UAE Entry/Exit Report (ICA Travel Report): How to Obtain Online

A step-by-step guide for UAE residents, visitors, and sponsors who need an official record of their travel movements in and out of the country.

The UAE entry/exit report — officially called an Entry and Exit Movement Statement — records every border crossing you have made through UAE airports, seaports, and land checkpoints. Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) at the federal level and by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for Dubai-issued visas, this document is required for tax residency certificates, educational equivalency applications, visa cancellations, and legal proceedings. The GDRFA Dubai charges AED 141 for the service, and the standard processing time is 48 hours.

This guide explains who issues the report, when you need it, what it costs, and exactly how to obtain it online through ICP Smart Services, the GDRFA portal, or the DubaiNow app — plus the in-person options if you prefer a service centre.

What Is the UAE Entry/Exit Report?

The entry/exit report is an official government document that provides a verified record of an individual’s movements across UAE borders. The immigration system logs every passport scan at arrival and departure — whether you pass through an airport e-gate, a manned immigration counter, a seaport terminal, or a land crossing such as Hatta or Al Ghuwaifat. The report compiles this data into a single, timestamped statement that carries the authority’s official seal.

The document is also referred to by several informal names: ICA travel report (from the authority’s former abbreviation), ICP travel report, movement report, travel history report, or entry/exit certificate. Regardless of the label, the underlying data source is the same — the UAE’s central immigration database.

What Information Does the Report Contain?

A standard entry/exit movement statement typically includes the following data points for each border crossing:

Data Field	Description
Entry and exit dates	Exact date and time of each arrival and departure
Port of entry/exit	Airport, seaport, or land crossing name (e.g., Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Abu Dhabi Airport, Hatta Border Post)
Duration of stay	Calculated length of each stay inside the UAE
Mode of transport	Air, sea, or land
Personal identification	Passport number, nationality, Emirates ID number (if applicable)
Visa status at time of crossing	Visa type held during each entry/exit

Two Types of Entry/Exit Report

The UAE immigration system issues two distinct report formats, and the one you need depends on your purpose:

Report Type	Coverage	Common Use
Single Entry/Exit Travel Report	Last trip only (most recent entry or exit)	Visa cancellation, confirming current in/out status
Detailed (Overall) Entry/Exit Passenger Report	Full travel history for a specified date range or entire residency period	Tax residency certificate, educational equivalency, migration background checks

When applying online, you can specify the date range you need. If you only require your most recent trip data, there is no need to request the full history — and vice versa. Choose the scope that matches your specific requirement to avoid unnecessary delays.

When Do You Need a UAE Entry/Exit Report?

The entry/exit movement statement is not a routine document most residents keep on hand, but specific administrative and legal situations make it mandatory. Below are the most common scenarios where this report is required.

Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) Application

The UAE Ministry of Finance requires an entry/exit report as supporting evidence when you apply for a Tax Residency Certificate. The report proves you have been physically present in the UAE for at least 183 days in a 12-month period — the threshold for individual tax residency. Without it, the TRC application cannot proceed.

Educational Equivalency Certificate

When applying for recognition of a foreign degree through the UAE Ministry of Education’s equivalency portal, applicants must upload their entry/exit report. The ministry uses this document to verify that the applicant was physically present in the country where the degree was obtained during the period of study.

Visa Cancellation While Outside the UAE

If you need to cancel your UAE residence visa while you are abroad, the immigration authority will request a travel report to confirm your current status (i.e., that you are indeed outside the country). This applies to both employer-initiated and personal cancellation requests.

Company Closure and Employee Verification

When a company ceases operations in the UAE, the business owner must demonstrate that no employees remain on the company’s visa sponsorship. Entry/exit reports for each sponsored employee serve as evidence that workers have either transferred or departed.

Migration and Background Checks

Countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may request your UAE travel history as part of immigration background checks. The entry/exit report provides a verified, government-issued record that satisfies this requirement.

Tax Exemption in Home Country

Expatriates applying for tax exemption or non-residency status in their home country often need documented proof that they have been living abroad. The UAE entry/exit report provides official evidence of physical absence from the home country.

