For UAE residents and visitors, understanding the intricacies of the UAE Visit Visa Extension process is essential to ensure legal compliance and avoid penalties. The UAE has become one of the most sought-after destinations for tourism, business, and family visits, with its dynamic economy and world-class infrastructure. However, visitors often face challenges when their stay extends beyond the original visa terms. The good news is, extending a UAE Visit Visa is a straightforward process when done correctly, but it requires attention to detail.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including the types of visit visas, extension eligibility, required documents, fees, and the step-by-step application process. With the right information, you can easily extend your stay, whether you’re in the UAE for a short visit or a longer-term stay. Knowing the specifics of visa extension will help you avoid fines for overstaying and ensure a smooth continuation of your visit.
Step-by-Step Process for Dubai Visit Visa Extension
Apply Online (ICA or GDRFA Portal)
The easiest way to apply for a visa extension is through the official online portals. Based on where you’re staying in the UAE, you’ll use one of these services:
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Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA): For residents outside of Dubai, apply directly on the ICA Portal.
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GDRFA (Dubai): If you’re in Dubai, visit the GDRFA Portal to extend your visit visa.
Both portals allow you to submit your extension request, pay the fees, and track your application status.
Visit an Authorized Service Center (In-Person)
For those who prefer an in-person approach, you can visit Amer Centers in Dubai or an authorized typing center in other emirates. At the service center, you’ll complete the extension application and submit your documents.
Pay the Required Fees
The application requires you to pay the relevant fees. Here’s what you should expect:
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Visa Extension Fee: Typically around AED 600 for most visit visas.
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Service Fees: These may include Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham, as well as VAT.
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Payment can be made online through the ICA or GDRFA portals, or at the service center if applying in person.
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Wait for Processing
After submitting your extension request and making the necessary payment, the processing time is usually 1-2 business days. If you need a quicker turnaround, expedited processing might be available for an additional fee.
Receive Your Extended Visa
Once the application is processed and approved, you will receive your extended visa. To confirm the status, you can check online through the ICA or GDRFA portals, or if applying in person, collect your visa at the center.
What to Do if Your Extension is Denied
If your extension request is denied, there are a few options:
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Reapply: You may have the chance to reapply for the extension after addressing any reasons for denial.
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Exit and Re-enter: Another option is to exit the UAE and return with a new visa.
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Change of Visa Type: In some cases, you may be able to switch to another visa type (e.g., business or work visa) instead of extending your visit visa.
Visa Extension Fees and Payment Methods
When applying for a UAE visa extension, it’s important to know the associated costs and payment methods:”
Standard Fees
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Visa Extension Fee: AED 600 for most visa types (30-day, 60-day, tourist visas).
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Additional Charges:
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Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
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Innovation Dirham: AED 10
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VAT (5%): Total cost around AED 630.
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Payment Methods
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Online: Pay via credit/debit card on the ICA or GDRFA portals.
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In-Person: Pay using cash or card at authorized service centers.
Expedited Processing
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Available for an extra fee if you need quicker processing.
Overstay Penalties
If your UAE visit visa expires and you remain in the country without a valid extension, you will incur overstay penalties. It’s important to be aware of the fines and consequences associated with overstaying your visa.
Fines:
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AED 50 per day of overstay.
Consequences:
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Accumulation of fines: The longer you overstay, the higher the fines. If left unpaid, this can result in significant costs.
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Potential deportation: In some cases, overstaying may lead to deportation and removal from the UAE.
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Ban on future entry: Overstaying your visa can result in a ban from entering the UAE for a period of time, depending on the severity of the violation.
Avoidance:
To avoid these penalties, always apply for an extension before your visa expires. Staying on top of your visa’s expiration date will ensure you stay compliant with UAE immigration laws and avoid the consequences of overstaying.
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Required Documents for Tourist Visa Extension in Dubai, UAE
To successfully apply for a UAE Tourist visa extension, you’ll need to submit certain documents. Ensuring that you have everything in order will help prevent delays in the process. Below is a quick list of the essential documents you’ll need:
Types of UAE Visit Visas and Their Visa Extension Options
To effectively understand the UAE visit visa extension process, it’s important to first know which type of visa you hold. Each type of visit visa in the UAE has its own set of rules regarding extensions, eligibility, and duration of stay. Here's how the extension process works for each:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Extension | Extension Process |
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| 30-Day Visit Visa | Tourism, business, or visiting family (short-term stays) | Can be extended twice, total stay up to 90 days | Simple process; must be done within the first 30 days of the visa |
| 60-Day Visit Visa | Longer stay or multiple visits in a short time | Can usually be extended once for 30 days | Varies by type; some visas may not be extendable and may require exit |
| 90-Day Visit Visa | Long-term family visits or business engagements | Not typically extendable | Must exit and reapply after visa expires |
| Multiple-Entry Visa | For frequent business travelers or visitors | May or may not be extendable | Depends on visa type and entry conditions; requires checking specific terms |
Eligibility for Extending a Visit Visa in the UAE
To extend your UAE Visit Visa, there are specific eligibility requirements that you must meet. These criteria vary slightly depending on the type of visa you hold, but there are also general rules that apply to all visitors. Knowing whether you’re eligible to extend your visa can save you time and help you avoid penalties for overstaying.
