Visiting the UAE on a visit visa can be met with many surprises, causing you to need more time to stay there. That is why the UAE government offers a visa extension policy. Based on your visa type, you can apply for an extension and stay in the country for more days.
This guide walks you through the types of eligibility, types, extension process, and more to help you successfully extend your visa without any confusion.
Why Do People Extend UAE Visit Visa?
The following are the major reasons why people apply to extend their stay in the UAE:
- Tourism: Travelers often want extra days to explore attractions, shop, and experience the lifestyle.
- Family Visits: Many visitors come to see relatives and prefer to spend more time with them.
- Job Search: Some extend their stay to attend interviews or explore career opportunities.
- Business Meetings: Entrepreneurs and professionals extend visas to close deals, attend events, or meet clients.
- Medical Treatment: People may require more time in the UAE for checkups or ongoing treatment.
- Unexpected Delays: Flight cancellations, health issues, or other personal reasons may require an extension.
Types of Visit Visas in the UAE
The following are the types of visit visas and their details regarding the extension process:
30-Day Visit Visa
Purpose: This visa is ideal for short trips. Usually used for visiting family, attending a business meeting, or just exploring the country.
Duration: You get an initial stay of 30 days.
Extensions: You can extend it twice, each time for another 30 days. That means you can stay for up to 90 days total.
Key Rules:
- You must apply for an extension before your visa expires (no grace period).
- Across all visits, you can only stay in the UAE for 180 days in a year.
60-Day Visit Visa
Purpose: This visa is best for travelers who want a little more time than just a month—perfect for longer family stays, extended vacations, or business trips.
Duration: The initial stay is 60 days.
Extensions: It can usually be extended twice, each time adding 30 days. This allows a total stay of up to 120 days.
Key Rules:
- Extensions must be done before expiry.
- Like the 30-day visa, the 180-day yearly cap applies.
90-Day & Multiple-Entry Visa
Purpose: This type is designed for those who need longer stays, such as students on break, family visits, or professionals exploring work opportunities. The multiple-entry option also works well for people who need to come and go often.
Duration: The initial stay is 90 days per visit.
Extensions: In many cases, you may be allowed one 30-day extension, but sometimes extensions are not available. This depends on the type of visa and sponsor.
Key Rules:
- Often requires a sponsor.
- If the maximum stay is reached, you usually need to exit the UAE before reapplying or returning.
Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa
Purpose: This is perfect for frequent travelers like business people, families, or anyone who visits the UAE often. It saves the hassle of reapplying every few months.
Duration: The visa is valid for five years, and each stay can last up to 90 days.
Extensions: You can extend each stay by another 90 days, allowing up to 180 days per year.
Key Rules:
- Allows multiple entries and exits throughout five years.
- Great for people who split their time between the UAE and other countries.
Steps to Apply for a UAE Visit Visa Extension
Follow this step-by-step method to get an extension on your visit or tourist visa successfully:
1. Apply Online or In Person
You can submit your application through the ICA website (outside Dubai) or the GDRFA portal (in Dubai). If you prefer in person, visit an Amer Center in Dubai or a typing center in other emirates, where staff will help you with the process.
2. Pay the Required Fees
The standard fee for a visa extension is around AED 600, and with VAT or service charges, it usually comes to about AED 630. Payments can be made with a card online or in cash/card at the center.
3. Processing Time
Most applications are approved within one to two business days. If you need it urgently, you can pay for an express service to get faster results.
4. Receive Your Extended Visa
Once your request is approved, your visa record is updated. You can check the status online or collect confirmation from the center where you applied.
5. If the Application Gets Rejected
In case your extension is denied, you can correct the error and submit again. Another option is to exit the UAE and return on a new visa, or switch to a different category such as an employment or business visa.
6. Avoid Overstaying
Staying beyond your visa validity will cost you a fine of AED 50 per day. In some cases, it may also lead to deportation or a ban on re-entering the UAE by the immigration authorities. To avoid penalties, always apply for your extension before your current visa expires.
Documents Required for UAE Visa Extension
The following documents are required to apply for an extension of a visit visa:
- Valid passport ( with at least six months validity)
- Copy of current UAE visit visa
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Completed visa extension application form
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID or trade license copy (if sponsored)
- Additional documents if requested (e.g., return ticket, accommodation proof, or medical papers)
UAE Visit Visa Extension Rules
The following are the regulatory rules for visit visa extension applicants:
- Extensions must be applied for before visa expiry; late applications are not accepted.
- No grace period is given once the visa ends.
- Total stay on visit visas cannot exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
- Passport must have at least 6 months validity at the time of extension.
- Visitors must remain inside the UAE while applying for an extension.
- Sponsored visas may require sponsor approval and documents (Emirates ID, trade license, etc.).
- Authorities may ask for extra documents (e.g., return ticket, hotel booking, or medical papers).
- Express processing is available for an additional fee.
- If an application is denied, the applicant must exit the country or apply for another visa type.
- Overstaying after expiry leads to daily fines and can result in deportation or a future entry ban.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the latest UAE visit visa and how is it different from the older versions?
The latest UAE visit visa comes with more flexible stay periods and easier renewal procedures compared to older types of visa.
2. Can I get a visa on arrival when I enter the UAE?
Yes, citizens of many countries can get a visa on arrival. The duration depends on your nationality, and you may have the option to extend it later.
3. Do visitors to Dubai have different rules compared to visitors in other emirates?
Yes, sometimes procedures for a visa in Dubai are slightly different, especially when applying online or through authorized centers.
4. What happens if my visa expired before I apply for renewal?
If your visa has expired, you may face daily fines. It is always best to request for an extension well before your current visa expires to avoid penalties.
5. Is there a transit visa for short stays in the UAE?
Yes, a transit visa is available for travelers who only need to stay for 48 or 96 hours while passing through the UAE.
6. Can I extend my visa from within the UAE without needing to travel out?
Yes, many travelers now choose the in-country extension option, which lets you extend your visa from within the UAE without exiting.
7. What is a visa change by flight and when is it required?
A visa change by flight means leaving the country briefly and returning with a new visa. This is sometimes required if your original type of visa does not allow in-country renewal.
8. Are there specific visa regulations I should know about before applying?
Yes, UAE immigration authorities issue visa regulations that outline who can apply, the maximum days allowed per year, and the penalties for overstaying.
9. Can I change your visa status to another type while in the UAE?
Yes, you can change your visa status from a short-term visa to another type, such as a residence or work visa, if you meet the eligibility requirements.
10. What are the visa requirements for people who want to travel to the UAE multiple times?
If you plan to enter and exit the UAE multiple times, you may need a multiple-entry visit visa, which is designed for frequent travelers.
