Millions of people visit the UAE each year. The UAE understands that sometimes, their stay unexpectedly becomes longer. Plans can change due to many reasons, including emergencies and interpersonal engagements. The UAE allows people on visit visas to extend their visas through a systemized process.
There are several types of visit visas. Each features different rules regarding visa extension. This guide walks you through everything you should know about visit visa extensions in the UAE.
Potential Reasons for UAE Visit Visa Extensions
Visa extensions can be required for a lot of reasons. The following are the most common reasons why people apply for a visit visa extension:
1. Their Flight Got Delayed or Cancelled
Sometimes flights get canceled or delayed, and people cannot leave the UAE on time. So, they need to extend their visa to avoid paying fines.
2. They Want to Stay Longer for Tourism
Many tourists want to spend more time visiting places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the beaches. They extend their visa so they can enjoy more of the country.
3. They Are Visiting Family or Friends
People visiting relatives or friends in the UAE may want to stay longer for family events or just to spend more time together.
4. They Are Looking for a Job
Some people come to the UAE to find a job. If they don’t get one quickly, they extend their visa to have more time to search for work.
5. They Have Business Meetings
Visitors who come for business may need more time to finish meetings or deals. So, they apply for a visa extension.
6. They Are Sick or Need Medical Help
If someone gets sick or has a medical issue while visiting, they may need more time to recover before they can travel. They extend the visa to stay legally.
7. It’s Cheaper Than Leaving and Returning
It can cost a lot to leave the UAE and come back for a new visa. Some people find it cheaper to just extend their visa while staying inside the country.
8. The Process Is Easy Now
Now people can extend their visa from inside the UAE. They don’t have to leave the country like before. This makes it more convenient.
9. They Don’t Want to Pay Fines
If someone’s visa expires, they have to pay daily fines. Extending the visa helps avoid this problem.
10. They Are Waiting for Another Visa
Some people are waiting for a work visa or residency visa. Until that is ready, they extend their visit visa to stay legally.
Types of Visit Visas and Extension Details
Following are the type of visas available for visiting purposes in the UAE and their extension details:
30-Day Tourist Visa
This is one of the most common visas for short-term visits to the UAE.
- Validity: 30 days from the date of entry.
- Extension: Can be extended twice, each for 30 days, without leaving the country.
- Total Stay Allowed: Up to 90 days per visit.
- Extension Process: Apply before expiry through the ICP portal, Amer centres (Dubai), or a registered visa agent.
60-Day Tourist Visa
This visa is ideal for travelers who want to spend more time in the UAE without applying for frequent extensions.
- Validity: 60 days from the date of arrival.
- Extension: Usually two extensions allowed, each for 30 days.
- Total Stay Allowed: Up to 120 days per visit.
- Extension Process: Must be done within the UAE before the visa expires.
90-Day Visit Visa (Family or Tourist)
This visa is typically used by people visiting relatives or staying for extended holidays.
- Validity: 90 days from the date of entry.
- Extension: Depending on the issuing authority, one 30-day extension may be allowed.
- Total Stay Allowed: Around 120 days, subject to approval.
- Extension Notes: Some 90-day visas are non-extendable, so it’s important to check with your visa sponsor or the issuing authority.
5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
This special visa allows frequent travelers to visit the UAE multiple times over five years.
- Validity: 5 years, with multiple entries allowed.
- Stay Per Visit: Up to 90 days per entry, extendable by another 90 days.
- Total Stay Allowed: Maximum of 180 days per year.
- Requirements: Proof of financial means (USD 4,000 bank balance), valid health insurance, and confirmed return ticket.
Job Seeker or Job Exploration Visa
This visa is designed for individuals visiting the UAE to find employment without sponsorship.
- Validity: Options for 60, 90, or 120 days, based on qualifications.
- Extension: May be converted into a work visa if a job is secured. Limited direct extensions available.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or higher, financial proof, and health insurance.
Steps to Get Visa Extension in Dubai – UAE
Follow this step-by-step method to extend your visa in Dubai and other emirates:
Step 1: Check Your Visa and Expiry Date
First, check when your visa will expire. You can do this on the ICP Smart Services website or, if you’re in Dubai, on the GDRFA website. Most 30- and 60-day visas can be extended two times. Some 90-day visas can be extended once.
Step 2: Apply Before Your Visa Ends
There is no grace period. If your visa expires, you will be fined AED 50 every day. To avoid this, apply for an extension at least 3 to 5 days before your visa ends.
