Keeping track of when your residence visa expires is a task every UAE resident faces. According to the visa type, visas expire every two to three years.
In the event that you have a UAE visa and you do not know when the visa is about to expire, or whether it is still valid, the immigration authorities in the country provide an easy-to-use online service that makes it very easy for visa holders to get this information in a few seconds.
The visa holder can access various online services through which all of this information can be obtained which are explained below.
ICP service (For visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah)
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website allows you to check your visa validity if you have a UAE visit or residence visa issued from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah. Follow these steps to check your visa validity.
1. Go to the following link: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity
2. The first step is to select the method you want to use for searching your visa's validity
- Through "file number" or
- Through "passport information".
3. Choose a visa type, such as a residence visa or a visit visa. Select 'residency' if you have a residence visa. Select 'visa' if you are on a visit visa.
4. After that, you will need to enter any of the following information:
- The Emirates Unified Number (UID)
- File number: It can be found on the visa sticker on your passport, or on the e-visa that you received as a visitor.
- Emirates ID number when choosing the residency option.
- Your passport number (if you selected 'passport information' in Step 2).
5. Enter your date of birth next.
6. Verify the Captcha box.
7. Then click 'Search'.
Your visa details will then be displayed in the system:
- File number
- UID number
- File status
- File issuance date
- File expiry date
You can also contact ICP customer service at 600522222 for information regarding visa issuance, types and validity, or visit https://icp.gov.ae/en/contact-us for further information.
GDRFA Dubai service (For visas issued in Dubai)
In order to check the validity of your entry permit or residence visa issued in Dubai, you must log on to the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai and follow these steps:
1. Check out the link: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Public_Th/StatusInquiry_New.aspx
2. To determine the validity of your visa, you will need to select whether you would like to search through
- Application number: if you applied for a visa recently.
- File number: if the visa has already been issued.
- Over the counter service applications
- Special requests
- Establishment: available only to GDRFA-registered establishments.
3. Depending on your choice in Step 2, you would need to provide related information. Choosing 'file number', for instance, will prompt you for your first name, file number, nationality, and date of birth.
4. Verify the Captcha box.
5. Then click 'Search'.
You can also contact Amer Center for information regarding visa issuance, types and validity by calling their toll-free number:
Amer center toll-free number (Inside UAE): 8005111
Amer center toll-free number (Outside UAE): +9714-313-9999
Also Read: How To Check UAE Visa Validity Using Passport Only