be checked through ICP.

3. Confusing Visa Status With Visa Validity

Status tells you whether the application is pending, approved, issued, rejected, cancelled, or expired.

Validity tells you whether the visa can still be used.

4. Trusting A Screenshot Without Checking

A screenshot can be incomplete or edited.

Use the official portal whenever possible.

5. Not Checking Passport Details After Approval

Even if the visa is approved, check that your name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth are correct.

6. Checking Too Soon After Application

If the application was submitted recently, the system may not show the record yet.

7. Not Asking The Agent For The Correct Reference Number

If an agent applied for you, they should be able to give you an application number, file number, transaction number, or official receipt.

Final Checklist Before You Travel To Dubai

Before departure, check:

• Visa status is approved or issued

• Passport number matches the visa

• Full name matches the passport

• Nationality is correct

• Date of birth is correct

• Visa type matches your travel purpose

• Number of entries is correct

• Visa validity covers your travel date

• Duration of stay is enough for your trip

• Passport validity meets the airline or entry requirement

• You have a copy of the visa saved offline

• You know whether your visa was issued by GDRFA or ICP

• Airline and entry requirements are checked

If you are preparing documents for another visa application, you can use Outbound’s free visa tools to organize common travel requirements before submission.

If your Dubai visa status is unclear, your agent gives conflicting information, or you are unsure what the result means, you can compare similar cases in the Outbound Visa Forum before taking the next step.

Final Takeaway

You can check a Dubai visa status using your passport number, but passport number alone may not be enough. Keep your application number, transaction number, file number, visa number, nationality, and date of birth ready before checking.

For the safest result, use GDRFA Dubai for Dubai issued visas and ICP Smart Services for visas issued by other UAE emirates. If your visa appears as approved or issued, check every detail carefully before traveling. If the system shows no record, recheck your numbers, use the correct portal, and contact your agent, sponsor, GDRFA, or ICP if the problem continues.

Sources

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/track-visa-application-and-validity

https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en

https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Public_Th/StatusInquiry_New.aspx

https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/fines-inquiry-service

https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/

https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/tourist-visa

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-information

https://www.moet.gov.ae/en/entry-requirements

https://www.emirates.com/id/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information/