How can I track my UAE visa application?

Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Shitiz Srivastava

Tracking Your UAE Visa Application

TRACKING YOUR UAE VISA APPLICATION IS RELATIVELY EASY, BUT IT DEPENDS ON HOW AND WHERE YOU FILED YOUR VISA APPLICATION. THE UAE DOES NOT HAVE A SINGLE NATIONAL TRACKING SYSTEM FOR VISAS — RATHER YOU WILL TRACK YOUR VISA THROUGH THE AUTHORITY THAT PROCESSED YOUR VISA APPLICATION.

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Step 1: Determine Which Government Entity Handled Your Application

To begin, you need to determine which government entity was responsible for handling your application. There are four major entities involved in processing visa applications within the UAE:

• ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) — for most non-Dubai-based UAE visas
• GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) — for all Dubai-based visas
• Air carriers (Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai) — when filing your application directly with one of these air carriers
• Travel agencies or visa service companies — as some travel agencies or visa services companies will assist with the process of obtaining a UAE visa

Your tracking options depend completely on this information.

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Step 2: Use ICP (for UAE-wide Visas)

When using the ICP to file a UAE visa application:

• Visit the official ICP website at: https://icp.gov.ae/
• Find and select the “Track Application Status” option
• Fill-in both your:
  • Application # OR
  • Passport # + Nationality

Your current UAE visa application status will be displayed.

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Step 3: Use GDRFA (for Dubai Visas)

When using the GDRFA to obtain a Dubai visa:

• Visit the GDRFA Dubai website at: https://www.gdrfa.dubaigov.ae/
• Select the “File Validity / Visa Status” option
• Enter either your:
  • File # OR
  • Passport Information

The current status of your Dubai visa application will be displayed (i.e., application under review, approved but not yet issued, etc.).

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Step 4: Use Airlines or Agents

If you filed your application with an airline or travel agency:

• Check their tracking portal (if available)
• OR
• Contact their customer support

Provide your:

• Booking Reference #
• Application ID

Many airlines such as Emirates provide a self-service tool for checking the status of your UAE visa application directly from their website.

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Step 5: Understanding UAE Visa Application Status Messages

Once you’ve located the tracking information for your UAE visa application, you’ll find messages describing the status of your application. These include:

• Under Processing → The application is currently being reviewed by the relevant authorities.
• Approved → The UAE visa has been granted but has not yet been issued.
• Issued → The UAE visa has been issued and is now ready to be downloaded.
• Rejected → The application for a UAE visa was denied by the relevant authorities.

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Important Tips

• Keep your application # and passport details close at hand.
• Typically, processing times for tourist visa applications take 2–5 business days.