Key takeaways
- Use ICA for federal visas and GDRFA for Dubai residence visas — both are free and official.
- Visit/tourist visas are tracked via Amer.ae (Dubai) or Tas'heel (northern emirates) using the typing centre reference number.
- The UAE Pass app and SMS 4777 give quick, login‑free status for any visa type.
- Always verify on government domains; never pay for a status check.
- If a visa doesn't appear, double‑check data, contact your sponsor, or visit an ICA/GDRFA centre.
Quick answer: How to Check United Arab Emirates Visa Status Online (2026): Step-by-Step Guide – you can verify your UAE visa status in 2026 through the ICA portal (ica.gov.ae) for federal visas or GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae) for Dubai‑issued residence visas. Enter your passport number and visa/file number; results show Issued, Under Process, Rejected, Expired, or Cancelled. Visit visas can also be checked on Amer.ae or Tas'heel, while UAE Pass app and SMS to 4777 work for every visa type.
How to Check United Arab Emirates Visa Status Online (2026): Step-by-Step Guide
All visa checks must be done on government‑run sites. Using any other website that mimics these portals is a common scam — checking is always free. Below is a quick comparison of the six official channels you can use today.
| Portal | Covers | Access method | Typical use | Login required | Mobile app |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICA (Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship) | All emirates except Dubai residence visas | Web (ica.gov.ae) or UAE Pass app | Residence, work, green, golden visas issued federally | Yes (UAE Pass or guest) | ICA UAE app |
| GDRFA Dubai | Residence visas issued in Dubai only | Web (gdrfad.gov.ae) or GDRFA Dubai app | Dubai‑sponsored employment, family, investor visas | Yes (UAE Pass) | GDRFA Dubai app |
| Amer.ae | Visit, tourist, mission visas processed through Dubai typing centres | Web (amer.ae) | Short‑stay visas, entry permits, visa extensions | No (reference number only) | No |
| Tas'heel (tasheel.ae) | Visit/tourist visas for northern emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, etc.) | Web or Tas'heel centres | Visit visas not handled by Amer | No (reference number only) | No |
| UAE Pass app | Unified digital identity — any visa linked to your Emirates ID or passport | Mobile app (iOS/Android) | One‑tap status for all visa types | Yes (Emirates ID/passport) | UAE Pass app |
| SMS 4777 | All visa types (Etisalat/Du subscribers) | Send VISA <passport number> to 4777 | Quick check without login | No | N/A |
Step‑by‑step: Check UAE visa status on the ICA website
- Open ica.gov.ae and choose Public Services → Visa Status Enquiry.
- Select the Passport tab (or Emirates ID tab if you have an ID).
- Enter your passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date.
- Provide the visa/file number (unified number) and complete the captcha.
- Click Submit. The result shows one of: Issued, Under Process, Rejected, Expired, Cancelled.
- If status is Issued, use the Download/Print button to save a PDF copy of the visa.
Tip: If you see "Under Process" for more than 10 working days, contact your sponsor or the typing centre that submitted the application. The ICA portal also lets you track the progress of a new application by entering the application reference number.
Step‑by‑step: Check Dubai residence visa status on GDRFA portal
- Visit gdrfad.gov.ae → Services → Enquire About Visa Status.
- Choose Residence Visa.
- Enter the file number (not the passport number) and the sponsor details (company or individual name).
- Submit the form. Status codes returned:
- 1 = Issued
- 2 = Under Process
- 3 = Rejected
- 4 = Cancelled
- Alternative: download the GDRFA Dubai app, log in with UAE Pass, and view the same data.
- When status is Issued, you can print the entry permit or residence visa copy directly from the portal.
For Dubai‑issued visas, the file number is the key identifier. You can find it on the entry permit or the visa sticker. If you only have a passport number, use the ICA portal instead — it covers federal visas and will also show Dubai residence visas once they are entered into the federal system.
Checking visit, tourist, and mission visas via Amer and Tas'heel
- Amer.ae – for Dubai‑issued visit/tourist visas. Enter the application reference number from the typing centre receipt.
- Tas'heel (tasheel.ae) – for northern emirates visit visas. Use the typing centre receipt number if the visa/reference number is not yet issued.
- Both portals display: Application Received, Under Review, Approved, Rejected, Cancelled.
- If an application is stuck >14 working days, call Amer on 800‑5111 or Tas'heel on 800‑827435.
Visit visas are usually processed within 2‑5 working days. Mission visas (short‑term work permits) take 3‑7 days. Always keep the typing centre receipt — it contains the reference number you need for online tracking.
Using UAE Pass app and SMS 4777 for any visa type
- Download the UAE Pass app (App Store / Google Play). Register with your Emirates ID or passport.
- Tap Visa Status – the app auto‑fetches every visa linked to your identity (residence, visit, tourist, green, golden).
- For SMS: send
VISA <your passport number>to 4777 (works on Etisalat and Du). The reply includes status, expiry date, and sponsor name.
The UAE Pass app is the most convenient method if you already have an Emirates ID. It also stores a digital copy of your visa for offline access. SMS 4777 is handy when you have no internet, but standard SMS rates apply.
