If you recently applied for a family residence visa, employment visa, investor visa, or tourist visa, and want to know its status, you can easily do so online.Information requiredNo matter which type of visa you applied for, at the time of submitting your visa application to a service provider, you will receive an application number and a transaction number. These are vital for tracking your visa status.Here is the information you are required to produce, to track your visa application:Application numberTransaction numberPayment date for the visa (required in Dubai)How to track a visa applicationIt’s important to identify the correct authority that manages visa application processing in your emirate, before you attempt to check a visa’s status.In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) manages entry permits and residence visa status enquiries. Its jurisdiction includes mainland Dubai, and free zones, such as Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Internet City, and others.For all other emirates, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles application tracking, and its jurisdiction includes free zone visas issued under Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority (SAIF Zone), Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), and twofour54 in Abu Dhabi.In Dubai: You can check the status of your visa application and its validity on the website of the GDRFA.Visit the following link: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Public_Th/StatusInquiry_New.aspxEnter your application number, transaction number, and the payment date for the visa.Check the box that verifies your identity as a human user. Next, select ‘Search’.You will then be able to check if your application is still being processed, or if your visa has been issued.If your application has been approved, the GDRFA permits you to download the entry permit as a PDF file. You will need to print the permit before travel and bring it with you, since airlines will require it for boarding verification, and immigration officers will verify it upon your arrival.Alternatively, you can use the Dubai Government’s DubaiNow smartphone app to track your visa application. Follow these steps:Download the DubaiNow app, available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.Open the app, and navigate to the ‘Services’ section. Tap on ‘Residency’.Tap ‘Check Visa Status’.Next, enter the application number, transaction number, and payment date. Click ‘Submit’.You will then be able to check if your application is still being processed, or if your visa has been issued.If you require further assistance or have an enquiry about your visa, you can contact the GDRFA on their toll-free number, 800 5111 (if you are in the UAE), or call them on +97143139999 (if you are outside the UAE). The contact centre is available 24/7.In all other emirates:For the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, you can check the status of your visa application and its validity on the website of ICP.Visit the following link: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/applicationTrackingEnter your request number (application number) and check the box that verifies your identity as a human user. Next, select ‘Search’.Here, you should receive an update on your visa status.If you have questions or if the online check returned unclear results, call ICP’s toll-free number at 600522222 (if within the UAE) or +971600522222 (if outside the UAE). The helpline operates from 7.30am to 3.30pm in the UAE.
