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Dubai visa verification means proving that the e-visa in your hand matches a real record with the authority that issued it. Visas issued in Dubai sit with GDRFA, which verifies entry and residence permits on its status inquiry service. Visas from the other emirates sit with ICP, whose file validity service shows the same kind of record. If the name, passport number or dates do not match, or nothing comes up, do not travel on it yet.
Read the e-visa first
Before any online check, look at the document itself. ICP says tourist visas are sent by email, so you should have one from whoever applied. It should show:
- Entry permit number, the reference for this visa.
- UID number, the person's unified number in the UAE system.
- Full name spelled exactly as in your passport.
- Passport number and nationality.
- Visa type and length, for example a 30-day single entry tourist visa.
- Issue date and the last date to enter.
- The place of issue, if printed, which tells you whether GDRFA or ICP holds the record.
Write these down. They are what you match against the official record.
Match it on the official record
| Issued in | Authority | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | GDRFA | GDRFA status inquiry (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae) |
| Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates | ICP | ICP file validity (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) |
Source: u.ae page on tracking a visa application and validity, checked .
The GDRFA page states that its inquiry verifies entry permits and residence permits. For a step by step guide to the fields each tool asks for, and what to do when nothing is found, read our Dubai visa status check page. Here the aim is narrower: does the record agree with the paper?
Check each line:
- Name, letter for letter.
- Passport number. A visa issued on a different passport is not valid for your new one.
- Visa type and length.
- Dates. The entry deadline on the record is the one that counts.
What a genuine visa costs officially
A price can be a warning sign too. These are the government fees for the most common Dubai tourist visa:
| GDRFA tourist visa | Official fee incl. 5% VAT |
|---|---|
| 30 days, single entry | AED 210 |
| 60 days, single entry | AED 315 |
| 30 days, multiple entry | AED 315 |
| 60 days, multiple entry | AED 525 |
Source: GDRFA tourist visa service pages, checked .
Dubai visa agencies publish about AED 340 to AED 800 for a 30-day single entry visa (published prices of 8 Dubai agencies, checked ). An offer far below the government fee cannot cover it. That is worth a second look. See the Dubai visa price page for every route.
Signs a visa may not be real
We found no official list of fake visa warnings on the GDRFA, ICP or u.ae pages we read. These practical checks catch most problems:
- The entry permit number returns nothing on the GDRFA or ICP tool after a fair wait.
- The record shows a different name, passport or date from the PDF.
- The sender refuses to tell you which emirate issued it.
- The visa was "approved" before you sent a passport copy or photo.
- A job offer comes with a visit visa and a promise that you can work on it.
- Payment is requested to a personal account with no invoice or company name.
- Spelling errors or odd fonts in the fixed parts of the document.
None of these proves fraud alone. Each one is a reason to verify before you pay more or board a plane.
What to keep for the airport
- The e-visa PDF, saved on your phone.
- A printed copy. Emirates says visitors chosen for random eye screening at Dubai International must show one, and a printed copy there costs AED 30.
- Passport valid at least 6 months from entry.
- Return ticket and insurance certificate.
Processing time and when to verify
GDRFA lists 48 hours and ICP 2 days to issue a visa once the file is complete, so a new visa may take a little time to appear online. Verify once you receive the PDF, and again a day or two before you fly.
If the visa fails the check
- Ask the sender for the application number and the issuing emirate.
- Search again with those details on the right tool.
- If the record still does not match, contact the authority through its official channels.
- Do not travel on a visa you cannot verify. Airlines check entry permits before boarding.
- If a payment was made for a document that does not exist, report it to the police.
If you have not applied yet and want a visa you can check from day one, start with apply for a Dubai visa online and the Dubai visa requirements list.
Official sources
- u.ae: track a visa application and validity: which authority holds which visa.
- GDRFA status inquiry: verifies Dubai entry and residence permits.
- ICP file validity: validity of visas from the other emirates.
- GDRFA tourist visa, single entry: official fees.
- ICP frequently asked questions: tourist visas are sent by email.
- u.ae tourist visa: embassies do not issue tourist visas.
- Emirates UAE visa information: eye screening and printed visa copy.
