Is your tourist visa soon to expire, and do you need more time in the UAE? Apply for a tourist visa extension through the right process. There can be many reasons that require you to stay longer. The UAE government recognizes that and offers an extension option.
This guide walks you through everything you should know about the UAE tourist visa extension. It helps you conduct the process with no complications or confusion.
Reasons for Tourist Visa Extension in the UAE
The following are the most common reasons tourists apply for an extension for their tourist or visit visa in the UAE:
- Explore more attractions: The UAE has famous landmarks, theme parks, beaches, and cultural sites. Many tourists feel their first visa is too short, so they extend to enjoy more.
- Visit family and friends: Some people come to see loved ones. Extending the visa lets them spend more time together.
- Medical or personal reasons: Visitors may need extra days for medical treatment, wellness care, or to take care of personal matters.
- Business opportunities: Tourists may find business events, meetings, or new chances during their stay. Extending the visa gives them time to explore before switching to another visa type.
- Convenience and flexibility: Extending is easier than leaving and coming back. It saves time, money, and stress.
Types of Tourist Visit Visas in the UAE
The following are the types of tourist visas in the UAE:
30-Day Tourist Visa
This is the most common visa for short trips. It allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. You can extend it if you want to stay longer.
60-Day Tourist Visa
This visa is for travelers who want more time to explore or visit family. It gives you up to 60 days in the country, with the option to extend.
90-Day Tourist Visa
This one is usually for long holidays, family visits, or people who want extra time for travel and leisure. It may also be a single entry or multiple entries, depending on your needs.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
This visa is great if you need to travel in and out of the UAE several times. It can be for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the type issued.
5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
This is a newer option. It allows tourists to enter the UAE multiple times over five years and stay up to 90 days per visit (extendable to 180 days in a year). It is very useful for frequent travelers, business visitors, or families abroad.
Steps for a UAE Visit Visa Extension
The following are the steps to follow to get a UAE visit or tourist visa extension:
Step 1: Choose How to Apply
You can apply online through the ICA website (outside Dubai) or the GDRFA website (in Dubai). If you prefer in person, visit an Amer Center in Dubai or a typing center in other emirates.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need your passport copy, a passport-size photo, and your current visa details. Keep everything ready in soft copy (for online) or hard copy (for in-person).
Step 3: Submit the Application
Fill out the extension form with the correct details. Upload or hand in your documents and double-check the information.
Step 4: Pay the Extension Fees
The usual cost is around AED 600 to AED 630, including VAT and service charges. You can pay by card online or by cash/card in person.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Processing normally takes 1 – 2 working days. Some centers also offer urgent service for an extra fee.
Step 6: Receive Your Updated Visa
Once approved, you will get your extended visa online or through the service center. Make sure to check the new expiry date.
Step 7: Avoid Overstaying
Overstaying costs AED 50 per day and may lead to fines or a future ban. Always extend your visa before it expires.
Documents Required for Visa Extension
The following are the documents required for a visa extension application:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- A copy of your current tourist visa
- A recent passport-size photograph with white background
- A completed visa extension application form
- Proof of fee payment (online receipt or payment slip)
- Emirates ID or trade license copy of sponsor (if applicable)
- Return flight ticket or travel itinerary (sometimes requested)
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking or tenancy contract, if asked)
- Any additional documents requested by UAE immigration authorities
UAE Government Portal – Visa Services:
UAE Visa Extension Rules for Dubai and other Emirates
The following are the regulatory rules essential to be understood for visa extension applicants:
- You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. There is no grace period.
- Tourist and visit visas can usually be extended twice, for 30 days each time.
- The maximum stay allowed in a year is 180 days, no matter how many extensions you take.
- Each extension comes with a fee (around AED 600–630) that must be paid.
- Extensions can be done online through ICA (outside Dubai) or GDRFA (in Dubai), or at Amer/typing centers.
- 90-day and multiple-entry visas may have limited or no extension options. Sometimes you must exit and re-enter.
- Overstaying after your visa expires costs AED 50 per day and can lead to fines, deportation, or entry bans.
- Transit visas (48-hour or 96-hour) cannot be extended.
- Visa on arrival holders (like some European passport holders) may get an extension, but rules vary by nationality.
- Extensions are allowed within the UAE, meaning you don’t always need to exit the country, but this depends on your visa type.
- The UAE immigration authorities have the final say, and rules can change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can I extend your stay in the UAE if I want to enjoy more time with family or travel?
You can apply for a Dubai visit visa extension or UAE visit visa extension, depending on where you are staying. The process is simple and can be done within the UAE before your permit expires to avoid fines.
Q2. What are the new rules for visit visas in 2025?
In 2025, the uae government updated the rules so that most visa holders can request for an extension before your current visa ends. Always check with uae immigration authorities for the latest updates.
Q3. What steps are included in the visa application for an extension?
The extension application requires your passport copy, photo, and details of your current visa expiration to avoid issues. You must apply for a UAE extension well before your visa expiration.
Q4. How does the visa extension process work for visitors to the UAE?
The UAE visit visa extension process lets you extend your visa from within the country. You can apply online through the UAE or at approved centers. An updated visa will be sent once the request is approved.
Q5. Do I need to apply for a new visa if my tourist visa in the UAE cannot be extended?
Yes, if your visa period ends and you cannot continue with an extension, you may need to apply for a new visa or consider an airport-to-airport visa change option to re-enter.
Q6. What type of visa can be extended in Dubai or other emirates?
Different types of UAE visit visas, like the 30-day and 60-day visit visas, or even a 90-day visa, can be extended. However, the stay in Dubai cannot exceed the total days allowed by your initial visa.
Q7. What does a visa allow a visitor to do after the extension is approved?
A visit visa in Dubai or other emirates, once extended, visa allows you to enter and stay in the UAE beyond the original dates of your entry visa.
Q8. How long is the visa validity after an extension?
The visa validity depends on the type of visa. For example, a 60-day visa or 60-day visit can usually be extended once or twice, depending on uae visit visa extension rules.
Q9. Why is it important to check your visa status during the extension process?
Monitoring your visa status helps you extend your visit visa on time and avoid overstays. This is important for visitors to the UAE who plan to extend their stay or even extend their UAE visit visa later.
Q10. Can I extend your UAE tourist permit if I need more time in the UAE?
Yes, you can extend your tourist permit as long as you follow the extension rules. You must learn how to extend and apply for the extension well before your current visa expires to avoid fines and problems.
