According to our research, Visa agents have been reported to scam people with fake visas and work permits. We published a guide on how to check the authenticity of UAE visas with people wishing to work in Dubai, so they can save hard-earned money by checking online if the visa they receive from their job agent is real or fake.

It is important to first understand the types of UAE visas before we start our visa verification guide:

Please note that there are seven types of visas available in the UAE. Each type of visa requires that the applicant pass a medical fitness test, a security check, and obtain approval from the GDRFA in the relevant emirate.

There are several types of UAE visa and entry permit:

1. Residence Permit

2. A tourist visa or a visitor visa

3. The transit visa

4. Visas for students

5. Electronic visas (e-Visa) for residents of the GCC

6. UAE Residents' Retirement Visa

7. Visas for patients/entry permits for patients and their companions.

Samples of Visitor Visas or Tourist Visa:

You will find below examples of visitor visas and tourist visas for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. See how the visas for each state differ. Using this document, you can compare the visa page that you received from your visa agent with the official visa below.

Abu Dhabi - Sharjah

Dubai:

Note: Visitors or tourists can apply for visas for up to 90 days, they can be extended, but for the first time it will only be valid for three months. Also, it should be noted that the name of Dubai's visit visa or tourist visa will be Tourist/Single-Long, while Abu Dhabi's name will be Sgl L. Term Entry Permit Visit/Tourism.

Sample of an entry permit or employment visa:

We have provided samples of entry permit (work visa) and UAE residence permits (employment visa) below. A residence permit signifies that you have applied for a residence visa and that it has been approved. You have 60 days to complete the full immigration process (medical tests and ID typing) to get a residence permit which will be valid for two or three years.

A sample entry permit is as follows:

Sample of Entry Permit:  

UAE Residence Visa Sample: 

How do I check if my UAE visa is authentic or fake?

Here are three options you can choose from:

1. Online Visa Number Verification

2. Checking visas by passport number

3. Identify fake visas by following these tips

Verification of UAE visa number:

Upon receiving a copy of your visa from your visa agent, visit GDRFA-Dubai's website, you will be redirected to the following page, now you can do the following:

1. Choose the file type (Entry permit/Residence)

2. Type your visa number

3. Fill in your first name in English

4. Choose your nationality from the list

5. Type in your birth date

6. Check the I'm not a robot box

7. Complete and submit

In the case of a real visa, the system will display its applicant's name, visa date, and expiry date. In the case of a fake visa, the system will display no record.

Visa verification by passport number only:

You can check UAE visa status with the passport number also if you are not familiar with the above process or your visa is issued in another emirate than Dubai. For example, if your visa agent refuses to provide you with your visa copy and asks you for payment first, you can check to see if a visa is actually applied under your passport, or if the company or agent is lying to you.

Please visit this ICA visa checking official website and follow the steps below to check if a visa is real or fake. 

1. Select passport information in the search field.

2. Select a visa type to search for.

3. Input your passport number.

4. Enter your passport expiration date.

5. Choose your nationality.

6. Tick the box I'm not a robot.

7. Click on Search.

In case a new box opens with information regarding your visa, check the details. If it matches the visa you applied for, the visa is genuine, but if nothing shows up, the visa was not applied for, so do not pay until you have looked at a real or fake visa online.

A few Tips for avoiding UAE Visa Fraud:

1. Watch out for social media sites, pages, and groups, particularly on Facebook.

2. Advertisements that claim to offer cheap visas should not be trusted.

3. Be sure to apply through a reputable travel agency.

4. Avoid paying advance fees.

5. You can check the status of your visa online via a smart phone or PC.