Dubai Entry Permit Cancellation (2026): Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Tourists, Employees & Sponsors

Plans changed? Job offer withdrawn? Or you’re leaving the UAE and need to close out your visa properly? In 2026, canceling a Dubai entry permit (or the residence visa linked to it) is straightforward—if you know who must cancel, what to submit, and where to do it. Use this crisp guide to avoid delays, fines, or immigration holds.

What Is a Dubai Entry Permit? Definitions You’ll Actually Use

An entry permit is the authorization that allows you to enter the UAE for a specific purpose and period. It is commonly called an e-visa when issued electronically.

Types of Entry Permits (Tourist vs. Residence Entry)

• Tourist/Visit Entry Permit: Short stay for tourism, family visits, events or business meetings. Usually single-entry or multiple-entry with defined validity and stay limits.

• Residence Entry Permit: Issued for employment, family sponsorship, study, or investment. After you enter on this permit, you complete medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping to get your residence visa.

Who Issues Entry Permits in Dubai?

• Dubai (Emirate): GDRFA-Dubai (General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs – Dubai).

• Other Emirates / Federal services: ICP UAE (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security).

When & Why You Should Cancel a Dubai Entry Permit

You should cancel when:

• Your trip is no longer happening and the tourist/visit entry permit is still unused.

• Your job offer changed or sponsor withdrew before you entered.

• You are leaving the UAE permanently and must cancel your residence and any dependent visas.

• You need to switch sponsors (old residence must be canceled before a new one is issued).

Common Scenarios That Require Cancellation

• Issued a tourist e-visa but your travel dates changed beyond validity—cancel and reapply.

• You entered on a residence entry permit but won’t proceed with medical/stamping—sponsor cancels the process.

• Resignation/termination—company sponsor cancels your residence visa and work permit before your exit.

Who Can Cancel a Dubai Entry Permit in 2026?

• Tourist/Visit Entry Permit: Usually canceled by the agency/airline/sponsor that applied for it. Some applicants can request cancellation through the same platform they used to apply.

• Residence Entry Permit or Residence Visa: Must be canceled by the sponsor (employer for work visas; family sponsor for dependents). Employees typically sign the cancellation request; the company PRO handles formalities.

Important: Self-cancellation of a residence visa is not standard. The sponsor initiates it. If a sponsor is unresponsive, you may seek help via GDRFA/ICP service counters with supporting evidence.

Documents Required to Cancel

(Exact requirements vary by case. Your sponsor or our team will confirm your checklist.)

• Passport (original for in-country cancellations; photo page for e-requests)

• Entry permit / e-visa copy (if unused) or residence visa copy (if stamped)

• Emirates ID (for residence cancellations)

• Sponsor letter/undertaking or company PRO form

• Signed cancellation form (as applicable)

• Proof of settlement (for employees: clearance/no-dues if requested by sponsor)

• Dependents’ visas (cancel dependents before canceling the main sponsor’s visa)

How to Cancel a Dubai Entry Permit: Step-by-Step

A) Cancel an Unused Tourist/Visit Entry Permit

1. Return to the source: Use the same channel that issued your visa—travel agency, airline partner, or online portal you used.

2. Submit request: Provide your application number, passport, and permit copy.

3. Pay any applicable fee: A small service/cancellation fee may apply (varies by issuer).

4. Receive confirmation: Keep the cancellation receipt/email. This helps avoid duplicate records if you reapply.

Tip: If your dates shifted beyond permit validity, it’s safer to cancel and apply fresh rather than risk mismatched travel windows.

B) Cancel a Residence Entry Permit or Residence Visa

1. Sponsor initiates: Employer/family sponsor files cancellation via GDRFA-Dubai (for Dubai-issued) or ICP (other emirates/federal).

2. Submit documents: Passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID, signed forms; for employees, labor card/work permit cancellations are typically handled in parallel by the sponsor.

3. Dependent sequence: Cancel dependents first, then the principal sponsor’s visa.

4. Confirm status: Once approved, you’ll receive cancellation proof. If you’re in the UAE, you’ll usually get a grace period to exit or transfer to a new sponsor (grace length varies by category and policy).

5. Exit or transfer: Leave the UAE within the grace period, or complete status change to your new visa sponsor.

Fees, Timelines & Status Checks

• Fees: Vary by permit type and channel (tourist vs. residence; agency vs. direct). Expect a modest admin/service fee for tourist cancellations; residence cancellations carry government fees.

• Timelines: Tourist permit cancellations may finalize within 1–3 working days; residence cancellations typically a few working days after complete submissions.

• Status checks: Use your application/permit number to track on the same portal (agency, GDRFA, ICP) or contact support. Always keep the cancellation receipt.

Penalties & Risks if You Don’t Cancel

• Duplicate applications or system holds that delay your next visa.

• Overstay fines if a visa remains active while you stay beyond permitted days.

• Employment issues if a previous residence isn’t properly canceled (blocks new sponsorship).

• Airport hassles if records conflict.

Bottom line: Close out what you won’t use. It saves time, money, and stress.

Special Cases & Correcting Misconceptions

Sponsor Left the UAE / Company Closed

If your employer sponsor is unresponsive or closed, visit a GDRFA-Dubai service center (for Dubai-issued visas) with your documents. You may be guided on alternate evidence and process to clear your record.

Passport Renewed / New Passport Number

If you renewed your passport mid-process, ensure the permit is updated or canceled properly before reapplying; otherwise, mismatched numbers can trigger errors at immigration.

Travel Plans Changed After Approval

If your arrival date spills past validity, request cancellation and reapply with new dates. Do not risk boarding with an expired or mismatched permit.

Fast-Track Support (CTA): Apply, Amend, or Cancel via DubaiVisitorVisa.com

Whether you need to cancel an unused permit, close a residence, or apply fresh for your next trip, our specialists handle the paperwork end-to-end:

• Document checks to prevent errors and rejections

• Sponsor coordination (where applicable)

• Clear timelines & updates so you always know what’s next

• Secure payments and 24/7 support

Ready to proceed?
👉 Apply for your Dubai Visitor Visa or request a cancellation assist now at DubaiVisitorVisa.com.

We’ll get it done right—the first time.