How to Check UAE Tourist Visa Status Online: Complete Guide for Travellers (2026)

A UAE visa check can be executed online in minutes with your passport number or application reference through the official ICP or GDRFA portals. UK tourists who have applied for a UAE visa can conveniently check their status online to verify their approval, validity, or any updates on processing before their departure.

When flights and hotels are booked, waiting for visa approval from the UK can be stressful. This 2026 expert guide clearly explains how to track your UAE visa application securely. You can confidently verify your visa status with updated official procedures and clear step-by-step instructions.

Who Needs a UAE Tourist Visa from the UK?

• According to the UAE Embassy in London and GOV.UK, British citizens receive a 90-day visa on arrival for free or at no cost. You do not need to apply for a visa in advance if you are a British national with a valid UK passport. 
• Non-British UK Residents: Eligibility depends on nationality. A pre-arranged tourist visa from Emirates, Etihad, or an agency is required for most.

Note: All travellers must have passports valid six months after entry.

Why Must You Check UAE Tourist Visa Status?

Verifying your UAE tourist visa status is not merely a formality. It is an essential part of your trip preparation to prevent financial loss, legal problems, or airport rejection.

Here is why you must verify your visa status through official government channels:

1. Authenticate Issuance and Avoid Fraud

The rise of “ghost agencies” means that some travellers receive forged documents. You can verify the following by visiting the official GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (Federal) portals:

• The visa is officially recorded in the UAE immigration system.
• The agency has actually paid the government fees and submitted your application.
• The document in your hand matches the digital record (verifying name, passport number, and visa type).

2. Critical for “Express Visa” & Last-Minute Travellers

If you have paid a premium for express processing, you shouldn’t rely solely on an agent’s word.

• Real-time tracking: Check if your application is “In Process”, “Approved”, or “Requires Action”.
• Avoid No-Entry: You can avoid the terrible experience of being refused boarding because your visa hasn’t yet cleared the system by verifying approval before you go to the airport.

3. Verify Agency Accountability

Some sub-visa agents or vendors may “over-promise” to secure your booking.

• Transparency: Status checking reveals if an agent is stalling or if there is a legitimate government delay.
• Application Integrity: It ensures the agent hasn’t applied for the wrong visa category (e.g., applying for a 30-day visa when you paid for 60 days).

UAE Visa Status Check 2026: How to Track Your Application Online

• In 2026, checking your UAE visa status online is the only way to ensure a fine-free journey. In the digital system of the government, a “valid” visa on paper may already be in overstay status, as the 10-day grace period was abolished in the UAE. 
• UAE tourist visas can be renewed once or several times, for a total of 120 days. 

To verify the validity of your application and track it, adhere to the most recent methods.

Method 1: ICP Smart Services (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Other Cities)

All visas issued outside of Dubai are processed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) portal. Use the ICP portal if your visa was issued in –

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

Steps to Check UAE Visa Status via ICP:

• Visit the ICP Smart Services Portal.
• Select “Public Services” and then “File Validity”.
• Choose the “Passport Information” radio button.
• Select “Visa” as the file type.
• Enter your passport number, expiry date, and nationality.
• Solve the Captcha and click “search”.

• Common Errors:  “No Record Found”: This error typically occurs when the visa was issued in Dubai. 
• “Passport Expiry Mismatch”: Ensure you use the passport number associated with the visa application, not necessarily your newest one, if you’ve recently renewed it.

Method 2: GDRFA Portal (Dubai Visas Only)

If your visa has the “Dubai” logo or was issued via an airline like Emirates or flydubai, use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

• Steps:
  • Visit the GDRFA Dubai Official Site. 
  • Select “Visa Status”.
  • Search “passport information” or “application reference number.”
  • Input your name (English), passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
  • Submit to view your status (Active, Expired, or Cancelled).
• Common Errors:
  • “Incomplete Data”: The GDRFA system is extremely sensitive to name spelling in 2026; it must precisely match the machine-readable zone (MRZ) located at the bottom of your passport.
  • Sync Delays: The public portal may not display new visas for 24–48 hours following their approval.

