How do I fill out a GDRFA approval form?
- All you'll need to fill out the GDRFA approval form is your passport, visa and Emirates ID.
- Enter your visa number, country and year of birth.
- Enter the country you're travelling from and the port you're arriving to (Dubai International Airport DXB)
- Enter your email address.
You can apply for entry permits through the websites of ICP and GDRFA, through the apps: ICP App and Dubai Now, and typing centres.
To get GDRFA instant approval, we recommend everyone to upload your covid-19 vaccine certificate either taken inside UAE or outside UAE, better to upload AL HOSN app status showing that you are vaccinated. Note: If your request is rejected, you can submit a new application only after 5 days from rejection date.
In the case of ICA approvals, they come through instantly. GDRFA takes about 30 to 60 minutes.”
In order to obtain a re-entry permit, the following requirements apply: an application must be submitted from outside the United Arab Emirates after 180 days of the individual staying outside the country; a valid reason for stay outside the country must be given and required supporting documentation will vary based on ...
All UAE residents, visitors and tourists can travel to Dubai without an approval from GDRFA or ICP. However, visitors and tourists have to meet the visa requirements before travel, if they are not eligible for visa on arrival.
- Step 1: Visit the GDRFA website. Visit the following link - https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx.
- Step 2: Search for applicant. ...
- Step 3: Provide travel details. ...
- Step 4: Upload documents.
The only documents you'll need are your passport, visa and Emirates ID. UAE entry requirements: Residents must take two COVID‑19 PCR tests: one 96 hours prior to departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Application form from Amer centres or through the GDRFA Dubai mobile application. Sponsored original passport in case the residence is valid and the duration of staying less than six months. Original Emirates ID of the sponsored. Sponsor`s original passport and original Emirates ID.
Updated January 2023
With the Covid-19 situation almost back to normal, the United Arab Emirates has now scrapped the majority of its Covid-19 entry restrictions. Moreover, residents from all around the globe can now travel to the UAE without the need for ICA or GDRFA approvals.
How do I contact GDRFA approval?
The Website - Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship - General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai. Customer complaints link (smart application). Toll Free Number (AMER Service): 8005111.
After submitting the application you can check the status of your application by visiting Status Tracking website of GDRFAD and enter the search the parameters. It is better recommended to take the GDRFA Dubai Return permit approval prior to your travel especially if you are travelling from India to Dubai.

If you want to inquire about your application status on gdrfa portal, please follow the next steps: You can access to gdrfa application status in this link: “smart.gdrfad.gov.ae“. Select Search by Application. Enter your Application Number.
Can I file my Form I-131 to get a reentry permit while I am outside the United States? No. You cannot file a Form I-131 to obtain a reentry permit unless you are physically present in the United States when you file the form. You should file your Form I-131 no fewer than 60 days before you intend to travel abroad.
As confirmed by the flag carriers of the UAE, the GDRFA or ICA approval is no longer required by the UAE residents travelling to the UAE.
The cost of a green visa is AED 2,280. The price excludes the ID card fee, which costs around AED 575, and the medical fee, which costs AED 320 for normal services.
BEFORE RETURNING TO DUBAI
If you hold a Dubai residence visa and you are flying back to Dubai, you must have an approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) before booking your flight.
- Login to the website.
- Register a new user account (in case there is no account)
- Select the required service.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the fees due for the service.
- Submit the application.
The only documents you'll need are your passport, visa and Emirates ID. UAE entry requirements: Residents must take two COVID‑19 PCR tests: one 96 hours prior to departure, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
GDRFA approval no longer required
Therefore, UAE residents from all over the globe can now travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and other emirates without pre-travel or registration on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) portal.