The UAE Government has explained the official online procedures for checking the validity of entry visas and residence permits, allowing expatriate residents and visitors to verify their immigration status, review visa issuance and expiry dates, and track applications through authorized government platforms.

According to the UAE Government’s official portal, the responsible authority depends on the emirate that issued the visa or residence permit. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security handles inquiries for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, while Dubai-issued visas are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.

Residents and visitors holding visas issued by the six emirates can access the ICP official website and use its file validity inquiry service. Applicants must enter the identification details requested by the platform to retrieve information about their entry permits or residence status.

For visas and residence permits issued in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs provides a separate online service. Its official inquiry system allows users to check the validity of entry and residence permits, establishment cards and the status of electronic applications.

The government distinguishes between tracking a visa application that is still being processed and checking the validity of an already issued visa. These services allow applicants to follow application progress or confirm relevant validity information through the appropriate immigration authority.

Residence permit validity varies according to the visa category, sponsorship arrangements and eligibility requirements. Certain sponsored residence permits may be issued for one, two or three years, while eligible long-term residence categories can provide validity periods of five or ten years.

Residents are advised to monitor their residence expiry dates and complete renewals within the applicable deadlines. Grace periods following residence expiry or cancellation differ according to residency category and may extend to six months for certain eligible groups, rather than applying uniformly to everyone.

For additional assistance, the ICP can be contacted on 600522222. Dubai visa inquiries can be directed to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs on 8005111 from within the UAE or +97143139999 from overseas.

The government recommends using official digital platforms, keeping application reference numbers available, and avoiding unauthorized websites that request sensitive passport or residency information. Verifying visa status through government channels helps residents and visitors obtain reliable information about their immigration records.

Source: The Official Portal of the UAE Government