Updated: 28 February 2025, 07:09 pm
|||The dynamic and vibrant city of Dubai welcomes millions of visitors on an annual basis. Some visit it for business, others for tourism, and some come to Dubai to see their family and friends. Just like any other country, to visit the UAE you would need a visa, which is valid for a limited time only. If you must stay longer in Dubai; you would certainly need a Dubai visit visa extension. Here is a detailed guide that helps you with the UAE visa extension procedure.
What is the Dubai Visit Visa Extension?
The UAE visit visa extension is the process of extending the validity of an existing visa to the UAE. Anyone who wishes to stay in Dubai or the Emirates for a period that exceeds the duration of their visa, needs to apply for an extension, to remain legally in the country and avoid any legal repercussions.
Different Types of Visit Visas in Dubai, UAE
There are mainly three types of visit visas in the UAE:
Single-Entry Visit Visa:
A Single-Entry Visit Visa is perfect for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. It is valid for 30 or 60 days, starting from the date of entry into the country.
Multiple-Entry Visit Visa:
A Multiple-Entry Visit Visa is ideal for individuals planning to visit the UAE multiple times consecutively. It is valid for 30 or 60 days, starting from the date of entry into the country.
5-Year Multiple-Entry Visit Visa:
The 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visit Visa is perfect for those planning to visit the UAE over multiple years, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. It is valid for 5 years.
New Dubai Visit Visa Extension Rules
In 2024, the UAE leadership introduced new rules regarding visit visa extension for Dubai. Here a brief overview of these new rules:
- Extended Stay Options: Visit visas valid for both 30 days and 60 days can now be extended for an additional 30 days each time.
- Total Stay Duration: The duration of a visit visa cannot exceed 180 days throughout a year. So plan for an extension strategically to make the best of your visa.
- In-Country Extensions: You can now extend your visa while still in the UAE, so you do not need to exit the country then re-enter.
- No Grace Period: Previously, a 10-day grace period was applicable for UAE visas; now this rule has been eliminated and you must extend the visa before it expires.
Eligibility for Dubai Visit Visa Extension
To ensure your application for a visa extension is accepted, it is essential to meet the eligibility requirements. You must be a citizen of an eligible country and have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.
Documents required for Dubai Visa Extension
You need 5 documents in total to apply for a Dubai visa extension and they are the following:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months from the expiry date of the initial visit visa.
- Visit Visa Copy: A copy of the initial visit visa you wish to extend.
- Return Flight Ticket: A copy of the ticket which will take you back to your country.
- Passport-Sized Photograph: This photo will be requested to confirm your identity.
- Proof of Funds: You’d be requested to provide proof that you can financially support yourself during your extended stay.
How to Extend a Visit Visa in the UAE
Step 1: Gather the required documents stated above along with proof of payment of the extension fees.
Step 2: Apply for the visa which can be done either online and in-person:
- Online Application: To extend your visa in the UAE, start by registering for an account on the official government portal. Once logged in, locate the visa extension service and follow the instructions to complete the application. Finally, pay the required fees using a credit or debit card to submit your request.
- In-Person Application: To apply in-person, visit an Amer Center or the GDRFA headquarters in Dubai to collect the application form. Fill it out completely and submit it along with the required documents and fees.
Step 3: Check status and collect visa. If you applied online, you can track your application status and receive updates; then collect it once approved. If you applied in person, then you can collect it based on the instructions provided to you at the center.
Dubai Visit Visa Processing Time
A UAE visit visa extension without exit usually requires 48 hours to be processed.
Dubai Visit Visa Extension Fees
Below are the fees collected for a Dubai Visit Visa extension:
- Visa extension fee: AED600
- Additional fees (applicable if you are applying inside the UAE): Knowledge Dirham: AED10, Innovation Dirham: AED10, Inside the country fee: AED500
- Value-added tax (VAT): 5%
Overstay Penalties for Dubai Visit Visas
The previously adopted 10-day grace period allowed visitors some time to either leave the country or extend their visa without having to incur penalties. With its abolishment now, you have to pay close attention to when your visa expires. A fine of AED 50 will be paid for each day you overstay your visa.
So, if you feel you will need to remain in the country past your visa’s validity, apply for an extension to remain compliant with UAE immigration laws and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Why Might You Need a Dubai Visit Visa Extension?
Here are a few reasons that might compel you to stay in Dubai for longer than the standard 30 or 60-day visit visa duration:
Enjoying the Emirate
There is a lot to see and do in Dubai. In case the initial visit visa doesn’t offer you enough time to savor the city; you can consider an extension.
Unexpected Events
Some circumstances that you hadn’t accounted for might require you to stay for a longer period of time in Dubai such as trip delays, missed flights, or unforeseen events.
Work
If you are in the Emirate on business and you feel the need to stay longer to conclude any pending work without facing legal issues.
Change of Plans
Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, which requires you to stay in the UAE for longer and warrants a visa extension.
Seeing Family and Friends
Itis always a pleasure to see family and friends; so you might want to extend your visa to enjoy their company for a longer time.
The Difference Between Visit Visa and Resident Visa
A visit visa is for short stays in the UAE, typically for tourism, business, or family visits, and can be valid for 30 to 90 days. It can be extended, but it remains a temporary solution for those who do not intend to stay long-term.
A resident visa, on the other hand, is for those planning to live or work in the UAE for an extended period. It allows for longer stays, typically 1 to 3 years, and provides benefits such as access to certain government services, the ability to sponsor family members, and visa-free travel to specific countries. To know more about these countries , check out this list : Uae residents visa free countries.
Additionally, the UAE offers long-term residency options like the UAE Golden Visa for investors, skilled professionals, and talent, providing even more flexibility and benefits for those seeking to establish long-term residency.
Read more:
- UAE Golden Visa for Content Creators, Influencers, Writers, Podcasters and Video Producers (2025) : All you Need to Know.
- Types of Residencies in the Emirates
- Freelance Visa in Dubai
- UAE Golden Visa for Teachers 2025: All You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a Dubai Tourist Visa and Dubai Visit Visa?
A visitor visa serves multiple purposes, such as tourism, business, family visits, and medical treatment, whereas a tourist visa is exclusively intended for tourism.
2. How many times can you extend a tourist visa in Dubai?
The Dubai visit visa can be renewed up to two times, allowing for a total extension of up to 60 days.
3. For how many days can a Dubai visa be extended?
A Dubai Visa can be extended up to 60 days.
4. Can a UAE visit visa be extended without exit?
Yes, according to the new rules, you can extend your UAE Visit Visa while still in the country.
5. Can I extend my 1-month visit visa in Dubai?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension for 30 additional days.
6. Can individuals below 18 years apply for a Dubai tourist visa extension?
Visa extension applications for children under 18 years of age should be handled by their parents or legal guardians.
7. For how long does a tourist visa remain valid?
A single-entry tourist visa can be valid for 30 or 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days.
