GCC visa status check 2026: 6 portals, apps & printing guide

Quick answer: To check your GCC visa status check in 2026, use the official portal for the issuing country: Qatar (MOI portal), UAE (GDRFA Dubai or ICA federal), Saudi Arabia (Absher, Muqeem, or Qiwa), Kuwait (MOI visa portal/app), Oman (ROP eVisa portal/app), or Bahrain (LMRA/NPRA/evisa.gov.bh). All accept passport or reference numbers and most let you print the approved visa directly.

GCC visa status check: country-by-country quick reference

Which GCC portal do I use for my visa type?

The right portal depends on both the country and the visa category. Using the wrong one wastes time and can show "no record found" even when your visa is valid. Below is the quick routing table I wish I had when I first started moving between Gulf countries.

Pro tip: If you hold a GCC resident visa and want to visit another GCC country, check the GCC resident visa category on the destination's portal — Oman and Bahrain both offer dedicated tracks for GCC residents that are faster than standard tourist visas.

Qatar MOI Visa Inquiry — step-by-step (2026)

Qatar's Ministry of Interior portal is the single source of truth for work, family, and visit visas issued by Qatar. Tourist visas linked to the Hayya platform (World Cup legacy) are checked separately.

How to check on portal.moi.gov.qa

1. Go to portal.moi.gov.qa → Visa Services → Visa Inquiry & Printing.
2. Choose search method: Visa Number or Passport Number + Nationality.
3. Enter the details exactly as they appear on the visa grant notice or passport.
4. Click Search. The result shows visa type, issue/expiry dates, status (Issued/Used/Expired/Cancelled), and sponsor name.
5. If status is Issued or Used, click Print Visa to download a PDF copy.

Tourist visas: Hayya platform

For Hayya-linked tourist entries (still active for GCC residents and certain nationalities), use hayya.qatar2022.qa or the Hayya mobile app. Enter your Hayya card number or passport number.

Common error: passport renewal mismatch

If you renewed your passport after the visa was issued, the MOI portal may not find the record when you search with the new passport number. Fix: Search using the old passport number (the one the visa was issued on). Once you enter Qatar, update your passport details at the MOI service center or via the Metrash2 app.

Required inputs cheat sheet — Qatar

• Visa Number (preferred, on the grant letter)
• Passport Number + Nationality (dropdown)
• No login required for basic inquiry; printing requires no extra auth.

UAE visa status check — GDRFA Dubai vs ICA federal

The UAE splits visa authority by emirate. Dubai-issued visas live on GDRFA; Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah visas live on the federal ICA system. The 2026 additions — 5-year multi-entry tourist visa, Green Visa (freelancers), Golden Visa — all appear on the same portals.

Dubai-issued visas: GDRFA

1. Visit gdrfa.gov.ae → Services → Visa Inquiry.
2. Enter your Unified Number (UID) (15-digit number on Emirates ID front) or File Number (on visa sticker/entry permit).
3. Result shows visa type, status, expiry, sponsor, and profession.
4. Click Print Visa for a copy. Entry permits print separately under "Print Entry Permit."

Federal visas (Abu Dhabi + other emirates): ICA

1. Visit ica.gov.ae or use the ICA UAE mobile app (iOS/Android).
2. Choose Visa Status → enter UID or Transaction Number (from application receipt).
3. Same details as GDRFA; print via Print Visa button.

What if I don't know my UID?

• Check your Emirates ID front — the 15-digit number is your UID.
• Look at a previous visa copy or entry permit — File Number is listed there.
• Call GDRFA (800 5111) or ICA (600 522222) with passport details; they can retrieve it.

2026 visa types you'll see

• 5-year multi-entry tourist visa — 90 days per entry, extendable once.
• Green Visa — 5-year self-sponsored residency for freelancers/skilled workers.
• Golden Visa — 10-year residency for investors, talents, professionals.
• All checked on the same portals above.

Saudi Arabia — Absher, Muqeem, and Qiwa explained

Saudi Arabia uses three platforms for different visa questions. Knowing which one to open saves hours of "record not found" frustration.

Absher (absher.sa) — your residency dashboard

• What it covers: Iqama expiry, dependent visas, exit/re-entry permits, visa validity for residents.
• Login required: Absher account (SMS-verified).
• Print: Iqama copy via "My Services" → "Print Iqama."

Muqeem (muqeem.sa) — visitor & new arrival visas

• What it covers: Visit visa validity, border entry status, new work visa pre-arrival.
• Inputs: Border Number (on entry stamp) or Visa Number.
• No login for basic check; sponsor login for full details.
• Print: Visa copy via "Print Visa" after search.

Qiwa (qiwa.sa) — employer-driven work visa services

• What it covers: Work visa issuance, contract attestation, skill verification, profession change.
• Access: Employer HR portal (employee view via Qiwa app with Absher login).
• Print: Work visa copy via employer portal; employee can view status in app.

Tourist e-visa (63+ countries, 2026 expansion)

Check status at evisa.mofa.gov.sa using application reference number. The e-visa is valid for 1 year, multiple entries, 90 days per stay.