UAE visa status by visa type: what to expect
| Visa type | Primary portal | Typical processing time | Key identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment residence visa | ICA (federal) or GDRFA (Dubai) | 5‑10 working days after medical | File number / unified number |
| Family residence visa | ICA or GDRFA | 5‑10 working days | Sponsor's file number |
| Golden visa | ICA | 10‑20 working days | Application reference |
| Green visa | ICA | 10‑15 working days | Application reference |
| Tourist/visit visa | Amer (Dubai) or Tas'heel (northern emirates) | 2‑5 working days | Application reference number |
| Mission visa | Amer | 3‑7 working days | Mission reference number |
What each visa status means and what to do next
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Issued / Valid | Visa approved and active. | Download copy, verify expiry, travel before expiry date. |
| Under Process | Application being reviewed (normally 3‑10 working days). | Wait; if >14 days, contact sponsor or typing centre. |
| Rejected | Application denied – a rejection code is shown. | Note the code, ask sponsor/typing centre for reason, then reapply. |
| Expired | Visa validity ended; cannot enter UAE. | Sponsor must renew or apply a new visa. |
| Cancelled | Previous visa voided. | New application required; old visa cannot be used. |
Spotting a fake visa or scam site
- The official portals never ask for payment to "activate" a visa.
- If a site's URL is not
ica.gov.ae,gdrfad.gov.ae,amer.ae,tasheel.ae, or the UAE Pass app store listing, treat it as suspicious. - Mismatched details (passport number, sponsor name) between the portal and the document you received indicate a forged visa.
- Always verify on the official portal yourself — agents who claim they can "check for you" for a fee are a red flag.
Troubleshooting: visa not showing on any portal
- Double‑check the passport number, nationality, and file/reference number for typos.
- Confirm with your sponsor/employer that the visa was actually submitted.
- If the visa was issued before the current system (pre‑2022), it may only exist in the sponsor's GDRFA/ICA record — ask them to provide a copy.
- Visit the nearest ICA customer happiness centre or GDRFA office with original passport and Emirates ID for a manual lookup.
- If the portal returns an error, try a different browser, clear cache, or use the UAE Pass app as a fallback.
Official help contacts
- ICA call centre: 600‑522‑222 (inside UAE) / +971‑2‑312‑2222 (outside)
- GDRFA Dubai: 800‑5111
- Amer: 800‑5111
- Tas'heel: 800‑827435
- UAE Pass support: support@uaepass.ae
Frequently asked questions
Can I check my UAE visa status without a passport number?
Yes. If you have an Emirates ID, you can use the Emirates ID tab on the ICA portal or log in to the UAE Pass app. For Dubai residence visas, the GDRFA portal requires the file number, not the passport number.
Is there a fee to check visa status online?
No. All official portals (ICA, GDRFA, Amer, Tas'heel, UAE Pass, SMS 4777) provide visa status checks free of charge. Any site asking for payment is a scam.
How long does a UAE visa status update take to appear online?
Updates are usually real‑time. After a visa is issued, cancelled, or rejected, the status changes within minutes on the respective portal. If you just submitted an application, allow 24‑48 hours for the system to reflect "Application Received".
What should I do if my visa shows "Rejected"?
Note the rejection code displayed on the portal. Contact your sponsor or the typing centre that filed the application — they can request the specific reason from immigration. Once resolved, a new application can be submitted.
Can I check someone else's visa status?
Only if you have their passport details and visa/file number, or if you are the sponsor (employer/family member) with access to the GDRFA/ICA sponsor portal. Privacy laws prohibit unauthorized checks.
Key takeaways
- Use ICA for federal visas and GDRFA for Dubai residence visas — both are free and official.
- Visit/tourist visas are tracked via Amer.ae (Dubai) or Tas'heel (northern emirates) using the typing centre reference number.
- The UAE Pass app and SMS 4777 give quick, login‑free status for any visa type.
- Always verify on government domains; never pay for a status check.
- If a visa doesn't appear, double‑check data, contact your sponsor, or visit an ICA/GDRFA centre.
Last verified: 31 October 2026. Visa rules, fees, and portal interfaces can change; always confirm the latest process on the official sites linked above.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check my UAE visa status without a passport number?
Yes. If you have an Emirates ID, you can use the Emirates ID tab on the ICA portal or log in to the UAE Pass app. For Dubai residence visas, the GDRFA portal requires the file number, not the passport number.
Is there a fee to check visa status online?
No. All official portals (ICA, GDRFA, Amer, Tas'heel, UAE Pass, SMS 4777) provide visa status checks free of charge. Any site asking for payment is a scam.
How long does a UAE visa status update take to appear online?
Updates are usually real‑time. After a visa is issued, cancelled, or rejected, the status changes within minutes on the respective portal. If you just submitted an application, allow 24‑48 hours for the system to reflect "Application Received".
What should I do if my visa shows "Rejected"?
Note the rejection code displayed on the portal. Contact your sponsor or the typing centre that filed the application — they can request the specific reason from immigration. Once resolved, a new application can be submitted.
Can I check someone else's visa status?
Only if you have their passport details and visa/file number, or if you are the sponsor (employer/family member) with access to the GDRFA/ICA sponsor portal. Privacy laws prohibit unauthorized checks.