UAE Visa Status Check 2026: How to Check Visa Validity UAE & Overstay Fine Check Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

18 February 2026|Dubai, UAE [Posted at 6:52 pm]

If you live, work, or travel in the UAE, doing a UAE visa status check regularly is not optional: it’s essential. Many residents only discover a problem when they try to travel, renew a job contract, sponsor a family, or change status. This complete UAE guide explains everything clearly.

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Why the UAE Visa Status Check Is So Important in 2026

Overview: A small mistake in visa tracking can lead to heavy fines or legal issues.

Before anything else, understand what you avoid by checking regularly:

• Avoid overstay penalties
• Plan travel safely
• Renew your visa on time
• Confirm visa cancellation status
• Verify if the visa is active, expired, or cancelled
• Track application approval
  

Many residents skip a routine UAE visa status check and later face fines. A simple check of visa validity UAE search can save thousands of dirhams. If you overstayed unknowingly, you can also do an overstay fine check online to confirm penalties before visiting immigration.

Understanding UAE Visa Authorities (ICP & GDRFA)

Overview: The UAE has two main visa systems, depending on the emirate.

The UAE visa system is divided between two authorities:

1. ICP – Federal Authority (All Emirates Except Dubai)

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles visas for:

• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah
  

If your visa is issued outside Dubai, your UAE visa status check must be done on the ICP platforms.

2. GDRFA – Dubai Only

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) handles:

• Dubai visit visas
• Dubai residence visas
• Visa applications submitted via Amer
  

If your visa is from Dubai, use GDRFA services to check visa validity in the UAE or track application status.

What’s New in the UAE Visa Status Check System (2026 Update)

Overview: Visa checking is now easier and faster than ever.

Major improvements include:

• UAE Pass integration
• Passport-only visa search option
• Unified data accuracy
• Real-time visa expiry display
• UID and file number visibility
• Faster dependent verification
  

Now, a UAE visa status check can often be done without a login. You can also perform a check visa validity UAE search using only the passport number and nationality.

How to Do a UAE Visa Status Check (Application Tracking)

Overview: This section is for people whose visa is still in process.

If your visa is still processing, follow these steps carefully.

You will need:

• Application number
• Reference number
• Email used during application
  

These numbers are usually sent by email after submission.

For Abu Dhabi & Northern Emirates (ICP)

Steps to follow:

• Visit ICP Smart Services
• Click “Application Tracking”
• Enter application number
• Verify captcha
• Submit
  

You’ll see Submitted, Under Process, Approved, or Rejected.

If the system shows no record, recheck the digits carefully. A UAE visa status check at this stage only shows processing progress.

For Dubai Visa Applications (GDRFA)

Before checking, keep these ready:

• Email used in the application
• Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Application reference number
  

Steps:

• Visit the GDRFA Dubai website
• Click “Application Status Tracker”
• Enter required details
• Submit
  

This method completes your UAE visa status check for Dubai applications.

Read more: UAE Tightens Review Procedures for UAE Freelance Visa to Ensure Market Integrity.

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How to Check Visa Validity in the UAE (After the Visa Is Issued)

Overview: This confirms your expiry date and active status.

Many people confuse application tracking with validity checking. Once the visa is issued, you must do a separate check on visa validity in the UAE.

Check Visa Validity UAE – Non-Dubai (ICP)

Before entering details, ensure the passport is valid. Follow these steps:

• Visit ICP Smart Services
• Click “Passport Information”
• Select visa type
• Enter passport number
• Enter passport expiry
• Select nationality
• Verify captcha
  

This method helps you:

• Check visa validity UAE
• See expiry date
• Confirm visa type
• View UID number
• Confirm active/cancelled status

Check Visa Validity UAE – Dubai Visas

If a visa is issued in Dubai:

Steps:

• Visit the GDRFA Dubai website
• Click “Visa Status”
• Enter file number or passport number
• Verify captcha
  

This completes your Dubai check visa validity UAE process.

Overstay Fine Check in UAE (2026 Guide)

Overview: Overstaying leads to daily penalties.

If you suspect overstay, don’t panic. First, do an overstay fine check online. You can do an overstay fine check via:

• ICP website (non-Dubai)
• GDRFA Dubai portal (Dubai visa)
• Amer call centre

You can check your overstay fine online via these government portals using your passport number, unified ID number, or date of birth.

1. For all Emirates

Use the ICP Smart Services portal and navigate to “Public Services” -> “Fines – pay fines – violations of entry permissions or residences”.

2. For Dubai

Visit the GDRFA Dubai website and use the “Fines Inquiry” service.

Before visiting the immigration office, always perform an overstay fine check online.

Overstay fines may apply if:

• Grace period expired
• Visa cancelled but not exited
• Status change delay
• Employer cancelled visa
  

An online overstay fine check helps you:

• Confirm penalty amount
• Avoid surprise charges
• Plan payment
• Clear fines before travel
  

Never ignore an overstay fine; check if your visa has expired during the UAE visa status check.

How to Check UAE Visa Status Using Passport Number

Overview: Fastest and easiest method.

In 2026, you can complete check for the UAE visa status by passport number.

Steps for ICP:

• Go to ICP Smart Services
• Choose Passport Search
• Enter passport number
• Enter expiry date
• Select nationality
• Submit
  

This also works for checking visa validity UAE.

For Dubai:

• Visit GDRFA
• Enter passport or file details
• Submit
  

This simplified visa status check method is ideal for tourists and visitors.

Common Problems During UAE Visa Status Check

Overview: Most errors are data-entry mistakes.

Below are common issues:

1. No record found

Possible reasons:

• Wrong passport number
• Visa just approved (system delay)
• Wrong emirate platform
  

Solution:

• Wait 24–48 hours
• Re-enter details carefully
• Try the correct authority website

2. Visa Expiry Different from Emirates ID

Since 2024, visa expiry and Emirates ID expiry have been separate. Always use the check visa validity UAE, instead of relying on the ID card.

When to Contact Authorities

If the online UAE visa status check fails:

For ICP visas:

• Call 600522222
  

For Dubai visas:

• Call 800 5111
  

Before calling, keep:

• Passport number
• Application number
• Emirates ID
  

If overstay is suspected, request official overstay fine check confirmation.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

In 2026, the UAE visa system will be more digital and transparent than ever. But responsibility is yours. Make it a habit. A 2-minute UAE visa status check today can save you from serious trouble tomorrow.

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