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To check a visa from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, use ICP smart services at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. There are two tools. Application tracking follows a request that is still in process, and file validity checks a visa that has been issued. A Dubai visa does not show here. Those go through GDRFA.
Check which authority issued it first
u.ae splits the country in two. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles six emirates. GDRFA Dubai handles Dubai. If you are unsure, the place of issue is printed on the e-visa. For the Dubai side, read Dubai visa status check and GDRFA Dubai.
Source: u.ae, tracking a visa application and validity, checked .
The three ways ICP lets you track a request
The ICP FAQ names three methods:
- Log in to your personal account and open My Applications.
- Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae and enter the application number. The FAQ says the number starts with 010.
- Ask the ICP call centre.
The ICP home page also has a Check Application Status tool. It asks for a PRAN, an IDN or a request number. ICP also runs the UAEICP app for Android, iOS and Huawei, and says to use official and authorised channels only.
Source: ICP FAQ and home page, checked .
Application tracking or file validity
| You have | Use | What you learn |
|---|---|---|
| A request submitted, no visa yet | Application tracking | Where the request stands |
| An issued entry permit or residence | File validity | Status and expiry dates |
| A residence and a card | ID Card Status in your account | The state of the Emirates ID |
The u.ae page says the platforms let you monitor progress and verify the issue and expiry dates. It does not list the fields you must enter. Guides report that file validity accepts a file number or passport details with nationality and date of birth. Treat that as reported and read the form itself.
What the validity period tells you
The ICP FAQ gives the usual lengths, so you can tell whether the dates on screen look normal:
- 30 to 90 days for most visit visas.
- 60 to 120 days for job exploration and business establishment visits.
- 96 hours for a transit visa.
- 5 years, multiple entry, for some tourist visas.
- Residence permits of one, two or three years, and five years or more for specific categories.
Source: ICP FAQ, checked .
If a visit visa shows dates well outside those ranges, ask the person who applied for a copy of the e-visa. A mismatch is a reason to stop and check, not to travel.
Steps for an issued visa
- Find the file number or the passport details on the e-visa or the residence document.
- Open the ICP file validity link from the u.ae page, not from a search advert.
- Fill in the fields the form shows. Copy the name and the date of birth exactly as in the passport.
- Read the status and the issue and expiry dates.
- Save a screenshot with the date. A sponsor or an airline may ask for it.
For a request still in process, replace step 1 with the 010 application number from your confirmation and use application tracking.
When the ICP site is down
On the file validity and application tracking links showed the message "We are coming back soon!" instead of the form. That kind of notice is often temporary. What to do:
- Try again later in the day, not every minute.
- Use the UAEICP app with the same account.
- Contact the ICP call centre through the number on the ICP website.
Common reasons a request is not found
- The visa came from Dubai, so ICP has no record of it.
- The number belongs to another service, so it does not start with 010.
- A digit was dropped when copying from a message.
- The passport was renewed after the application.
- Someone else filed it and holds the account where it shows.
After the check
A valid visa still has an entry deadline. The ICP visit visa page says to enter within 60 days of issue. If the dates are close, see Dubai visa processing time. If you have stayed past the end, the fine is AED 50 for every day and the rules are on UAE overstay fine. Residents of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi can read residence visa Sharjah and residence visa Abu Dhabi.
Official sources
- u.ae: track visa application and validity: the split between ICP and GDRFA.
- ICP FAQ: the 010 number, validity periods and the 48 hour rule.
- ICP home page: the application status tool and the app.
- ICP interactive services: ID Card Status and related services.
- ICP file validity: checked for the maintenance notice.