Legal Proceedings

In court cases — including divorce, child custody, commercial disputes, and inheritance matters — a party’s presence or absence in the UAE on specific dates may be relevant. The entry/exit report is an admissible official document in UAE courts and can be presented as evidence.

Who Issues the Report: ICP vs GDRFA Dubai

This is a critical distinction that causes confusion. The authority you apply to depends on which emirate issued your visa, not where you currently reside or which airport you use.

Visa Issued By	Apply To	Online Portal
Dubai (GDRFA)	GDRFA Dubai	smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Umm Al Quwain	ICP (federal)	smartservices.icp.gov.ae
Visit visa / tourist visa (entered through Dubai)	GDRFA Dubai	smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
UAE citizens / GCC nationals	Either ICP or GDRFA Dubai (depending on registration)	Both portals available

If your residence visa was issued through a Dubai mainland company or a Dubai free zone, GDRFA handles your file. If your visa was issued in any other emirate — including federal free zones based outside Dubai — you apply through ICP Smart Services. Applying to the wrong authority will result in a rejected or empty report.

How to Get the Entry/Exit Report Online Through GDRFA Dubai

Dubai visa holders can request the entry/exit movement statement through the GDRFA Smart Services portal. The fee is AED 141 as listed on the official GDRFA service catalogue, and the expected processing time is 48 hours.

Step-by-Step Process (GDRFA Online)

1. Access the portal. Go to smart.gdrfad.gov.ae and log in using your UAE Pass credentials or your GDRFA username/password.
2. Locate the service. Search for “Issuance of statements (entry and exit movement)” in the services catalogue, or navigate to it through the Violator Follow-up > Issuance of Statements section.
3. Fill in your details. Enter the applicant’s personal information, including Emirates ID number, passport number, and nationality. Select the date range you need covered.
4. Pay the service fee. Complete the AED 141 payment using a credit/debit card or other accepted payment methods.
5. Submit and wait. After successful submission, the report is typically processed within 48 hours. You will receive a notification when it is ready.
6. Download the report. Log back into the portal and download the completed entry/exit movement statement as a PDF.

Who Can Apply (GDRFA Rules)

GDRFA Dubai applies specific rules about who can submit the application, depending on the applicant’s visa status:

• Visit visa holders: Must apply personally (the applicant themselves).
• Residents: The sponsor submits the application on the resident’s behalf.
• UAE citizens and GCC nationals: Can apply for themselves directly.

This means, for example, that an employee on a company-sponsored residence visa cannot submit the request independently through GDRFA — the employer or their PRO must process it. For family visa dependents, the sponsor (typically a spouse or parent) submits the request.

How to Get the Entry/Exit Report Through ICP Smart Services

Residents whose visas were issued in any emirate other than Dubai use the ICP Smart Services portal or the UAEICP mobile app. The service is available under the travel history or public services section of the platform.

Step-by-Step Process (ICP Online)

1. Log in to ICP Smart Services. Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and authenticate using UAE Pass or your Emirates ID and registered credentials.
2. Navigate to the travel report service. Find the “Request for Travel Report” or “Travel History” option within the services menu.
3. Enter applicant details. Provide your Emirates ID number, passport number, and nationality. Specify whether you need a single-trip report or a detailed full-history report, and set the date range.
4. Pay the fee. The fee for the ICP entry/exit report is approximately AED 150, though the exact amount (including e-service and processing fees) is displayed at the payment stage. Payment is accepted via credit/debit card or eDirham.
5. Submit and track. After submission, track your request status through the portal dashboard. Processing typically takes 2–3 working days.
6. Download. Once processed, you receive an email notification. Log in to download and print the report.

Using the UAEICP Mobile App

The same service is available through the UAEICP app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in with UAE Pass, navigate to the travel report service, select your date range, pay the fee, and the report will be available for download within the app once processed.

Alternative Channels: DubaiNow App and In-Person Options

Beyond the two primary government portals, there are additional ways to obtain the entry/exit report — some of which may be more convenient depending on your situation.

