Dubai Visa Rules: UAE visa status


The UAE visa application and the UAE visa status depends on the purpose and duration of your stay in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE government has become more of a sponsor for freelancing. Making it legal was an important move to encourage more people and businesses to participate, making it easier and more acceptable to freelance, also giving out part-time visas that allow people to work as freelancers on the side leading to a rise in the number of people working for themselves all across the region and beyond with the UAE as the base.

UAE visa status

All you need to check your residence visa validity is your passport number and the passport expiry date. So you're good even if you have a photocopy of your passport, or a scanned version saved on your phone.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship provides this service through its website. A resident can enter passport information to verify if visa is still valid and can check whether the issued visa is authentic or not. Residents can also cross-check the validity of visa through this official government website.

Do you need a visa to visit the UAE?

Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit or to be sponsored by a national or resident in the UAE. They need to produce their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry into the UAE.

How to check Dubai Visa Status using GDRFA Portal

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) deals with all UAE visa-related rules, applications, queries and concerns. So far, only Dubai has a separate portal that allows you to check your UAE visa status online.

What type of entry permit you need in the UAE?

The entry permit you need depends on the purpose of your visit. It could be for:

  • tourism
  • visit
  • transit
  • work

Requirements for an entry permit

The requirements for an entry permit are the following:

You need a sponsor to apply for your entry permit. The sponsor could be:

  • an Emirati citizen
  • an expatriate resident with valid residency permit in the UAE
  • a UAE-based airline
  • a UAE-based hotel or tour agent
  • a government entity
  • companies in the private sector or free zones.

Prospective visitors seeking entry permits are required to have a genuine passport, valid for at least six months.

A visa ban prohibits a person from entering the country or taking up a new job. Prospective visitors must not have been deported or be banned from entering the UAE in which case, he needs to obtain special permission to re-enter.

Tourist Application Requirements for a United Arab Emirates Visa

Travelers holding a passport from your country can obtain a visa on arrival, free of charge for a maximum stay of 30 days the UAE. To receive a visa on arrival you must:

  • Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
  • Hold proof of sufficient funds
  • Hold proof of onward/return flights
  • Hold all documents required for the next destination
  • Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa

If your intended stay is longer than 30 days then you may request more time from the immigration officer at the airport or contact the local immigration office in the UAE and request an extension.

Do you have more questions about UAE visa?

Our team of UAE business consultants provides you all the essential information about UAE visa status. Our team of experts are on hand to get your company established in an efficient and timely manner. They will be happy to give you the advice that you need and will most likely already have experience in setting up your business type.

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