The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security announced a temporary waiver of visa overstay fines for travellers and residents who could not leave the country because of recent airspace closures and cancelled flights. The exemption covers fines recorded from 28 February 2026 onwards and applies to specific groups, authorities said.
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ICP announcement
The authority confirmed the measure in an official release on 4 March 2026, saying the waiver applies to cases where departure was impossible due to circumstances beyond the traveller’s control. The statement said affected people may regularise their status without paying the overstay penalties normally imposed under residency rules. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP)
The waiver applies to fines incurred on or after 28 February 2026. Authorities clarified that overstays before that date remain subject to the usual penalties and enforcement measures.
Eligibility
The authority set out three categories of cases eligible for the exemption: departure-permit holders who exceeded their exit window after flights were cancelled; visitors on tourist or visit visas whose authorised stay lapsed while they remained in the UAE; and residents who had cancelled their residency permits and were prevented from departing. The ICP release stressed that the measure targets those stranded by the airspace disruption.
How to check your UAE visa status online
Dubai visa checks (GDRFA)
For visas issued in Dubai, travellers should use the GDRFA online services to confirm visa validity and any recorded fines.
Step-by-step — Dubai (GDRFA)
- Open the GDRFA website or its smart services page.
- Choose Visa Status or Fines Inquiry.
- Select search method (file number / UDB / passport / Emirates ID).
- Enter the chosen identifier and your date of birth where requested.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and click Search.
- Review the returned record for visa expiry, visa type and any fines recorded from 28 Feb 2026.
All Other Emirates: ICP Smart Services
Holders of visas issued outside Dubai — Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah — must use the ICP Smart Services portal to check file validity and fines.
Step-by-step — ICP Smart Services
- Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae (ICP Smart Services).
- Select Public Services, then File Validity.
- Choose search method (file number or passport).
- Select visa type (Residency or Visa/Visit).
- Enter UID/file number, passport number or Emirates ID and date of birth.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and submit.
- Check the returned results for visa expiry and fines from 28 Feb 2026 onward.
Recorded fines and verification
Officials said fines recorded on a traveller’s electronic file within the waiver period will be treated under the exemption. Travellers must still verify their file on the relevant portal to confirm whether a fine is listed and whether it falls within the waived window. Portal records are the authoritative source for any enforcement or administrative follow-up.
In-person assistance and official contact points
Immigration service centres, including Amer centres in Dubai and ICP customer service centres in other emirates, remain available to assist travellers who cannot resolve their status online. The GDRFA and ICP websites list contact numbers and service-centre locations for in-person support.
