Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE

How to check your entry document

1. 1

   Find out which emirate issued your visa

   Everything else depends on this. The issuing emirate decides which authority holds your record and which website will confirm it — GDRFA Dubai for Dubai, ICP for the other emirates.

   Documents:Entry permit / visaPassport
2. 2

   If it was issued in Dubai, verify it with GDRFA

   If your visa or entry permit was issued in Dubai, you can verify its validity on the website of GDRFA.

   Documents:Entry permit / visa numberPassport
3. 3

   If it was issued elsewhere, verify it on ICP eChannels

   Verify the validity of an entry permit/visa issued from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah on the eChannels platform of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

   Documents:Entry permit / visa numberPassport
4. 4

   Know who can issue a tourist entry permit

   Tourist entry permits can be issued by UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia, as well as by licensed hotels and travel agencies. Going through a recognised issuer keeps the paperwork traceable if anything needs checking later.

   Documents:PassportBooking confirmation
5. 5

   Check the fee before you pay

   Learn more about the fees of visas and entry permits issued from Dubai, to avoid overpaying. We don't quote amounts here — the current figures are published by the authority, so confirm them on the official website before handing over money.

6. 6

   Do not work on a visit or tourist visa

   A visit or tourist entry permit/visa does not give you the right to work in the UAE. Working under a visit or tourist visa will result in fines and legal liability. If a job is the goal, the employment route is a separate process.

7. 7

   Plan a residency visa from inside the UAE

   A residency visa cannot be processed for applicants outside the UAE. So if you are moving here, the sequence matters: enter first on a valid entry permit, then start the residency file.

   Documents:PassportValid entry permit
8. 8

   Ask the authority directly if anything is unclear

   Get help on visas and entry permits issued from Dubai through Amer's live chat service. Get more information on visas and entry permits issued from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah through the live chat service of ICP.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.