DubaiNow App

The DubaiNow super-app includes GDRFA immigration services for Dubai visa holders. You can request an entry/exit report for yourself or your dependents through the app. Navigate to the GDRFA services section, select the travel report service, and follow the standard application process. This is a convenient option if you already use DubaiNow for other government transactions such as bill payments or fine checks.

In-Person at GDRFA Service Centres (Dubai)

If you prefer to apply in person — or if online access is not available to you — the following Dubai locations accept entry/exit report requests:

Location	Notes
GDRFA Public Services Section — Al Aweer	Available for visit visa holders only
Airport Service Centre — Terminal 3	Available for visit visa holders only
Amer Service Centres (60+ locations across Dubai)	Available for all visa types; typing centre staff assist with the application

For in-person applications, take an automated queue ticket, submit your documents and application to the customer service employee, and pay the service fee. Amer centres may charge additional typing/service fees on top of the government fee. Bring your original Emirates ID and original passport with a copy of the visa page.

In-Person at Immigration Offices (Other Emirates)

Residents in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates can visit their local ICP immigration office to request the report in person. The in-person fee at immigration offices may differ from the online fee — some sources report approximately AED 250 for over-the-counter processing. Bring your Emirates ID, passport, and visa page copy.

Fees and Processing Times

Channel	Fee	Processing Time
GDRFA Dubai (online portal)	AED 141	48 hours
ICP Smart Services (online portal / app)	Approximately AED 150 (inclusive of e-service fees; exact amount displayed at payment)	2–3 working days
DubaiNow app	Same as GDRFA Dubai (AED 141)	48 hours
Amer Service Centre (in-person, Dubai)	AED 141 + typing/service centre fees	48 hours
Immigration office (in-person, other emirates)	Approximately AED 200–250 (confirm at counter)	Varies; confirm at time of visit

Fees for the GDRFA online service are confirmed on the official GDRFA Dubai service catalogue. ICP fees may vary slightly depending on the combination of request fees, issuance fees, and e-service charges applied at the time of application — always check the total displayed at the payment screen before confirming.

Required Documents

The document requirements are straightforward, though they vary slightly between online and in-person channels:

Channel	Required Documents
Online (GDRFA or ICP)	Emirates ID number, passport number, valid UAE Pass login or registered account credentials
In-person (Amer centre or immigration office)	Original Emirates ID (sponsor’s or applicant’s), original passport with visa page copy

The official GDRFA requirement states: “A copy of the person’s ID / valid passport.” Online applications auto-populate most data fields from your UAE Pass or Emirates ID, so the process is largely automated.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Several practical problems can delay or complicate your entry/exit report request. Knowing these in advance saves time.

Applying to the Wrong Authority

The single most common mistake. If your visa was issued in Dubai, you must use GDRFA. If it was issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate, you must use ICP. Submitting a request to the wrong authority will either return an error or produce a blank report. Check your visa page or Emirates ID to confirm which emirate issued your residency.

Incorrect Date Range

If you need the report for a Tax Residency Certificate, ensure the date range covers the full 12-month period required by the Ministry of Finance. For educational equivalency, the date range should cover your entire period of study abroad. Selecting too narrow a window means you will need to reapply and pay again.

Expired Emirates ID or Passport

An expired Emirates ID may prevent you from logging into the smart services portals. Similarly, if your passport number has changed (e.g., you renewed your passport), the system may not automatically link your old passport data. In such cases, contact the relevant authority’s customer service — ICP at 600 522 222 or GDRFA at +971 4 313 9999 — to resolve the mismatch.

Missing Entries in the Report

Occasionally, a border crossing may not appear in the report — particularly older records or entries through less-digitised checkpoints. If your report is missing entries you know occurred, contact the issuing authority with your passport stamps as supporting evidence to request a correction or supplementary statement.

Sponsor Unavailable to Submit Request

For Dubai residents on employer-sponsored visas, the sponsor (employer or PRO) must submit the GDRFA request. If your employer is uncooperative or the company has closed, you may need to visit an Amer centre in person with your original documents, or contact GDRFA customer service for guidance on exceptional cases.

