Keeping track of visa validity has become simpler in 2026 after UAE authorities refreshed their online guidance for residents and visitors. The Times of India tech desk reproduced the new step-by-step instructions released by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Under the updated process, holders of Dubai-issued visas can log on to the GDRFA portal, select ‘File Validity’, enter their passport number and nationality, and receive an instant read-out of visa type, expiry date and fine status. Visa holders issued in other emirates use the ICP Smart Services site or mobile app, where a new dashboard tracks multiple dependants in a single view.
Travellers who prefer a dedicated concierge service can also turn to VisaHQ, whose UAE visa portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) centralises requirement checks, sets up automated expiry alerts, and even arranges courier pick-ups for renewal paperwork—saving both individuals and HR teams considerable time.
![UAE government publishes 2026 step-by-step guide to checking visa status online]()
Officials say the refresh streamlines renewal planning at a time when more than 200,000 residency permits are due to expire in Q1 2026. The portals also integrate with the ‘UAE PASS’ digital ID, eliminating paper copies and reducing the risk of data entry errors.
For corporates, the bigger win is operational: mobility teams can bulk-audit expatriate populations without waiting for stamped passports to return from PROs. Travel managers can also verify that short-term consultants still hold valid entry permits before issuing tickets, cutting the risk of boarding denials.
HR advisers recommend pushing the self-check links to employees before the spring-break travel surge. Overstayers continue to incur AED50 (≈US$14) per day in fines, and immigration gates now auto-calculate penalties based on the backend database, leaving no margin for negotiation at the airport.
Under the updated process, holders of Dubai-issued visas can log on to the GDRFA portal, select ‘File Validity’, enter their passport number and nationality, and receive an instant read-out of visa type, expiry date and fine status. Visa holders issued in other emirates use the ICP Smart Services site or mobile app, where a new dashboard tracks multiple dependants in a single view.
Travellers who prefer a dedicated concierge service can also turn to VisaHQ, whose UAE visa portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) centralises requirement checks, sets up automated expiry alerts, and even arranges courier pick-ups for renewal paperwork—saving both individuals and HR teams considerable time.
Officials say the refresh streamlines renewal planning at a time when more than 200,000 residency permits are due to expire in Q1 2026. The portals also integrate with the ‘UAE PASS’ digital ID, eliminating paper copies and reducing the risk of data entry errors.
For corporates, the bigger win is operational: mobility teams can bulk-audit expatriate populations without waiting for stamped passports to return from PROs. Travel managers can also verify that short-term consultants still hold valid entry permits before issuing tickets, cutting the risk of boarding denials.
HR advisers recommend pushing the self-check links to employees before the spring-break travel surge. Overstayers continue to incur AED50 (≈US$14) per day in fines, and immigration gates now auto-calculate penalties based on the backend database, leaving no margin for negotiation at the airport.