Step 3: Choose How You Want to Apply
You can apply online through ICP or GDRFA. You can also go to an Amer center or a typing center. Some travel agents can help you, too.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
You need a passport copy, a photo, your visa copy, and proof of where you are staying. Some visas also need a return ticket or proof of money in the bank.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Visa extension fees usually cost between AED 600 to AED 800. This includes service fees and taxes.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
After you apply, you will get your extended visa in 1 to 3 days. You will receive it by email or on the portal.
Step 7: Keep Your New Visa Safe
Save a copy of your extended visa on your phone or print it out. You may need to show it if asked.
Required Documents for Visit Visa in Dubai – UAE
Gather and submit this set of documents to extend your Dubai visit visa:
- Passport Copy: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Make a clear copy of the photo page.
- Current Visa Copy: You need a copy of the visa that you want to extend. This shows your current legal stay.
- Passport-Size Photo: A recent photo with a white background is required. It should match UAE visa photo rules.
- Proof of Stay: You may need a hotel booking or a letter from the person you are staying with in the UAE.
- Return Ticket (Sometimes Needed): Some visa types may ask for a copy of your return or onward flight ticket.
- Proof of Funds (Optional): In some cases, you may need to show a bank statement to prove you can support yourself during your stay.
- Valid Travel Insurance (Optional): Travel or health insurance may be needed for certain types of visit visa.
Regulatory Compliance for Dubai Visit Visa Extension
Follow these regulatory compliance requirements to ensure a successful extension of your visit visa in Dubai or any other emirate:
1. Do Not Overstay Your Visa
You must extend your permit in Dubai before it expires. There is no extra time after your visa ends for a stay in the UAE. If you stay too long, you will pay a fine of AED 50 each day. If you overstay for many days, you may get a ban.
2. You Must Be Inside the UAE
You can only extend your stay if you are inside the UAE. You cannot leave the country and ask for an extension from outside. Use official websites or visit approved visa centers.
3. Give True and Correct Information
You must give real documents and correct details. Do not give false information. If you do, your visa may be rejected, and you could face legal problems.
4. Pay All Fees on Time
You must pay the full fee for your visa extension. If you have any unpaid fines (like traffic fines), you may not be able to extend your visa.
5. Health Insurance May Be Needed
Some types of visa need health or travel insurance. If you are sick or need to stay longer for medical reasons, you must visit a licensed clinic and ask if you can extend your visa for health reasons.
6. Leave the UAE If You Cannot Extend
If your visa cannot be extended, or you used all your extensions, you must leave the country before your visa ends. Staying without a valid visa is against the law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I extend my tourist visa extension more than once?
No, you can usually extend your visit visa only two times if you have a 30-day or 60-day visa. Each extension gives you an additional 30 days in Dubai and other emirates.
2. How can I stay in Dubai legally after my visa ends?
To stay in Dubai legally, you must apply to extend your stay before your current visa expires. Overstaying leads to daily fines and possible legal issues.
3. Is there a grace period after my 30 days visa ends?
No, there is no grace period after your 30 days are over in Dubai or any other emirate. You must extend your visa before the expiry date to avoid fines.
4. What are the visa rules for 2025?
In 2025, the UAE government still allows most visit visas to be extended without exiting the country, but the extension limits and fines are strictly applied.
5. Can I extend my visa on arrival in the UAE?
Yes, people who get a visa on arrival can often extend their stay once, depending on their nationality. Check with the UAE government for the latest rules.
6. Where can I apply for a visa renewal?
You can submit your visa renewal at official portals like ICP Smart Services, or visit a visa application centre such as Amer if you are in Dubai.
7. What documents are needed for a visa application?
For your application, you will need a passport copy, photo, your initial visa, and proof of where you are staying. Some visa types may need more documents.
8. Does the application process take long?
The application process is usually fast. It takes around 1 to 3 days to get approval for most visa extensions, but it is best to apply early.
9. Can you extend your visit visa in any emirate?
Yes, you can extend your visit visa from any emirate. Just follow the correct steps based on where your visa in the UAE was issued.
10. Can I apply for a Dubai visa without leaving the UAE?
Yes, you can apply for a Dubai visit visa without leaving the UAE by using the online portals or visiting a licensed center before your visa ends. Once approved, you can keep visiting Dubai.
