For many UAE residents, the routine of checking visa expiry dates can feel like a biennial or triennial drill, depending on the type of visa held. While most of us might recall the month our residence visa is set to expire, the specific date tends to slip our minds. As the expiration month looms closer, it's common to find ourselves flipping through passport pages to confirm the all-important visa validity.

However, the good news is that you don't always need to carry your physical passport with you for this task. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has streamlined the process, allowing residents to check their visa status with just a passport number and expiry date. Whether you have a photocopy of your passport or a scanned version saved on your phone, you're good to go.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal Begin by accessing the official Smart Services portal provided by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. You can reach the portal through the following link: https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity. Ensure a secure internet connection for a seamless experience.

Step 2: Choose 'Passport Information' Once on the portal, locate and select the 'Passport Information' radio button. This option will direct you to the section where you can inquire about your visa status.

Step 3: Select 'Residency' or 'Visa' Based on your specific needs, choose either 'residency' or 'visa.' This step ensures that the system provides you with the accurate information related to your visa status. Make your selection to proceed.

Step 4: Enter Passport Details Provide the necessary passport information by entering your passport number and the passport expiry date into the designated fields. This step is crucial for the system to retrieve the correct details associated with your visa.

Step 5: Specify Nationality From the dropdown menu on the right side of the page, choose your nationality. Once selected, a corresponding number will appear on the left side of the box. Verify that you've chosen the correct nationality to avoid any discrepancies in the visa status check.

Step 6: Complete Captcha Check and Search Before obtaining your visa details, complete a captcha check to confirm your status as a human user. Once completed, click on the 'Search' button. Within moments, the system will display your visa details, including the date of expiry.