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Visa Validity
You must apply for the extension before your current visa expires. If your visa has already expired, you may face fines for overstaying, and it could complicate the extension process.-
Important: Always apply well in advance of the expiration date to ensure a smooth process.
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Legal Stay
You must have adhered to all UAE immigration laws during your stay. This includes:-
Not overstaying your visa.
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Not working illegally (if on a tourist visa).
If you’ve violated any laws, extending your visa might be denied.
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Proof of Sufficient Funds
You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your stay in the UAE. This could be through a bank statement, proof of employment, or other financial documents.-
Tip: Be prepared to show financial stability as part of the process.
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Valid Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date you’re applying to extend your visa.-
If your passport is nearing its expiration, you may need to renew it before applying for an extension.
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Accommodation Proof
As part of the extension process, you’ll likely be required to show that you have somewhere to stay during your extended period. This can include:-
A hotel booking.
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A rental agreement or a residential address if you’re staying with a relative or friend.
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30-Day Visit Visa
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This type of visa is extendable twice, giving you a maximum stay of 90 days in total. However, the second extension may only be granted under certain conditions and must be completed within the first 30 days of your stay.
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Extension Rules: Extensions are granted only if the first extension has not been overused and if you continue to meet the extension criteria.
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60-Day Visit Visa
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This visa is typically extendable once for an additional 30 days. It’s usually ideal for those who need a little more time but don’t want to exit the country.
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Extension Rules: Some 60-day visit visas might come with stricter rules on extension. You’ll need to prove that you still need to stay longer in the country.
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90-Day Visit Visa
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Unfortunately, 90-day visit visas are rarely extendable. Once this visa expires, you will likely need to exit the UAE and re-enter with a new visa if you wish to continue your stay.
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Important: Always check your visa’s specific terms, as some may allow re-entry within a specified time frame.
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Multiple Entry Visa
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For frequent visitors, the multiple-entry visa allows you to come and go without applying for a new visa each time.
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Extension Rules: Whether or not this visa can be extended depends on the specific terms listed in the visa agreement. In most cases, you’ll need to check directly with the UAE immigration office to understand if an extension is possible.
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Family Visa Holders
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If you are staying on a family visit visa, you may have different extension options. Certain family members (such as spouses or children) may be eligible for longer extensions or more lenient rules.
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Medical Conditions
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In cases of serious illness or injury, you may be able to apply for a medical visa extension or special circumstances that allow you to remain in the UAE longer. You will need to provide a doctor’s report confirming the need for extended treatment.
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GCC Residents
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For residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the visa extension rules may differ slightly. It’s recommended to check with the UAE immigration authorities about any exemptions or special conditions that apply to GCC residents.
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FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a same-day visa change in the UAE?
A same-day visa change allows you to switch your visa type (e.g., from a tourist visa to a work visa) without leaving the UAE. This process is completed within the same day, so there’s no need for you to exit and re-enter the country.
Can I extend my UAE visit visa if I entered on a visa on arrival?
Yes, you can extend your UAE visit visa even if you entered on a visa on arrival, but the extension process may vary slightly. You will need to meet the same eligibility criteria and follow the usual extension procedure to ensure you stay legally in the UAE.
How many times can I extend my UAE visit visa?
The number of times you can extend your UAE visit visa depends on the type of visa:
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30-Day Visit Visa: Can be extended twice, giving a total of 90 days.
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60-Day Visit Visa: Generally extendable once for an additional 30 days.
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90-Day Visit Visa: Typically cannot be extended.
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Multiple Entry Visa: Extension rules vary and depend on the terms of the visa.
What happens if my UAE visit visa expires while I am still waiting for the extension approval?
If your UAE visit visa expires before your extension is approved, you will start accumulating fines of AED 50 per day. It’s important to apply for an extension before the visa expires to avoid any penalties. If the visa is not extended on time, you may need to exit the UAE and reapply for a new visa.
Can I switch my UAE visit visa to a work or residency visa without leaving the country?
Yes, you may be able to switch from a visit visa to a work visa or residency visa in some cases through a same-day visa change. This allows you to remain in the UAE while your visa status is updated, without needing to exit and re-enter the country.
Can I extend my UAE visit visa if I have been in the country for a long time on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and your visa type allows for an extension. However, if you’ve stayed in the UAE for a prolonged period, you may be asked to leave the country and re-enter to reset your visa.
Is travel insurance required to apply for a visit visa extension in the UAE?
While travel insurance is not always a mandatory requirement for a visit visa extension, some visitors may be asked to provide proof of coverage. It is recommended to have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical or travel-related expenses during your stay.
