UAE New Visa Extension Policy, Allowing Tourists An Additional 30-Day Stay

In a recent development, tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 30 or 60 days visit visas can now extend their stay within the country for an additional 30 days.

This decision, made by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), allows visitors to fully experience the diverse offerings of the UAE.

Significant Visa Reforms

It is important to mention here that, since October of last year, the UAE has been implementing various changes to its visa procedures, marking one of the most extensive residency and entry permit reforms introduced by the Immigration and Citizenship Program (ICP). These changes have brought about several advancements in the visit visa system of the country.

UAE Visit Visa Extension

According to the ICA website, individuals holding a visit visa of either 30 or 60 days are now eligible for an additional 30-day stay. It is important to note that the maximum extension period for a visit visa holder is 120 days.

According to an Amer Centre call centre representative, a visit visa extension within the country is now possible, but “one must contact their visa issuing agent for the extension.”

Maximum Visa Extension Period

Tourists in the UAE have the opportunity to extend their visas within the country, granting them an additional 30 days to explore and enjoy all that the nation has to offer.

This extension applies to both long-term and short-term visit visas, providing flexibility for travellers of various durations. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cumulative stay within a year should not surpass 120 days.

A call centre representative from the Immigration and Citizenship Program (ICP) further clarified the extension process. For visitors holding a 30-day visa, it is possible to extend their stay for up to 120 days by applying for 30-day extensions consecutively.

This means that tourists can make the most of their time in the UAE, creating lasting memories and experiences throughout their extended stay.

Visa Extension Process and Requirements

To apply for a visa extension, tourists or visitors must get in touch with their visa issuing agent or sponsor.

Firose Khan, the operation manager at Arabian Business Centre, advises contacting the issuing travel agent or sponsor well in advance of the visa’s expiration date to allow sufficient time for the extension to be processed.

The specific documentation required for the extension will be provided by the issuing agent.

Costs and Fees

The cost of extending a visit visa for one month is Dh1,050. The breakdown of extension charges, as provided by the GDRFA on their website, includes a visa extension fee of Dh600, in addition to a value-added tax (5%).

Furthermore, additional fees apply if the sponsored person is inside the country, such as a knowledge dirham fee of Dh10, an innovation dirham fee of Dh10, and a fee inside the country of Dh500.

• Cost of extending a visit visa for one month: Dh1,050.
• Breakdown of extension charges provided by the GDRFA on their website:
  • Visa extension fee: Dh600.
  • Value-added tax (5%).
• Additional fees for sponsored persons inside the country:
  • Knowledge dirham fee: Dh10.
  • Innovation dirham fee: Dh10.
  • Fee inside the country: Dh500.

It’s important to note that the total visa amount may vary depending on individual circumstances or specific requirements.

Application Process and Timelines

Depending on the travel agent administering the service, the extension process usually takes a few days after the documents are submitted.

However, the service is expected to be completed within 48 hours if all prerequisites are met, according to the ICP website.

The website also emphasises that applications for entry permit extensions for tourism should be handled through tourism organisations.

Enjoying the UAE

This visa extension offers tourists various opportunities, including tourism, family visits, business meetings, and personal matters. Visitors can make the most of this additional time to explore iconic landmarks, indulge in shopping, savour culinary delights, or simply unwind and experience the world-class hospitality the UAE has to offer, as stated by Firose Khan.

In summary, the UAE’s new visa extension policy provides tourists with greater flexibility to extend their stay within the country, allowing for a more immersive experience in all that the UAE has to offer.