Entry/Exit Report for People Outside the UAE

If you are currently outside the UAE and need your travel history report, your options are more limited but not impossible:

• ICP Smart Services online: If you still have a valid UAE Pass and your Emirates ID has not been cancelled, you can log in remotely from anywhere in the world and submit the request online.
• Through a representative: Authorise someone in the UAE (with a power of attorney or at minimum, your passport copy and Emirates ID copy) to visit the immigration office or an Amer centre on your behalf.
• Contact your former employer: If your visa was employer-sponsored and you need the report for visa cancellation purposes, your former employer’s PRO can submit the request through the GDRFA portal.

Applicants outside the UAE who no longer hold valid Emirates ID or UAE Pass credentials will generally need a representative inside the country to process the request in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name of the UAE travel report?

The official name used by GDRFA Dubai is “Entry and Exit Movement Statement” (also called “Issuance of statements — entry and exit movement” in their service catalogue). At the federal level, ICP refers to it as a “Travel Report” or “Travel History.” Common informal names include ICA report, ICP travel report, and movement report.

How much does the entry/exit report cost in Dubai?

The GDRFA Dubai online service fee is AED 141, as published in the official GDRFA service catalogue. If you apply through an Amer typing centre, expect additional service/typing fees on top of the government charge. Through ICP Smart Services for non-Dubai visas, the fee is approximately AED 150 inclusive of e-service charges.

Can I get the entry/exit report online from outside the UAE?

Yes, provided you still have active UAE Pass credentials or a valid ICP/GDRFA account. Both the ICP Smart Services portal and the GDRFA Smart Services portal are accessible from anywhere in the world. If your Emirates ID has been cancelled and your account is deactivated, you will need a representative inside the UAE to apply in person on your behalf.

How long does it take to get the report?

GDRFA Dubai’s official processing time is 48 hours. Through ICP Smart Services, expect 2–3 working days. In-person processing times vary by location and workload. Expedited processing may be available in urgent cases — confirm with the authority at the time of application.

Do I need the entry/exit report for a Tax Residency Certificate?

Yes. The UAE Ministry of Finance requires proof that you have been physically present in the UAE for at least 183 days within a consecutive 12-month period. The entry/exit movement statement is the standard document accepted as proof of this physical presence requirement.

Can I apply for someone else’s entry/exit report?

Through GDRFA Dubai, sponsors can apply for their sponsored residents (employees or family dependents). UAE citizens and GCC nationals can apply for their own reports directly. Visit visa holders must apply personally. Through ICP, similar rules apply — the sponsor or account holder submits on behalf of dependents or sponsored individuals.

What if my report is missing some travel entries?

Border crossing data is recorded at the point of immigration clearance. If an entry or exit does not appear in your report, it may be due to a system discrepancy or a recording gap at older checkpoints. Contact the issuing authority (GDRFA at +971 4 313 9999 or ICP at 600 522 222) with your passport stamps as evidence to request a review and possible correction.

Is the entry/exit report the same as an exit permit?

No. The entry/exit report is a historical record of your past travel movements. An exit permit is a separate ICP service used for specific cases — such as overstayers or individuals undergoing a visa status change — that grants authorisation to leave the UAE. The two documents serve entirely different purposes.

Do I need this report for educational equivalency in the UAE?

Yes. The UAE Ministry of Education requires the entry/exit report as a mandatory document when applying for recognition of a foreign educational qualification. The report serves as proof that the applicant was physically present in the country where the degree was earned during the study period.

Can I choose which dates the report covers?

Yes. Both the ICP and GDRFA portals allow you to specify a custom date range. You can request data for a specific year, your entire residency period, or just your most recent trip. Select only the period you need to keep the report focused and reduce the chance of processing delays.

Official Sources

This article references information from the following UAE government authorities and official service portals:

• GDRFA Dubai — Issuance of Statements (Entry and Exit Movement)
• GDRFA Dubai Smart Services Portal
• ICP Smart Services Portal
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — Official Website
• UAEICP Mobile App — Google Play Store
• GDRFA Dubai — Issuance of Statements (Service Category)

Government fees, processing times, and procedural requirements are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements directly with the relevant authority — GDRFA Dubai or ICP — before submitting your application.