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Updated July 2023
The extraordinary modern architecture, fascinating sprawls of deserts, and endless list of tourist attractions in the UAE are enough to make any visitor want to stay in the country for just a little longer. It’s not surprising that several travellers to the UAE end up considering an extension of their tourist visas.
Are you thinking of extending your UAE visit visa too? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest visa extension rules.
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UAE visit visa extension latest rules
The UAE has recently been updating its tourist visa extension rules, taking them to the pre-COVID norms. Here are the latest changes introduced by the Emirati government in the visit visa system.
One-time extension facility
The United Arab Emirates Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has recently introduced a one-time 30-day visa extension facility for travellers visiting Dubai and the rest of the country on 90-day visit visas. They will be able to extend the visit visas of family members and friends on a single trip or multiple trips for a period of 30, 60 and 90 days, as well as the pre-entry validity of visas.
Extension allowed from within the country
As per the latest announcement, UAE travellers holding a visit visa can now extend their visas from within the country. However, the applicant must enter the UAE within 60 days from the date of issuance of their visa, and the validity of the entry permit will be 30 days or 60 days, depending on the type of visa.
Please note that the visitors must make sure to leave the UAE on the last date of their visa’s validity or extend their visa before its expiry, as a fine will be levied in case they fail to do so.
Compulsory extension or cancellation of visa
All international travellers to the UAE are now required to either extend or cancel their unused visit visa
If, for some reason, travellers are not able to enter the UAE within the validity period of their visit visa, they can apply for an extension of the validity period of 60 days. This should be done through the immigration portal itself.
Unless the previous unused tourist visa is neither extended nor cancelled, the applicant will not be able to obtain a new visit visa to the UAE.
10-day grace period scrapped
Dubai has now scrapped the previous 10-day grace period, which was granted to visitors whose tourist visas to the UAE had expired. Applicants who overstay their visas will be subject to a daily fine of AED 50.
Nonetheless, as confirmed by a Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) agent, applicants can still apply for a 30-day extension visa to legally remain in the country.
UAE visit visa extension cost
Extension of unused visit visa
Under the new guidelines issued by the UAEICP, the price of visa extension depends on the number of days you’re extending it for. Here are the total costs of each type of visa extension. Note that this contains Issuance fee, Request Fee and e-Services Fee.
- 30 days: AED 610
- 60 days: AED 260
- 90 days: AED 510
However, there are additional charges that should be noted; AED 100 for the smart services, AED 50 for the application form and AED 50 for the Authority and the electronic services offered to customers.
This means that the grand total will come in at AED 400, which is still less than AED 600 fee that visitors who are already in Dubai have to pay when renewing their visas.
How to extend UAE visit visa online?
The visa extension service is completely online. It needs to be completed via the ICP website or their app called UAEICP Smart App (available on Google Play and App Store).
The requirement for a visit visa extension is a passport with a validity of more than 6 months. If the extension request satisfies all the conditions, the extended entry permit is issued electronically within 48 hours.
The new UAEICP Smart App has made the process of applying for visit visa extension. Once you are on the app, you need to register and select Extension of Current Visa. From there, you just have to fill the form and pay the fees to submit your application for visa extension.
Check out budget-friendly ways to extend your Dubai & UAE visit visa after the exhaustion of permissible stay duration.