According to the UAE Government Portal (u.ae), travellers must use the ICP portal for federal visas and the GDRFA portal specifically for Dubai-issued entry permits.

Don’t want the hassle? Our visa experts can check your UAE tourist visa status and assist with approvals to ensure a smooth journey. We specialise in helping you track UAE visa applications and confirm your tourism visa status in real time.

Decoding Your UAE Visa Status: What Do the Official Results Mean?

How Long Does a UAE Tourist Visa Take? 2026 Processing Timelines

• Regular Processing: UAE tourist visas (30 or 60 days) take 3–5 working days.
• Express Processing: Express Service may be completed within 24–48 hours (subject to approval).

Need urgent approval? Contact our team to track your Dubai visa application; we ensure that your documents are error-free for the fastest possible turnaround.

UAE Visa Check Mistakes: What You Need to Know

• Using the Wrong Portal: To check your Dubai tourist visa status accurately, ensure you use the GDRFA portal, not the ICP portal.
• Typing Errors: Using passport numbers without prefixes or mismatching the machine-readable zone name spelling.
• Confusing Expiry Dates: Instead of your visa validity date, check your Emirates ID expiry. They often differ in 2026.
• Unofficial Sites: Avoid third-party trackers that may provide outdated data or compromise your privacy.

Top 4 Reasons for UAE Visa Delays: Official 2026 Update

• Incomplete Documentation: The primary cause of manual review is incomplete documentation, which includes the absence of passport cover scans or low-resolution photos.
• Security Screening: Background checks may be prolonged if your name is similar to a “flagged” profile or if you have previously unresolved fines.
• System Mismatches: The AI will reject the auto-approval if the spelling of your name does not match the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport.
• Peak Seasons: Standard timelines may be extended by 24–48 hours due to the high volume of applications during significant events, such as the World Governments Summit or Eid.

The Smart Way to Apply: UAE Visa Services for UK Residents in 2026

In 2026, applying through experts is practical and secure. 

Expert Advice: Follow the 2026 dependent tiered income rules without confusion.

• Faster Processing: Access “Super-Urgent” channels for approvals in short hours.
• Our professionals check your passport scans to ensure the MRZ is clearly visible and high resolution.
• Approval Confidence: Get a final UAE visa approval check before you book your flight.

If you prefer assistance, our visa team can help you verify and track your UAE tourist visa application. You can get in touch with our visa experts for a smooth visa application process.

FAQ

Q. How can I check my UAE tourist visa status?

A. There are two official websites where you can check your status: the GDRFA Dubai portal, which is only for visas issued in Dubai, and ICP Smart Services, which is for visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other northern emirates.

Q. Can I check UAE visa status with my passport number?

A. Yes, you may click on “Passport Information” on the GDRFA and ICP websites. You will need your passport number, expiry date, and nationality to retrieve your real-time visa validity and current status instantly.

Q. Is the UAE visa check free?

A. Yes, it is totally free to check the status of your visa using the official government portals (ICP or GDRFA).

Q. How will I know if my visa is approved?

A. Once approved, you will receive an email notification with your electronic visa (e-visa) attached as a PDF. You can also verify the approval by checking “File Status” on the official portal, which will switch to “Active.”

Q. What happens if my UAE tourist visa expires?

A. If your visa expires, you must exit the UAE immediately or pay overstay fines. As of 2026, there is no automatic 10-day grace period for tourist visas.

Q. Can I check the UAE visa status without the application number?

A. Yes. You can check your UAE visa status using only your passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date. An application reference number is optional but helpful.

Q. Why is my UAE visa showing “File Not Found”?

A. This usually happens if:

• You are utilising the incorrect portal (ICP rather than GDRFA).
• You entered your passport number incorrectly.
• There has been a 24- to 48-hour delay in uploading your visa to the system.