Avoiding Penalties: The Essential Guide to Extend Your UAE Visit Visa

When visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is essential for tourists to be aware of the procedures and regulations surrounding the extension of their visit visas. Failure to extend the visa within the prescribed guidelines can result in fines and potential legal consequences.

The UAE has announced a few modifications regarding the extension of Visit visas, as well as the elimination of the 10-day grace period for people with expired visit visas.

This article provides a detailed guide to extending UAE visit visas, highlighting the recent changes and outlining the necessary steps to follow.

UAE Visit Visa Extension

1. Dubai Scraps ‘Grace Period’ for Visit Visa Holders

Tourists visiting Dubai will no longer receive a 10-day grace period when their tourist visa expires. To avoid any legal complications, travel agents, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) advise visitors to apply for a 30-day extension visa before the original visa expires. This extension can be obtained twice, allowing for a maximum additional stay of 60 days.

2. Extending a UAE Visit Visa

There are multiple ways to extend a UAE visit visa. Visitors can contact the same travel agency that issued their visa, use the ICP or GDRFA website, or visit customer service centres. Regardless of the chosen method, the required documents include the original visa and a passport with a validity of at least six months.

Also Read: UAE Allows Tourists to Extend Visit Visas Without Leaving the Country

3. Cost of Visit Visa Extension

The cost of extending a visit visa can vary depending on the specific circumstances. According to the ICP website, the standard cost is AED610, covering request fees, issuance fees, and e-services fees.

However, Dubai’s GDRFA website states that the cost is AED600, with potential variations if the sponsored person is already inside the country.

Additional fees, such as knowledge fees, innovative fees, and fees for in-country processing, bring the total to approximately AED620. When applying through a travel agent, the cost may range between AED800 and AED1,000.

• Visa extension fee: AED600
• In addition to the value-added tax (5%).

Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):

• Knowledge dirham: AED10
• Innovation dirham: AED10
• Fee inside the country: AED500

4. Limitations on Days Spent in the UAE

It is important to note that the number of days spent in the UAE within a year should not exceed 120 days. Exceeding this limit may result in legal consequences.

5. How to Apply for UAE Visa Extension

Applying for a UAE visa extension is a straightforward process that ensures you can prolong your stay without facing any legal complications. Whether through digital channels or by visiting a Customer Happiness Center or Amer Service Center, this guide provides you with essential steps to follow and relevant information to successfully apply for a visa extension in the UAE.

Must Read: UAE Visit Visa: Travel Agents Now Offering Same-Day Visa Status Change

Digital Channels (Website/Smart Application)

1. Log in to the smart services system through (UAE Pass or username).
2. Search for the service to be applied for.
3. Fill in the application data, where applicable.
4. Pay the service fee (if any).

Customer Happiness Center

1. Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center.
2. Get the automated turn ticket and wait.
3. Submitting the application that fulfils all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee.
4. Pay the service fee (if any).

Amer Service Center

1. Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center.
2. Get the automated turn ticket and wait.
3. Submitting the application that fulfils all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee.
4. Pay the service fee (if any).

Applying for a UAE Tourist Visa

Travellers from countries without a visa-on-arrival agreement with the UAE have the option to apply for their visas in advance through travel agencies or airlines. Individuals who are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival can also apply for a tourist visa by referring to the designated list of eligible countries.

Additionally, females under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parents to apply for a tourist visa. Notably, UAE has stopped issuing 90-Day visit visas.

Conclusion

Understanding the process of extending visit visas is crucial for UAE tourists to avoid fines and legal complications. By adhering to the guidelines set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, tourists can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in the UAE. By following this comprehensive guide, visitors can extend their visit visas hassle-free and make the most of their time in the country.