Required inputs cheat sheet — Saudi

Kuwait MOI visa portal and mobile app — what's new in 2026

Kuwait's MOI portal and dedicated mobile app are the most user-friendly in the GCC for real-time tracking. The 2025 biometric mandate for new work visas adds a status stage you'll see.

Portal: kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw

1. Go to kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw → Visa Inquiry.
2. Enter Visa Reference Number (9 digits, no dashes) or Passport Number.
3. Status shows: Under Process, Approved, Biometrics Pending, Issued, Cancelled.
4. If Approved or Issued, click Print Visa for PDF.

Mobile app: 'Kuwait Visa' (iOS / Android)

• Real-time push notifications when status changes (e.g., "Biometrics Pending → Approved").
• Same search inputs as portal; saves reference numbers for quick re-check.
• Biometric appointment booking integrated for work visa applicants.

Biometric enrollment flag (since 2025)

All new work visas require biometric enrollment (fingerprints + photo) at a MOI center after arrival. Until completed, portal/app shows "Biometrics Pending". The visa is valid for entry, but Iqama (Civil ID) issuance waits on biometrics. Sponsor usually books the appointment.

Common issue: reference number format

Kuwait visa reference numbers are 9 digits, no dashes (e.g., 123456789). If your grant letter shows "123-456-789", strip the dashes. Entering with dashes returns "Invalid format."

Required inputs cheat sheet — Kuwait

• Visa Reference Number (9 digits, no dashes) — preferred
• Passport Number + Nationality
• Sponsor login needed for full work visa details (medical, contract).

Oman eVisa portal and app — tourist, work, and family visas

Oman's Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa portal covers every visa category. The 2025 mobile app added SMS/email notifications at each stage — a genuine improvement over the old "refresh and pray" method.

Portal: evisa.rop.gov.om

1. Visit evisa.rop.gov.om → Application Status.
2. Enter Application Number (from submission receipt) or Passport Number.
3. Status stages: Submitted → Under Review → Approved → Issued.
4. Click Download Visa for PDF; carry printed copy at entry (border officers still ask for it).

Mobile app: Oman eVisa (iOS / Android)

• Push notifications for status changes.
• Save multiple applications (family, group).
• Direct link to ROP contact centre for stuck applications.

GCC resident fast-track

Holders of valid GCC residence permits can apply for an Oman GCC Resident Visa (28 days, extendable) entirely online — no sponsor needed. Select "GCC Resident" as visa type on the portal.

Required inputs cheat sheet — Oman

• Application Number (from receipt)
• Passport Number
• No login for status check; login required to submit new applications.

Bahrain visa check — LMRA, NPRA, and eVisa

Bahrain splits authority: LMRA handles work permits and sponsorship, NPRA manages residency permits (CPR), and the eVisa portal covers tourist/visit visas. Always verify which authority issued your document.

Work visa / sponsorship: LMRA

1. Go to lmra.bh → Services → Work Permit Inquiry.
2. Enter LMRA Reference Number or Passport Number.
3. Shows permit status, expiry, employer, and profession.
4. Print work permit copy via Print button.

Residency (CPR) card: NPRA

1. Visit npra.gov.bh → Residency Inquiry.
2. Enter CPR Number (on residency card) or Passport Number.
3. Displays residency status, expiry, and sponsor.

Tourist / visit visas: evisa.gov.bh

1. Use evisa.gov.bh → Check Visa Status.
2. Enter Application Reference or Passport Number.
3. Print eVisa PDF if approved.

Key takeaways

• Use the official portal for the issuing GCC country — each has its own system.
• Have your passport number, visa reference number, or UID ready before checking.
• Most portals let you download a PDF visa copy instantly once approved.
• If you renewed your passport after visa issuance, search with the old passport number.
• For Saudi Arabia, choose the right platform: Absher (residency), Muqeem (visit), Qiwa (work).

FAQ: GCC visa status check

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my GCC visa status online?

Go to the official portal of the country that issued your visa (e.g., portal.moi.gov.qa for Qatar, gdrfa.gov.ae for Dubai, absher.sa for Saudi residency). Enter your visa reference number or passport number to see the current status and print a copy.

What if the portal says “no record found”?

Double-check the reference number format (e.g., Kuwait requires 9 digits without dashes). If you renewed your passport after the visa was issued, try the old passport number. Contact the sponsor or the embassy if the issue persists.

Can I check my visa status without logging in?

Yes. Qatar MOI, Kuwait MOI, Oman ROP, Bahrain eVisa, and Saudi Muqeem allow basic status checks without an account. UAE GDRFA/ICA and Saudi Absher/Qiwa require login for full details.

How do I print my GCC visa after checking?

On most portals, once the status shows “Approved” or “Issued,” a “Print Visa” or “Download Visa” button appears. Click it to save a PDF copy. Carry a printed copy when travelling — border officers often ask for it.

Which portal do I use for a Saudi work visa?

For a Saudi work visa, the employer uses Qiwa (qiwa.sa) to issue and manage the visa. The employee can view the status in the Qiwa app after logging in with Absher. For pre-arrival checks, use Muqeem with the visa number or border number.